A fire broke out at the Atlanta studios belonging to film maker Tyler Perry last night. The blaze happened in the back section of the studio lot, but there were no injuries or fatalities.
A fire broke out at the Atlanta studios belonging to film maker Tyler Perry last night. The blaze happened in the back section of the studio lot, but there were no injuries or fatalities. REUTERS/Steve Marcus

Tyler Perry paid tribute to trailblazing actor and "The Jeffersons" star Sherman Hemsley by posting a montage of clips of the groundbreaking thespian on his YouTube account following Hemsley's death.

"We'll miss you so much Sherman," Perry wrote in describing the video, which can be viewed below. "May you rest in peace."

Hemsley died of natural causes Tuesday at his home in El Paso, Texas. He was 74.

Hemsley was best known for portraying George Jefferson, the black neighbor of bigoted Archie Bunker on "All In The Family." Jefferson was the first major black television character to be seen as successful at a time America was beginning to deal with racial integration.

The character of George Jefferson was such a success that a spin-off show -- "The Jeffersons" -- was created.

Perry's YouTube video had more than 36,000 views and about 1,000 likes as of late Friday afternoon.

"It seems that all the TV stars that? I watch growing up are leaving. But we will still have the memories. Especially with videos like this one. Good work Tyler. RIP (Mr. Jefferson, Deacon Fry) Sherman Hensley," wrote YouTube user Janet Reeves.

"Thank? you for sharing this with us, Tyler," wrote user luweed1. "It was a beautiful tribute to a legend. RIP Sherman Hemsley. You will be missed."

Perry, the creator of the "Madea" movie franchise, and the rest of the entertainment world mourned Hemsley after news broke of "The Jeffersons" star's death, most notably via Twitter.

"RIP sherman hemsley. #MovinOnUp to heaven now," tweeted "Transformers" star Josh Duhamel.

"RIP sherman hemsley!! I grew up watching the Jeffersons as many of us did & he along w/that cast will be one to be remembered. #RIPGeorge," wrote NFL star Terrell Owens.

"Rest in Peace (in a delux apartment in the sky), sherman hemsley," tweeted actress Alyssa Milano.

"God bless sherman hemsley BKA George Jefferson. He's gone to be with the Lord. He made me dream I could move on up. Truth," wrote former NFL great Deion Sanders.

"G'bye, sherman hemsley. Your George Jefferson was so beloved, it earned you your own successful sitcom! Huge bucket of win! Move on up, sir," tweeted "Clerks" director Kevin Smith.

"Wow. Sending LOVE," wrote Nicki Minaj as she retweeted news of Hemsley's death from his former colleague on "Amen," Jackee Harry.

"RIP sherman hemsley aka George Jefferson. rest peacefully in the de-luxe apartment in the sky," tweeted hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons.

"Sad to read about passing of sherman hemsley, aka George Jefferson. RIP. Always very sweet to me. He really is "movie' on up!" wrote actress Marlee Matlin.

"RIP sherman hemsley aka George Jefferson. I had the honor of wrking w the great comedic actor as a kid on his show Amen in 1988. #Respect," tweeted actor Larenz Tate.

"[S]herman hemsley made me laugh so many times growing up. There was no one quite like him. Rest in Peace," wrote "Garden State" actor Zach Braff.

Take a look at Tyler Perry's Sherman Hemsley tribute video:

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