Celebrity Info
Marla Gibbs has truly made a lasting impact on television history, and it’s hard to imagine classic TV without her sharp wit and unforgettable presence. Marla Gibbs became a household name thanks to her role as Florence Johnston, the quick-witted and delightfully sarcastic maid for George and Louise Jefferson on The Jeffersons (CBS, 1975–1985). Fans also remember Marla Gibbs fondly as Mary Jenkins, the gossipy yet lovable neighbor and resident busybody in the NBC sitcom 227, a show she not only starred in but also co-produced—proving that Marla Gibbs was more than just an actress; she was a trailblazer.
It’s worth noting that Marla Gibbs didn’t find fame overnight. In fact, her journey into acting began later in life, which makes her success all the more inspiring. As a single mother raising three children after divorce, Marla Gibbs held down several jobs—receptionist, switchboard operator, addressograph technician, and even a reservations clerk for United Airlines. It was during a move from Detroit to Los Angeles, primarily for her daughter’s education and better weather, that Marla Gibbs’ path shifted. While exploring after-school programs for her daughter, she ended up enrolling in acting classes at a local performing arts center—and quickly realized she’d found her calling.
Her first taste of on-screen work came with the little-known indie film Sweet Jesus, Preacher Man (1972), followed by a small part in the blaxploitation flick Black Belt Jones (1974). But everything changed in 1975 when Marla Gibbs landed a guest spot on The Jeffersons. She played one of the job applicants George Jefferson interviews, and in a now-iconic moment, delivered the line: “How come we got over and nobody told me?” The audience roared, and so did the producers—Norman Lear and TAT Communications were instantly hooked on Marla Gibbs’ comedic timing and bold personality. They brought her on as a series regular, and for eleven seasons, Marla Gibbs kept viewers laughing with her sassy remarks and laid-back approach to housekeeping—especially at the expense of Sherman Hemsley’s character. Her performance earned her five Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
In 1981, Marla Gibbs briefly stepped away to headline her own spin-off, Checking In (CBS), where Florence took charge as head of housekeeping at a hotel. Though the show only lasted four episodes, Marla Gibbs smoothly returned to The Jeffersons without missing a beat. When the series wrapped in 1985 after a stellar 11-season run, Marla Gibbs wasn’t slowing down. She had already secured the rights to a Chicago-based play titled 227, about a strong-willed woman in a close-knit apartment building. Marla Gibbs produced and performed the play at her own Crossroads Theatre in Leimert Park—a venue she founded in 1981—and successfully pitched it as a TV series to NBC. The result? Another hit: 227, which aired from 1985 to 1990 and further cemented Marla Gibbs’ status as a TV icon.
Beyond sitcoms, Marla Gibbs expanded her reach into longform television, starting with The Moneychangers (1976) on NBC. She continued to impress with roles like a no-nonsense bureaucrat in the CBS miniseries The Fire Next Time (1993), and as Natalie Cole’s mother in the USA Network movie Lily in Winter (1994). She also made a return to film with a memorable cameo in Robert Townsend’s Meteor Man (1993).
Off-screen, Marla Gibbs remained deeply involved in her community. In 1982, she purchased a club on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Los Angeles and renamed it “Marla’s”—a space that soon became a cultural hub for African American artists, performers, and locals. For nearly a decade, Marla’s thrived as both a social gathering spot and a performance venue, showcasing Marla Gibbs’ commitment to uplifting Black voices.
With a career spanning decades and a legacy built on talent, resilience, and authenticity, Marla Gibbs has rightfully earned accolades—including seven NAACP Image Awards. Whether through laughter, leadership, or quiet dedication behind the scenes, Marla Gibbs continues to inspire generations. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be just a little more like Marla Gibbs?
Marla Gibbs has been part of several notable movies throughout her career, but her highest rated film to date remains The Visit, which came out in the year 2000. On the flip side, one of her lowest rated works is the 1999 movie Foolish. While Marla Gibbs is widely recognized for her contributions to television, these films represent some of the peaks and valleys in her cinematic journey. Over the years, Marla Gibbs has maintained a strong presence in the entertainment industry, but these two films continue to stand out in terms of audience reception.
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