‘The Jeffersons’ Alum Marla Gibbs, 94, Has Words of Wisdom For Women Hoping to Pursue Acting

Screen vet Marla Gibbs has found the fountain of youth — the legendary actress just turned 94 but she looks and acts decades younger!

To celebrate her big day, Marla posted on social media a throwback photo and thanked her fans for all the support and love they’ve shown her over the years: “Today I turned 94! Thank you all for the love. Remember God loves you and so do I.”

Marla’s role as sassy housekeeper Florence Johnston on the 1970s sitcom The Jeffersons made her a household name, but she’s been a trailblazer and barrier-breaker for Black actresses throughout her career.

After The Jeffersons, Marla produced and acted on the NBC apartment building – set sitcom 227 and even sang the show’s theme song. She’s made numerous guest appearances on a slew of TV shows since — including an episode of this year’s popular drama Will Trent.

“I had some ladies come to me and they said, ‘Marla, I’ve always wanted to act. Do you think it’s too late?’” she recalled earlier this year at American Black Film Festival Honors, per People. “I said, ‘Are you still breathing?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ It’s not too late, as long as you’re here and you’re still breathing. I’ve been so blessed.”