If there was any question as to whether ABC’sAll in the FamilyandThe Jeffersonstribute special was live on Wednesday night, Jamie Foxx sure settled that.
“Ever since I was a little boy, I would always beg my mother for a little brother. But you know, we were broke,” Foxx said, stumbling on the punchline, “so all we could afford was you.”
Most of Foxx’s costars remained cool through the mishap, including Anderson, Wanda Sykes (playing Weezy Jefferson) and fellow Oscar winner Marisa Tomei (as Edith Bunker). Others on set, including Woody Harrelson (Archie Bunker), Ike Barinholtz (Mike Stivic) and Ellie Kemper (Gloria Stivic) seemed to break, themselves, laughing hysterically at the mishap.
Of course, Foxx — a sitcom veteran who honed his sketch comedy chops on four seasons ofIn Living Color —saved the moment with his natural charisma. Eventually, his cast picked up the ball and plowed ahead without skipping a beat.
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DuringThe Jeffersonsepisode, original cast member Maria Gibbs reprised her role of Florence Johnston in a surprise appearance — sending the audience into rapturous applause.
Jennifer Hudson also had the crowd cheering, as she performedThe Jeffersons‘ iconic theme song.
ABC announced plans for itsLive In Front Of A Studio Audience: Norman Lear’sAll In The FamilyandThe Jeffersons special back in April.
All in the Familyoriginally premiered in 1971 and was praised for tackling tough subjects including racism and women’s rights.
The Jeffersonsran from 1975-1985 and followed a black family living in a predominantly white society.
“The fact that a group of Oscar winners eagerly agreed to play these iconic characters is a testament to the greatness of these shows and their creator, Norman Lear,” Kimmel said, according toDeadline.
Lear, meanwhile, hit back at claims that the sitcom wouldn’t work in the modern world, saying, “We disagree with them and are here to prove, with two great casts depicting ofAll In The FamilyandThe Jeffersons, the timelessness of human nature,” he said, adding, “I cannot wait to see what these glorious performers make in our time of these indelible characters.”
source: people.com
