Marla Gibbs

Photo of Marla Gibbs

Biography

Marla Gibbs has earned her place in TV history playing Florence Johnston, the less than efficient and always wisecracking maid of George and Louise Jefferson on "The Jeffersons" (CBS, 1975-1985), and as Mary Jenkins, gossipy homemaker and general building yenta on the NBC series "227," which she also co-produced. Acting, let alone stardom, came to Marla Gibbs relatively late. A divorcee with three children, she worked as a receptionist, …
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Job Title

Actor, Music, Consultants & Advisors

Born

June 14, 1931

Career Milestones

Ran the Vision Theater Complex and Marla's Memory Lane, a jazz supper club

1972

Made feature film debut in "Sweet Jesus, Preacher Man"

1975

Played Florence, the wisecracking maid on "The Jeffersons" (CBS)

1976

Made TV longform debut, "The Moneychangers" (NBC)

1981

Starred on "Checking In" (CBS)

1985

Starred in and co-produced the sitcom "227" (NBC); also wrote several episodes

1986

Appeared as one of rotating hosts of "The Late Show" (Fox)

1993

Returned to the big screen as the title character's mother in "The Meteor Man"

1998

Played recurring role of D.L. Hughley's mother on "The Hughleys" (ABC, UPN)

2000

Cast as the mother of a jailed man dying of AIDS in "The Visit"

2006

Appeared in "The Heart Specialist," starring Brian White and Zoe Saldana

2012

Appeared in the comedy "Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection"

2012

Reunited with her "227" daughter Regina King with a guest role on "Southland" (TNT)

Awards

1981

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress In a Comedy, Variety or Music Series in The Jeffersons

1982

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress In a Comedy, Variety or Music Series in The Jeffersons

1983

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress In a Comedy, Variety or Music Series in The Jeffersons

1984

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television in The Jeffersons

1984

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in The Jeffersons

1985

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in The Jeffersons