Marla Gibbs, beloved for her role as Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons, surprised fans at her recent Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony when she briefly closed her eyes and stopped talking, leading some to worry about her health. At 90 years old, the incident was a reminder of the physical toll the excitement and the heat can take, but Gibbs reassured everyone afterward that she was doing fine.
A representative for Gibbs confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the actress, who is five-time Emmy-nominated, was “doing great” after the event. The scare occurred about 20 minutes into the ceremony, which was held on a particularly warm morning, with temperatures in the upper 80s. Despite the brief moment of dizziness, Gibbs recovered quickly and resumed participating in the ceremony. She posed for photos and smiled for the cameras, even making light of the situation when speaking to KABC, saying, “I just got overwhelmed for a minute. I haven’t been excited until this moment!”
Gibbs had been honored with her star, a testament to her incredible legacy in Hollywood. During the ceremony, she was showered with praise by notable figures such as The Jeffersons creator Norman Lear, actress Tisha Campbell, and L.A. City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell. Lear, calling Gibbs “our Betty White,” shared his admiration for the actress, reflecting on the powerful influence she’s had on television and comedy. Gibbs, in turn, credited Lear for much of her success, saying, “It’s only because of you that they know me.”
After receiving her star, Gibbs took a moment to reflect on her long career, which included her iconic role as Florence, the maid, on The Jeffersons. She also recalled the last time she was on Hollywood Boulevard, celebrating the star of Isabel Sanford, who portrayed Louise Jefferson on the show. It was a bittersweet memory, as Sanford passed away a few months after receiving her own star in 2004. Sherman Hemsley, who played George Jefferson, also passed away in 2012. Gibbs is one of the last living stars from the show’s main cast, and her legacy continues to inspire.
In addition to her work on The Jeffersons, Gibbs became a trailblazer in the entertainment world. She executive produced and starred in the popular late-’80s sitcom 227 and made significant contributions to her community. She was one of the first Black celebrities to invest in the Crenshaw district, long before others like Magic Johnson brought attention to the area. She also owned the Vision Theater Complex in the 1990s, hoping to create a cultural hub similar to Harlem’s Apollo Theater, though the theater eventually closed.
While her moment of wooziness caused concern, Gibbs quickly bounced back to celebrate her achievement, a testament to her enduring spirit and legacy. Even though she had a brief moment of needing help, she managed to finish the ceremony strong, with fans and colleagues alike showing their admiration for her decades-long impact. “So many stars can be bought, but this one was earned,” said Tisha Campbell, capturing the essence of Gibbs’ remarkable career. Lear summed it up perfectly: “This glorious woman, this glorious performer, this glorious comedienne.”
Gibbs’ story is not only one of television triumph but also of community engagement and activism. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of performers and fans.
