‘Sanford and Son’ actor Marlene Clark has passed away

Actor Marlene Clark, who was best known for her role on the 1970s NBC sitcom Sanford & Son, has died.

Appearing on the beloved sitcom alongside the likes of Whitman Mayo, Redd Foxx, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley and Demond Wilson, Clark was the show’s main character. In addition to appearing on the small screen, Clark also had several feature film roles, starring in the 1973 horror film Ganja & Hess with a cast that included Duane Jones and Bill Gunn.

Wilson, who appeared with Clark on Sanford & Son, shared a tribute to the late actor on Twitter, writing: “RIP beautiful actress Marlene Clark. It was a pleasure working with you.”

Raised in Harlem, New York, the actor began her career as a fashion model, with her film debut being the 1968 film For Love of Ivy.

Although she never reached the peak of her Hollywood fame, Clark did have a number of notable collaborations throughout her career, including John Schlesinger’s Midnight Cowboy and Robert Downey Sr.’s Putney Swope, although even if only in uncredited roles. With that said, she had a small part in Bruce Lee’s iconic martial arts film Enter the Dragon in 1973.