Iconic Actress Marla Gibbs has shared her divine magic in film and television for over five decades. The legendary actress who’s showing no signs of slowing down has been honored by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Marla Gibbs has historically lived an amazing life on her own terms.
Here are 10 Phenomenal Facts about Marla Gibbs as we celebrate and honor her work in the film and entertainment industry. You may not have known much about the Singer, Actress, Artist, Comedienne and Entrepreneur, but the beauty of her life has many layers.
She Didn’t Start Acting Right Away
Gibbs was in her mid to late 30’s when she really begin dabbling in performing arts and taking it seriously. While she had always loved acting, as a young black woman she didn’t see a lot of it around her. There were no platforms readily accessible for her to nurture her innate gift for acting, but when she did find it she took off immediately.
She’s An O.G. (Like For Real, For Real.)
Born on the southside of Chicago, spending much of her adult life in between Detroit and L.A.’s Watts District, Gibbs has clearly been in the culture. Her career span has included roles that were For The Culture. She got her first character roles in Blaxploitation films in 1973. She’s been in a few “Hood Classic’s”. She also appeared in the tv series: The Last O.G. Snoop Dogg even gives her a shout outs.
She Was Born Margaret Theresa Bradley
Marla Gibbs is not the birth name of the legendary actress we know and love. According to someone the name was too long. So now we know Margaret today as Marla Gibbs.
She’s Been Nominated For Emmy Awards Several Times
For the role of Florence Johnston on “The Jeffersons”, she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award five times, in addition to a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.
She Had Her Own Show Before 227
Gibbs did such a phenomenal job as “Florence Johnston” in the Jeffersons, there was a spinoff series just for the character titled ‘Checking In‘. One of the main reasons the show didn’t last was because of a Writer’s strike during that time.
She Studied Business and Used Her Skills
She was an uncredited Executive Producer on “227” which was a play before it became a TV series. She had creative rights over the flow of the production, she was in the writing room, Many of the most poignant episodes she had a creative stake in. Part of the reason Gibbs contract details for the roles she played and positions she’s held in the entertainment industry may have been incredible is because she attended Business School in her early life. She didn’t transition from working the switchboard for an airline company until her role as Florence on “The Jeffersons” was completely secured. She owned a Jazz Club “Marla’s Memory Lane Jazz and Supper Club” for nearly 20 years, from 1981-1999. Both of Gibbs parents were also entrepreneurs.
She’s Multitalented
Ok. so you probably already knew how talented she was by watching her, but Gibbs is also a Singer. She’s released a number of albums. One of the latest was as recent as 2014 titled “It’s Never Too Late“.
She Hasn’t Slowed Down
At press time, she’s currently 90 years old. Marla Gibbs is still out here getting these checks. She stars in short films set to debut later this year, in addition to making guests appearances on hit tv shows.
She Got Her Start With Lucille Ball
She didn’t start acting immediately. She started seriously around 37 years old in 1968. One of her first roles was as an extra in a film with Lucile Ball. Being that Lucille Ball was known for her comedic acting, this may have been a foreshadowing to the comedic genius that Marla Gibbs consistently delivers. In several interviews however she states that her favorite genre has always been drama. “I’ve always wanted to be an actress. I always loved movies, I kinda lived in the movies. I remember seeing Joan Crawford in ‘Possessed’ and at the end of the movie I couldn’t get on the bus, I had to walk home. I was still in character. Acting has always been a very rewarding experience for me,”.
Her Sister Was The Plug
The late Susie Garrett, Gibbs older sister was already in the acting field. When Gibbs visited her in California, she began attending acting workshops, and she started to thrive. Her natural talent and passion rose up to shine. The rest is history.
Give Her Her Flowers
Marla Gibbs star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is well deserved. She needs to get all of her overdue flowers while she’s still here. We’d also love to see a biopic under her direction. May the forces that be get started on this immediately. Many thanks and blessing to her as she’s trailblazed and helped pave the way for so many in the entertainment industry.
What’s your favorite Marla Gibbs film or TV Show? Share it in the comments section.
