 When the characters of George and Louise Jefferson were first  introduced during the first season, only Louise was seen at first  and George was only talked about. Sherman Hemsley (qv), who was  Norman Lear (qv)s first choice to play George, was performing in  the Broadway musical "Purlie" and didnt want to break his  commitment to that show. However, Lear kept the role waiting for him  until he was finished appearing in the musical.