Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, five-time Emmy-nominated actress Marla Gibbs wears many hats: mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and icon. An internationally beloved celebrity, she was a staple in our homes for nearly two decades — as the witty, wisecracking maid Florence for 11 seasons on the CBS hit comedy, The Jeffersons, and as the loving matriarch Mary for 5 seasons on the NBC hit series, 227.
Adapted from a groundbreaking stage play produced by her daughter, seasoned director/actor Angela Gibbs, Marla made history as the executive producer for 227. Not only did she advocate for diversity behind the scenes, she stood her ground when executives wanted her character to be a single mother. Her vision won out and 227 was a top ranking show with two loving parents raising their daughter as a family unit. Morality and innovation have long been part of Marla’s journey. She used her resources to pour into the community in numerous ways: she opened a jazz supper club, founded a performing arts school and theatre with her daughter, and has supported countless youth-centered organizations.
Marla’s rise to stardom started with humble beginnings. After relocating to Los Angeles to rebuild her life after an abusive marriage, she studied acting at the Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles (PASLA), the Mafundi Institute, and the Watts Writers Workshop. She starred in a host of local theatre productions before landing her first film role in Black Belt Jones, and going on to great success in television. After The Jeffersons and 227, she had recurring roles on Passions and The Hughleys, and gave stellar performances in the critically acclaimed films The Visit, El Camino, and Stanley’s Gig. Beyond acting, Marla’s first love is music. She co-wrote and sang the 227 theme song, and in recent years, released her own original album, It’s Never Too Late — which is her motto. The project partnered her with musical greats HB Barnum and Gerald Wiggins, along with her grandson, award winning producer Amil Gibbs.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, five-time Emmy-nominated actress Marla Gibbs wears many hats: mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and icon. An internationally beloved celebrity, she was a staple in our homes for nearly two decades — as the witty, wisecracking maid Florence for 11 seasons on the CBS hit comedy, The Jeffersons, and as the loving matriarch Mary for 5 seasons on the NBC hit series, 227.
Adapted from a groundbreaking stage play produced by her daughter, seasoned director/actor Angela Gibbs, Marla made history as the executive producer for 227. Not only did she advocate for diversity behind the scenes, she stood her ground when executives wanted her character to be a single mother. Her vision won out and 227 was a top ranking show with two loving parents raising their daughter as a family unit. Morality and innovation have long been part of Marla’s journey. She used her resources to pour into the community in numerous ways: she opened a jazz supper club, founded a performing arts school and theatre with her daughter, and has supported countless youth-centered organizations.
Marla’s rise to stardom started with humble beginnings. After relocating to Los Angeles to rebuild her life after an abusive marriage, she studied acting at the Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles (PASLA), the Mafundi Institute, and the Watts Writers Workshop. She starred in a host of local theatre productions before landing her first film role in Black Belt Jones, and going on to great success in television. After The Jeffersons and 227, she had recurring roles on Passions and The Hughleys, and gave stellar performances in the critically acclaimed films The Visit, El Camino, and Stanley’s Gig. Beyond acting, Marla’s first love is music. She co-wrote and sang the 227 theme song, and in recent years, released her own original album, It’s Never Too Late — which is her motto. The project partnered her with musical greats HB Barnum and Gerald Wiggins, along with her grandson, award winning producer Amil Gibbs.
At 90 years young, she continues to do cameos in television and film projects, ranging from This Is Us, Young Sheldon, Days of Our Lives, Blackish, and NCIS to name a few. An eight-time NAACP Image Award winner, Marla has received numerous prestigious honors, including Essence Magazine’s Woman of the Year. A living legend, she is widely celebrated as a woman of many talents, a pillar of the community, and above all, a wise and loving presence to all who cross her path.
Marla Gibbs is an icon wearing many hats: mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community activist.
Marla is Best Known For
View Marla’s Filmography Below
