An Unexpected Audition That Changed Everything
Back in the day, Marla Gibbs was just an ordinary woman working part-time as a United Airlines reservations agent. Life was simple, and she enjoyed her routine. She had been with the airline for a solid decade, enjoying the perks of an unlimited travel pass and the flexibility to choose her shifts. But little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn. When she auditioned for the role of Florence Johnston, the sassy housekeeper on The Jeffersons, she didn’t think much of it. "I had a steady job with United, and I wasn’t ready to give that up," Marla recalled. "I mean, why risk it all for a TV show that might not even last?"
The Decade That Defined Her Career
Thankfully for Marla, The Jeffersons wasn’t just another short-lived sitcom. The show went on to run for 11 seasons, becoming one of the longest-running sitcoms in television history. It was during this time that Marla truly found her stride in the entertainment world. Looking back, the now 92-year-old icon credits her success to a higher power. "I believe in God with all my heart," Marla said during an interview at the Children Uniting Nations 24th Annual Academy Awards Celebration & Viewing Dinner. "I take one step, and He takes two. It’s a partnership, and I’m grateful for every moment of it."
From Detroit to Hollywood: Marla’s Journey to Stardom
Marla’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t a straight line. Growing up in Detroit, she wasn’t exactly the favorite child in her family, which made her yearn for love and acceptance. Her path to acting began unexpectedly when a high school teacher offered her a role in a live TV commercial. "I fell in love with it right away," Marla said. "When things weren’t going well in my marriage, I decided to move to California and chase my dreams." That decision paid off in 1973 when she became a single mom of three children and landed the role of Florence on The Jeffersons.
Read also:Jonathan Lipnicki Opens Up About Life After Hollywood And His Return To Acting
Florence Johnston: A Character Born from Personal Experience
Marla drew inspiration for Florence from her own family. "I based her on my aunt and grandmother," she explained. "Florence was the ultimate employee, always keeping things clean and teaching the family how to handle themselves." Her portrayal of Florence resonated with audiences and became a cornerstone of the show's success. Marla’s decade on The Jeffersons was filled with joy and camaraderie. "We were like a family," she reminisced. "Working alongside Roxie Roker and Isabel Sanford was a dream. And Sherman Hemsley? He was the most generous, talented actor I’ve ever met."
A Lifelong Friendship with Sherman Hemsley
Marla and Sherman’s bond extended far beyond the set. They kept in touch until Sherman’s passing in 2012. "We talked every month," Marla shared. "He would tell me, ‘I love you, Marla,’ and I’d say the same to him. Losing him was heartbreaking." Their friendship exemplified the deep connections that can form in the world of television, where actors often spend more time together than with their own families. 
A New Chapter on 227
When The Jeffersons wrapped in 1985, Marla found herself on a new show, 227, where she played the gossipy Mary Jenkins. While the experience wasn’t as harmonious as her time on The Jeffersons, it still marked another chapter in her career. "Jackée Harry was determined to be a star," Marla recalled. "But I always believed that there are no stars, only working and nonworking actresses." Despite initial tensions, the two actresses eventually mended their relationship. "She apologized, and we’ve become friends since then," Marla said.
Overcoming Health Challenges and Returning to Acting
Marla’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2006, she faced a serious health scare when she suffered an aneurysm. After a tough period of rehabilitation, she regained her strength and determination. "I looked at myself in the mirror and realized I had to figure out who I was," she said. "So I got up and decided to keep going." Her resilience paid off when she returned to acting in 2015 with guest appearances on the hit drama Scandal.
A Vision for the Future
Even at 92, Marla isn’t slowing down. She currently has three projects in the works, including a holiday movie tentatively titled Christmas Kennel. But her ambitions don’t stop there. "I want to show that older people are just as vibrant and full of life as anyone else," she said. "Love doesn’t have an expiration date, and neither does life. It’s all about the mindset you bring to the table."
