This coat was worn by “Helen Willis” portrayed by actor Roxie Roker from the television sitcom “The Jeffersons”. The fashionable vintage 70s ¾ length wool wrap coat has a bold abstract geometric brown and blue pattern, an extra wide lapel, and self-belt.
Ms. Roker can be seen wearing this coat in Season 5 Episode 8 “Half a Brother” when "Helen" and "Tom" (Franklin Cover) stop by the Jefferson’s apartment to invite "Weezy" (Isabel Sanford) to an antique fair. "George" (Sherman Hemsley) informs them that she cannot go because they are about to meet the president of their bank who is considering "George" for the Board of Directors. Ms. Roker can also wore the coat in Season 4 Episode 14 "The Jefferson Curve" while at the Jefferson’s apartment, when "Helen" and "Tom" learn that their son-in-law may be having an affair. Turns out there was a mix-up and it wasn’t their son-in-law having an affair, it was "Marcus" (Ernest Harden Jr.), an employee at Jefferson Cleaners. Ms. Roker also wore the coat briefly in Season 6 Episode 9 "Baby Love".
“The Jeffersons” was an American sitcom broadcasted on CBS and was a spin-off of from the sitcom “All in the Family”. The Jefferson’s “moved on up” to the upper east side of Manhattan and began living as an affluent black family. The series ran for eleven seasons with a total two hundred fifty three episodes, making “The Jeffersons” one of the longest running sitcoms in US history. Also noted for its controversial topics including racism, suicide, and gun control, which was taboo for syndicated television in the 1970’s. The show was nominated for 13 Emmy awards, and actress Isabel Sanford who played Louise, won Best Actress in 1981.
This item is in good screen worn condition and was acquired directly from the costume designer Betsey Potter, who worked on seasons 5-11. Ms. Potter went on to establish and oversee the wardrobe department for Embassy TV (formerly TAT/Tandem). The department also supplied wardrobe to Sanford and Son, One Day At A Time, Maude, All in the Family, Good Times, Married With Children, and other iconic television shows produced by Norman Lear and Embassy TV. Ms. Potter has maintained and housed these garments for the past 40 years.
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