Marla Gibbs, the Comedy Queen of our generation, is a legendary star and dominant lead in the outlook of African American victories in Hollywood.
Dripping with sarcasm, unmatched wit and brazen sass, Marla Gibbs has been having peeps ROTFL for over five decades, since her flashy performance in the 70’s CBS sitcom, The Jefferson’s in 1975, starring as a lively maid who magnetised her viewers with her cheek and spirit.
Half a century later, sees Marla Gibbs as a legendary star of years of ground breaking entertainment, numerous Emmy nominations under belt, coupled with appreciated reverence from fellow entertainers and fans alike and a stylish career to suit her fame.
Marla Gibbs is a dominant lead in the outlook of African American victories in Hollywood. Five time Emmy nominee, eight times NAACP Image Award winner, Essence Woman of the Year awardee, Marla Gibbs has had a noteworthy career so far, well into her 88th birthday from the very onset.
Marla Gibb’s Road to Success
Marla debuted as an actress in the early 1970’s in the “blaxploitation,” films, Sweet Jesus, Preacher Man and Black Belt Jones.
Soon afterwards, in 1975, she snagged the fan-crazed role as Florence Johnston, the mouthy family maid in The popular CBS hit series, The Jefferson’s which nominated her up for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series five times and once for Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film.
In 1985, when The Jefferson’s got cancelled after 11 years of airing, Marla landed her own show, 227, which telecasted until 1990, producing 116 episodes. Almost two decades later, she was seen again on the screen playing a widely acclaimed role as, “Grandma Eddy,” on The First Family.
Although Marla hasn’t carried on with a series since 227, she has been casted on frequent supporting roles. She worked on ER (1994), Cold Case (2003), Chappelle’s Show (2003), Judging Amy (1999), Touched by an Angel(1994), The King of Queens (1998) and Dawson’s Creek(1998), also carrying on with recurring roles on daytime (Passions (1999) as well as prime-time TV, Pryor’s Place(1984), The Hughleys (1998).
Marla Gibbs Movies
Marla arrived with a bang on the big screen once more starring as her typical ballsy character niche in:
- Up Against the Wall (1991)
- The Meteor Man(1993)
- Lost & Found (1999)
- Foolish (1999)
- Border to Border (1998)
- The Brothers (2001)
and showy roles in The Visit (2000) and Stanley’s Gig (2000).
In 2012, Marla appeared in the Tyler Perry movie, Madea’s Witness Protection while starring in the independent movie, Grantham & Rose. 2015 saw Marla making two appearances in Scandal, later guest starring in Hot In Cleveland, American Horror Story: Hotel and This Is Us.
In 2018, she was casted in a recurring role once again, in Station 19.
Marla Gibbs: The Singer
A month away from her 88th birthday in 2019, Marla iterated her role as Florence on Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s All in the Family and The Jeffersons.
Aside from being a lit comedienne and actress, Marla is a sensational singer. She sang the theme song in Stanley’s Gig (2000,) “In The Memory Of You,” which is to be produced into a CE soundtrack named, Scenes In Jazz.
Marla’s voice has also been heard in the popular animated series, 101 Dalmatians: The Series (1997.) She released her personal CD soundtrack, named “It’s Never Too Late”, in May 2006. That was undoubtedly a hit.
Marla Gibbs: Background
Gibbs owned a downtown jazz club in South Central LA, “Marla’s Memory Lane Jazz and Supper Club” from 1981 to 1999 in addition to her career as an actress, comedienne, singer, writer and television producer.
Marla Gibbs married her high school sweetheart Jordan Gibbs in 1955 which resulted in a divorce in 1973. As a single, divorced, mother of three kids:
- Angela Gibbs
- Dorian Gibbs
- Joseph Gibbs
juggling a day job as a United Airlines reservation clerk and a high rising passion for acting. Marla Gibbs beat all odds to kick-start her career into what it is today, stardom.
Salute Marla Gibbs
Marla is a super pillar in our community for her well earned high flying career, as a business mogul and a role model for young Black children looking for success.
It is vital we that we uphold our own and place them in their true Hall Of Fame as they deserve. That is why we take this stance to lift up Marla Gibbs in honor for her 50+ years worth of career, inspiration and entertainment brought to us watching her on screen.
Marla Legends was ever a legend and will always remain a legacy in our movement for highlighting Black Talent. We salute you Madam Gibbs for your years of dedicated work. There is none like you.
Credits
Photographer: Phil Halfmann
Creative Director: Sophia Lenore
Lead Hair & Makeup: Sophia Lenore
Lead Wardrobe Stylist: Sophia Lenore
Hair & Makeup: Joanne Charles & Athaliyah Yisrael & Veronica Lopez
Models: Ann-Neika JeanCharles, Gaelle Augustin, Hope Denbow
Photography Assistant: Malcolm Mayo
Jewelry by KONPLOTT
Wardrobe by Jonathan Hayden
Written by Zoomaburst
Marla Gibbs by bekahjan from California, USA / CC BY
