Evans was brilliant as Archie's neighbor, Lionel. He very smoothly mocked Arch's racial prejudice -- and Archie never realized it.
He pretty much stole every scene he was in.
Sad that he died of throat cancer at the the age of 57 (2006).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Evans_%28actor%29
Yes, he was good, but Carroll O'connor killed it as Archie! Actually he was just the opposite of his character in real life!
shareLionel also liked Archie, much more than Michael did. Great character and great actor.
shareLionel was just so cool! I always liked him. He had fun with Archie by making fun of his prejudices. But he never really made fun of Archie himself.
Lionel's engagement party highlighted the fact that Archie wasn't truly a bigot, just an ignoramus.
Archie encounters Jenny's father at the party. He asked why he, a white guy, is at the party.
Mr. Willis counters by asking Archie why he, a white guy, is at the party. Archie answers with, 'I'm the family's white friend."
A real bigot and racist would have no interest in being at Lionel's engagement party.