Marla Gibbs, best known for playing Florence Johnston in “The Jeffersons” during her illustrious acting career that spans five decades, is “doing well” following an incident at her Hollywood Walk of Fame unveiling.
The 90-year-old actress appeared to faint while giving a speech during her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Tuesday due to the scorching Los Angeles heat.
“Marla was overwhelmed with all the love and support she received and got overheated,” her agent Garry Purdy said in a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday. “She just needed a few minutes to cool down.”
Purdy added, “She is so full of gratitude and doing well now.”
Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family,’ ‘The Jeffersons’ Famous cast sticks live-TV landing
Livestream footage from the ceremony shows Gibbs abruptly pause mid-speech while looking faint. Several people nearby rushed to Gibbs’ aid to help the star keep her footing and helped her take a seat.
Gibbs’ daughter Angela helped the star drink water and then spoke directly to the concerned crowd, saying, “If you don’t mind, she just needs a moment, she said, to cool down and then we are going to do the unveiling.”
The actress rejoined the ceremony shortly after and was seated while the 2,6978th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled in her honor. Gibbs’ star was awarded in the television category and installed partially by her “great-great grandchildren,” Angela revealed on Instagram.
Norman Lear, the creator of “The Jeffersons,” and Tisha Campbell also attended the ceremony.
Gibbs is best known for playing maid Florence Johnston on “The Jeffersons” from 1975-1985, which aired on CBS. The role earned her five Emmy nominations for supporting actress in a comedy.
Her other acting credits include the TV series’ “227,” “Martin” and the 2000 film “The Visit.”
