From Housekeeper to Icon: Marla Gibbs Shares Her Journey
There’s a reason why Marla Gibbs has been celebrated as a sitcom legend for decades. Her unforgettable role as Florence Johnston, the sharp-tongued and sassy housekeeper on the beloved TV series The Jeffersons, turned her into a household name. Now, as she opens up about her career and personal life, it’s clear that her legacy continues to inspire and entertain. At 86 years old, Marla shares how her breakout role changed her life forever.
“Playing Florence on The Jeffersons brought me so much love and connection that I didn’t even know I was missing,” Marla tells Closer in an exclusive interview. “People still come up to me today and tell me they love me. And let me tell you, big, grown men will walk up and say, ‘I need a hug, Ms. Gibbs,’ and I’ll gladly give them one!”
The cast of The Jeffersons .
Read also:Kevin James And Steffiana De La Cruz A Love Story That Inspires Us All
Let’s take a moment to remember where it all began. The Jeffersons was a spin-off of the iconic 1970s sitcom All in the Family, and it aired from 1975 to 1985. During those ten years, Marla earned five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Her portrayal of Florence Johnston was nothing short of legendary. After The Jeffersons ended, Marla continued to shine in the TV world with her role on 227, where she starred alongside Jackée Harry from 1985 to 1990.
Marla Gibbs’ Continued Success in TV
Even after her time on The Jeffersons, Marla kept busy with guest appearances on other popular shows throughout the '90s. Fans may recognize her from her appearances on Martin, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Dawson’s Creek, Touched by an Angel, and The King of Queens. However, life took an unexpected turn in 2006 when she suffered a brain aneurysm. Marla credits her miraculous recovery to her daughter Angela, who also works as an actress.
