Marla Gibbs is a renowned African-American character comedienne who burst onto the 1970s television scene with her sharp wit and sass. Born on June 14, 1931, in Chicago, Marla attended Peters Business School and later worked as a receptionist and switchboard operator in the Detroit area before joining United Airlines.
She eventually relocated to Los Angeles, where she began to pursue her passion for acting, studying at the Mafundi Institute and Watts Writers Workshop. Marla's early appearances included local productions of "Medea", "The Amen Corner", and "The Gingerbread Lady", as well as a minor role in the 1974 film "Black Belt Jones".
Marla's breakthrough came when she landed the role of Florence Johnston on the popular CBS sitcom "The Jeffersons" in 1975. Initially a guest role, Florence became a scene-stealing foil to Sherman Hemsley's George Jefferson, earning Marla five Emmy Award nominations. The character's popularity led to a spin-off series, "Checking In", although it was short-lived.
Marla's success on "The Jeffersons" paved the way for her own sitcom, "227", which premiered in 1985 and ran for five years. She played the role of Mary Jenkins, a warmer and more approachable character than Florence. The show was a hit, and Marla became a household name.
Throughout her career, Marla has won numerous awards, including eight NAACP Image Awards and the Essence Woman of the Year honor. She has continued to work in television and film, appearing in shows such as "ER", "Cold Case", "Chappelle's Show", and "Dawson's Creek", as well as films like "Up Against the Wall", "The Meteor Man", and "Foolish".
In addition to acting, Marla has also pursued her passion for music, releasing her own CD, "It's Never Too Late", in 2006. She has also owned a jazz club, "Marla's Memory Lane", and has been involved in various charitable endeavors.
Despite facing personal and professional setbacks, including the loss of her sister and a stroke, Marla has made a gradual comeback, appearing in shows such as "Lincoln Heights", "House of Payne", "Scandal", and "This Is Us". She continues to work in television and film, and has also appeared in various stage productions and comedy films.
