Recalling 'Jeffersons' Star Zara Frances Cully ('Mother Jefferson'): 46 Years After Her Tragic Death

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It’s been over four decades since the tragic death of actress Zara Cully, best known as Olivia ‘Mother Jefferson’ on TV’s long-running, groundbreaking sitcom, The Jeffersons (CBS, 1975–1985). Cully, who died of lung cancer on February 28, 1978, was 82 years old. This is her story.

When Zara Was Born

Zara Frances Cully was born one of nine children in Worcester, Massachusetts on January 26, 1892. She became a revered actress, acting coach, director, and writer with a versatile career that spanned fifty years.

Cully graduated from the Worcester School of Speech and Music and later taught drama at Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida.

In time, Cully eventually moved to Los Angeles, California after experiencing hostile racism in Florida.

When Mother Was Born

Zara Cully will always be best and most fondly known as Olivia “Mother Jefferson” Jefferson on The Jeffersons, a spin-off from All in the Family (CBS, 1971–19)

It was an episode of All in the Family, titled, “Lionel’s Engagement,” from February 9, 1974, when Cully initially portrayed Mother Jefferson.

The audience, at home and in the studio, immediately fell in love with Cully and her dynamic portrayal of the character.

Cully and Mother’s initial scene on All in the Family involved a priceless moment with bigot Archie Bunker, played by the Emmy-winning Carroll O’Connor.

Bunker is displeased with the lack of respect George Jefferson, as played by Sherman Hemsley, displays to his Mother Jefferson. But then something unexpected transpires.

“Hey there, Jefferson,” Bunker tells George, “…that ain’t very nice talking that way to your little mammy.”

Waiting for the audience laughter to die down, Mrs. Jefferson rolls her eyes and then gives it to Bunker. “Who you calling mammy?,” she scolds him. “Don’t you dare call me mammy! I’m nobody’s mammy! I’m his mother. Now, if you got anything to say to me, you call me Mrs. Jefferson.”

When Mother Arrived on The Jeffersons

It was January 18, 1975, when Zara Cully debuted as Mrs. Oliva Jefferson on The Jeffersons premiere episode. Although the show went on to enjoy 11 seasons, Cully was with the series for only the first three years. She missed most of the third season because she was ill with pneumonia and a collapsed lung. She became ill again and died during the sitcom’s fourth season.

Although Cully died of lung caner, she neither smoked or drank.

On June 9, 1978, the famed actress was posthumously awarded the NAACP special Image Award at the 11th Annual NAACP Award ceremony.