Judge: Will of 'Jeffersons' Actor Hemsley Is Valid A Texas judge says the will actor Sherman Hemsley signed before he died is valid. Judge Patricia B. Chew said Friday after testimony ended that there was no evidence Hemsley was under duress when he signed a will that gave longtime friend Flora Enchinton Bernal absolute power over his properties. Philadelphia resident Richard Thornton says he is Hemsley's brother and is contesting the will. Hemsley played George Jefferson on the sitcom "The Jeffersons." He died of lung cancer July 24. Court documents indicate his estate is worth more than $50,000. Chew's ruling came after several witnesses testified that Hemsley was cognizant when he signed the document. An attorney for Thornton questioned the attorney and notary who handled the will.