Marla Gibbs is one of the powerful honorees, widely known for her singing and comedic acting abilities, starring on shows such as “The Jeffersons” and “227,” and even co-writing and singing the “227” theme song. Gibbs is also an eight-time NAACP Image Award-winning actress, a five-time Emmy-nominated actress, philanthropist, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and entrepreneur, among many other accomplishments.
Originating from Chicago, Illinois, Gibbs moved to Los Angeles and began studying acting at the Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles (PASLA); eventually, Gibbs would open a performing arts school and theatre with her daughter on the same block years later. Gibbs continued to master her craft of acting at the Mafundi Institute and the Watts Writers Workshop. She went on to perform in a handful of local theatre productions before earning her first film role in “Black Belt Jones,” according to her website.
Marla Gibbs, who played the iconic Florence Johnston on ‘The Jeffersons’, is part of the new Shonda Rhimes show ‘Station 19.’ (Courtesy photo)After Marla’s unforgettable depiction of the maid, Florence, on the CBS comedy, “The Jeffersons,” Marla’s talent led to her being put on another hit sitcom, the NBC series, “227.”
According to Gibb’s website, “227” was adapted from the original stage play produced by her daughter, director and actor, Angela E. Gibbs.
Marla gained her first experience as an executive producer on “227” where she advocated for diversity behind the cameras and stood firm when other executives wanted her character to be a single mother. Her insight triumphed, and “227” was a top-ranking show with two loving parents raising their daughter. It also addressed real-life issues.
At age 92, she continues doing cameos in film and television. Gibbs recently shared with her Instagram followers that she’d be making a guest appearance on ABC’s “Not Dead Yet” on episode 7 of their second season. Gibbs is said to be playing the mother of her real-life daughter, Angela E. Gibb’s character, Cricket, according to the IMDb article.
Gibbs was also recently seen at the Emmys on January 15, where she dawned a sparkling black gown and presented the nominees for “Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie,” with Abbot Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson.
Her contributions to the Black community, the arts community, and so much more led to her many celebrations, and she was honored with the “Living Legend” Award by Hollywood Confidential last fall. Gibbs truly is a Living Legend indeed.
