Marla Gibbs (born Margaret Theresa Bradley; June 14, 1931) is an American actress, singer, writer and producer. Gibbs is best known for her role as Louise and George Jefferson's feisty maid, Florence Johnston, in the long-running CBS sitcom, The Jeffersons (1975–85), for which she received five Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series nominations. She also starred in the show's spin-off Checking In (1981). From 1985 to 1990, Gibbs had the leading role as Mary Jenkins in the NBC sitcom, 227, which she also co-produced and sang on the theme song. Gibbs has won a total of seven NAACP Image Awards.

In later years, Gibbs played supporting roles in films The Meteor Man (1993), Lost & Found (1999), The Visit (2000), The Brothers (2001), and Madea's Witness Protection (2012).

Biography

She was married to her high school sweetheart Jordan Gibbs from 1955 to 1973; the couple had three children: Angela Gibbs, Dorian Gibbs and Joseph Gibbs. Her older sister is the late actress Susie Garrett. Her daughter Angela Gibbs is also an actress who appeared in movies such as Together Brothers, Drumline and Think Like A Man Too.

On June 14, 2011, she celebrated her 80th birthday.

On July 31, 2014, Gibbs attended the Leimert Park Village Book Fair in Los Angeles, California, to pay tribute to both of her longtime friends, Maya Angelou, who died on May 28, and Ruby Dee, 2 weeks later, on June 11, and 3 days, before Marla's 83rd Birthday.