History of Marla Gibbs in Timeline

Marla Gibbs is an American actress, singer, comedian, writer and producer with a career spanning over seven decades. She is best known for her role as Florence Johnston, the sharp-tongued maid on the CBS sitcom "The Jeffersons" (1975-1985). Her performance earned her five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

June 14, 1931: Birth of Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs was born on June 14, 1931, as Margaret Bradley in Chicago, Illinois.

1936: Divorce of Marla Gibbs' Parents

Marla Gibbs' parents divorced in 1936, after which her mother remarried and moved to Detroit, Michigan. Marla remained in Chicago with her father and grandmother.

1945: Graduation from Corpus Christi Elementary School

Marla Gibbs graduated from Corpus Christi Elementary School in 1945.

1947: Death of Marla Gibbs' Father

Marla Gibbs' father, Douglas Bradley, passed away in 1947.

June 1949: High School Graduation

Marla Gibbs graduated from Wendell Phillips Academy High School in June 1949.

1955: Marriage to Jordan Gibbs

Marla Gibbs married her high school sweetheart, Jordan Gibbs, in 1955.

1963: Move to Los Angeles and Career Beginnings

In 1963, Marla Gibbs relocated to Los Angeles and began working as a reservations agent for United Airlines. This marked the beginning of her foray into acting, starting with local black theater productions.

1967: Death of Marla Gibbs' Mother

Marla Gibbs' mother, Ophelia Birdie, passed away in 1967.

1973: Divorce from Jordan Gibbs

Marla Gibbs and Jordan Gibbs divorced in 1973 after 18 years of marriage.

1975: Marla Gibbs cast as Florence Johnston in "The Jeffersons"

In 1975, Marla Gibbs landed the role of Florence Johnston, the sharp-tongued maid, in the CBS sitcom "The Jeffersons."

1981: Opening of Marla's Memory Lane Jazz and Supper Club

Marla Gibbs opened a jazz club called Marla's Memory Lane Jazz and Supper Club in 1981.

1981: Debut of "Checking In"

Marla Gibbs starred in "Checking In," a spin-off of "The Jeffersons," which premiered in 1981.

1985: End of "The Jeffersons" and beginning of "227"

After a successful run, "The Jeffersons" ended in 1985. The same year, Marla Gibbs took on the lead role in the NBC sitcom "227."

1985: "227" Premieres on NBC

Following the conclusion of "The Jeffersons," Marla Gibbs took the lead in the NBC sitcom "227," which premiered in 1985.

1990: Conclusion of "227"

After a five-season run, the NBC sitcom "227," starring and co-produced by Marla Gibbs, concluded in 1990.

1990: Relocation of Crossroads Arts Academy and Theatre

Marla Gibbs relocated her Crossroads Arts Academy and Theatre to the former Leimert Theatre in Los Angeles in 1990.

1993: Appearance in "The Meteor Man"

Marla Gibbs appeared in the superhero comedy film "The Meteor Man" in 1993.

June 1997: Closure of Crossroads Arts Academy and Theatre

Marla Gibbs' Crossroads Arts Academy and Theatre, which had taken over the former Leimert Theatre, faced financial difficulties and closed in June 1997.

1998: Recurring Role on "The Hughleys"

From 1998 to 2002, Marla Gibbs had a recurring role on the ABC/UPN sitcom "The Hughleys."

1999: Closure of Marla's Memory Lane Jazz and Supper Club

Marla Gibbs closed her jazz club, Marla's Memory Lane Jazz and Supper Club, in 1999 after 18 years.

1999: Role in "Lost & Found"

Marla Gibbs had a role in the romantic comedy film "Lost & Found" in 1999.

2000: Appearance in "The Visit"

Marla Gibbs appeared in the drama film "The Visit" in 2000.

2001: Role in "The Brothers"

Marla Gibbs had a role in the romantic comedy-drama film "The Brothers" in 2001.

2002: End of Recurring Role on "The Hughleys"

Marla Gibbs concluded her recurring role on the sitcom "The Hughleys" in 2002.

2012: Appearance in "Madea's Witness Protection"

Marla Gibbs appeared in the Tyler Perry comedy film "Madea's Witness Protection" in 2012.

July 31, 2014: Tribute to Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee

Marla Gibbs attended the Leimert Park Village Book Fair on July 31, 2014, to pay tribute to the late Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee.

2014: Starring Role in "Grantham & Rose"

Marla Gibbs had a starring role in the independent film "Grantham & Rose," which was released in 2014.

2014: Pilot for "Old Soul"

Marla Gibbs starred in the television pilot for "Old Soul" alongside Ellen Burstyn and Rita Moreno for NBC, which was not picked up to series, in 2014.

2015: Marla Gibbs Reflects on Her Career

In a 2015 interview, Marla Gibbs shared insights into her acting process, revealing that she drew inspiration for her iconic character Florence from her real-life aunt and grandmother.

2015: Role in "Grantham & Rose"

Marla Gibbs had a role in the independent film "Grantham & Rose" in 2015.

2015: Guest Appearances on "Scandal"

Marla Gibbs made two guest appearances on the Shonda Rhimes drama series "Scandal" in 2015.

January 11, 2016: Attendance at Natalie Cole's Funeral

On January 11, 2016, Marla Gibbs attended the funeral of singer Natalie Cole.

2017: Appearance in "Lemon"

Marla Gibbs appeared in the comedy-drama film "Lemon" in 2017.

2017: Pilot for "Jalen Vs. Everybody"

Marla Gibbs starred in the television pilot for ABC's "Jalen Vs. Everybody," which was not picked up to series, in 2017.

2018: Recurring Role in "Station 19"

Marla Gibbs landed a recurring role in the ABC drama series "Station 19" in 2018.

2019: Reprising Florence in "Live in Front of a Studio Audience"

In 2019, Marla Gibbs reprised her iconic role as Florence Johnston in "Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons."

August 2021: Marla Gibbs Joins "Days of Our Lives"

In August 2021, Marla Gibbs took on the recurring role of Olivia Price in the long-running NBC daytime drama "Days of Our Lives."

2021: Recurring Role on "Days of Our Lives" and Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Marla Gibbs took on the recurring role of Olivia Price in "Days of Our Lives." In the same year, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her significant contributions to the television industry.