If one moment maid The Jeffersons‘ live one-night-only revival, it was Marla Gibbs‘ surprise appearance in the role of housekeeper Florence.
Gibbs, 87, was not listed on the cast roster for Live in Front of a Studio Audience, the Jimmy Kimmel-hosted tribute to Norman Lear’s All in the Family and its spinoff The Jeffersons. In fact, One Day at a Time star Justina Machado was supposed to play the part.
But when Wanda Sykes’ Louise opened the door to interview Florence Johnston, a candidate for the family’s domestic help position, Gibbs was standing there. The 88-year-old actress originated the role in 1975 and played Florence for the series’ entire 11-season run.
Jackée Harry, who played Diane in the live episode and co-starred with Gibbs on the sitcom 227, tweeted that the performance was “a dream I never knew I had, coming true!”
Live in Front of a Studio Audience recreated two of the Lear’s classic sitcoms with a star-packed cast (including Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei) in a one-night-only live performance. Highlights of the evening included Foxx’s flubbing of a line — and breaking character — during the All in the Family segment and Jennifer Hudson’s performance of The Jeffersons‘ incredibly catchy theme song.
In a moment that had fans of The Jeffersons on their feet, Marla Gibbs, the iconic actress who originated the role of Florence Johnston, made a surprise return to the role she made famous nearly five decades ago. The 87-year-old actress appeared unannounced during the Live in Front of a Studio Audience special, an event hosted by Jimmy Kimmel that paid tribute to Norman Lear’s classic sitcoms All in the Family and its spinoff The Jeffersons.
Initially, Justina Machado (known for One Day at a Time) was slated to play Florence for this one-night-only revival, so the live audience was left stunned when the door opened, and the unmistakable figure of Gibbs stepped into the scene. Playing the beloved housekeeper, Gibbs seamlessly fell back into the role she portrayed for the entire 11-season run of The Jeffersons, beginning in 1975. The surprise moment was a heartfelt tribute to the show’s legacy, as well as to Gibbs’ indelible impact on television history.
In the scene, Wanda Sykes, playing Louise Jefferson, opens the door to meet Florence, who has come to interview for the position of the Jeffersons’ housekeeper. The live audience erupted in applause when Gibbs—who, at 88, looked as sharp as ever—stepped into the scene, delivering her lines with the same comedic timing and charm that made her portrayal of Florence so memorable.
For Jackée Harry, who also starred in the live special as Diane, the moment was pure magic. Harry, a fellow television legend known for her role in 227 alongside Gibbs, tweeted, “A dream I never knew I had, coming true!” Her words reflected the joy and nostalgia shared by fans and co-stars alike, as they witnessed a piece of television history brought back to life.
The Live in Front of a Studio Audience special was a star-studded affair, bringing together a powerhouse cast of actors, including Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, and Marisa Tomei. The event saw the recreation of iconic moments from both All in the Family and The Jeffersons, showcasing the lasting influence of Norman Lear’s work. While there were moments of hilarity, such as Foxx’s line flub during the All in the Family segment, the evening was also filled with emotional highlights—none more special than Jennifer Hudson’s powerhouse rendition of The Jeffersons theme song, which had the audience singing along.
But the real showstopper was Gibbs’ unannounced return to Florence Johnston. Her cameo wasn’t just a tribute to a beloved character—it was a celebration of television’s power to bring audiences together, to surprise, and to honor the legacies of the stars who helped shape pop culture. Gibbs’ performance reminded viewers of the humor, warmth, and wisdom Florence brought to The Jeffersons, as well as the unforgettable mark she left on the small screen. It was a reminder that, sometimes, the best surprises are the ones we never saw coming.
