Marla Gibbs of "The Jeffersons" and "227" fame received the 2,698th star in the category of television on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday. The 90 year old actress was overtaken by the 88 degree Los Angeles heat, briefly appearing to be light headed when her eyes closed and she paused during her speech. She was able to take a seat and recover quickly, finishing her brief acceptance in front of the Jimmy Kimmel Studio.
Fortunately her rep said she was "doing great" at the after party.
Norman Lear, producer of the Jeffersons joined Gibbs as she received the honor.
Her career highlights via press release reflect a visionary who was had an impact in television both on and off the screen.
While the Chicago native is widely remembered for her role as Florence on the Jeffersons on CBS, Gibbs’ talent was also extended to another hit sitcom, the NBC series, “227.” She developed the sitcom from the original stage play of the same title produced by her daughter, Angela and served as the Executive Producer on the show.
Gibbs’ voice has been heard on the animated TV series, “101 Dalmatians.” She has appeared on popular shows including “This Is Us,” “Young Sheldon, “ “Days of Our Lives,” “The Carmichael Show,” ”Blackish,” “NCIS,” The Neighborhood and the list goes on. She’s enjoyed recurring roles on “Passions” and the “The Hughleys,” and gave a stellar performance in the critically acclaimed film, “The Visit.” The same is true for the film, “El Camino,” “and her tour de force portrayal of a jazz legend in, “Stanley’s Gig,” that won her critical notice.
The entertainers' first love has always been singing. She sang and co-wrote the theme song to the sitcom, “227,” and “Checking In” and in 2006, she released her own CD, “It’s Never Too Late.” The project partnered her with the legendary HB Barnum and her friend, the late jazz luminary, Gerald Wiggins. Gibbs wrote most of the songs including two with producer, Amil Gibbs.
An activist, Marla always fought to ensure diversity was not only in front of the camera but behind it as well. She stood her ground when top executives wanted her to play a single mother on the show. Her vision won out and “227” became a hit show where audiences could find two loving parents raising their daughter and dealing with real issues. Gibbs has been honored as both a maverick and living legend. An eight-time NAACP Image Award winner, Gibbs has received numerous prestigious honors over the years, including Essence Magazine’s Woman of the Year.
In addition to acting, her community support has been celebrated with several awards. She revived the legendary Los Angeles jazz supper club, “Marla’s Memory Lane, and hired local and international jazz artists to help preserve the culture. Marla co-founded Crossroads Theater and Acting school with her daughter Angela, which helped to launch the careers of several local actors. Gibbs’ universal appeal, versatility and tremendous career success spanning film, live performances and television have solidified her standing as one of the premier entertainers in the world; and at 90 years old, Marla Gibbs says it’s, “Never Too Late,” and her life is far from over.
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