Five-time Emmy-nominated actress, Marla Gibbs is a legendary figure in the entertainment industry. She is famous for her exceptional talent, humor, and quick wit. With a career spanning over five decades, Gibbs has carved out a niche for herself as a versatile entertainer. In this long career, Marla has amassed a significant amount of wealth. In this article, we will explore Marla Gibbs net worth, her career highlights, and the sources behind her fortune.
Who is Marla Gibbs?
Margaret Theresa Bradley, mostly known as Marla Gibbs, is an American actress, singer, comedian, producer, and writer. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1931, Gibbs began her career as a singer, performing with her group. Initially she grew up in the South Side of Chicago. She attended Wendell Phillips Academy High School. After high school, she worked as a reservation clerk for United Airlines before pursuing her passion for acting.
In the 1970s, Marla started her acting career with minor roles in TV shows. Her breakthrough role came in 1975 when she was cast as Florence Johnston, the sassy and outspoken maid, in the hit TV series “The Jeffersons.” Then she quickly became a fan favorite and played the role for 11 seasons. The show even earned her five Emmy nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series.
How much is Marla Gibbs Net Worth?
As of 2023, Marla Gibbs’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. The 91 years old actress has amassed this fortune through her successful acting career, which spans over fifty years.
Key Points to Know About Marla Gibbs
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Full Name | Margaret Theresa Bradley |
| Born | June 14, 1931 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Comedian, Writer, Television producer |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
Acting Career: primary Source behind Marla Gibbs Net Worth
Marla Gibbs is a multi-talented artist. And she has achieved significant success in the entertainment industry. She has built her wealth from various sources throughout her career.
One of the primary sources behind Gibbs’s net worth is her long successful acting career. The actress has appeared in more than 100 TV shows and movies. So she indeed earned significant paychecks for her work. As mentioned earlier, Gibbs had her breakthrough role in the 1970s with the hit TV series “The Jeffersons.” She played the character of Florence Johnston in the show. She played the role for 11 seasons, earning a good amount of salary per episode. Her role as Florence Johnston is undoubtedly the most significant source of income for Gibbs. Moreover, it helped set her as a talented actress in Hollywood.
Apart from “The Jeffersons,” Gibbs has also appeared in many other TV shows. For instance, “227,” “The Hughleys,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Scandal.” Also, she has acted in a few movies, including “The Meteor Man” and “Lost and Found.” While her roles in these movies and TV shows may not have paid her as much as her work in “The Jeffersons,” they have still contributed significantly to her overall net worth.
Some of Marla Gibbs’s Notable Works
Here are some of Marla Gibbs’s major roles in films and TV shows:
- Florence Johnston in “The Jeffersons” (1975-1985): This role is arguably Gibbs’s most significant and well-known role. Florence Johnston was the sarcastic, no-nonsense maid of the Jeffersons, a wealthy African-American family living in a luxury high-rise apartment in New York City. The show ran for 11 seasons. Moreover, it earned Marla five Emmy nominations for her performance.
- Mary Jenkins in “227” (1985-1990): In this sitcom, Gibbs played Mary Jenkins, a housewife, and mother living in a Washington, D.C. apartment building.
- Birdie in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-1996): In this popular sitcom, Gibbs played Birdie, the mother of Hilary’s fiancé Trevor in several episodes.
- Aunt Helen in “Lost and Found” (1999): It’s a comedy film and Gibbs played Aunt Helen, the matriarch of a dysfunctional family
- Miss Minnie in “The Hughleys” (1998-2002): Another series where Gibbs played Miss Minnie. Again as a sassy senior citizen who becomes a close friend of the Hughley family.
- Grandma Eddy in “Scandal” (2013-2018): In this series, Gibbs played Grandma Eddy.
Music Career
In addition to acting, Marla Gibbs has also dabbled in music. It wasn’t actually for earning money, rather it was because of her interest in music. In fact, Gibbs sang the theme song of her series “227,” even before she released her music album. She released a jazz album in 1996 titled “It’s Never Too Late,” which received a lot of praise. Stanley Clarke, a renowned jazz musician, and bassist produced the album. The album features Gibbs’s vocals and showcases her musical talents. During that time, Marla even performed at various jazz festivals and venues.
Some Other Ventures
Besides acting, Marla Gibbs is also a good writer and producer. She has written and produced several plays, which have contributed to her net worth. She co-produced the sitcom “227,” which she also cast in. Further, she wrote and produced some plays like “What Are You Doing Here?” and “The Hot Flash Sisters.” These have been performed in various theaters, earning her royalties.
Apart from her work in the entertainment industry, Marla Gibbs has also invested in real estate, which has helped increase her net worth. She owns several properties in Los Angeles, California, and has earned significant rental income from these properties.
FAQs
How old is Marla Gibbs?
Marla Gibbs was born in 1931 on 14 June. So as of 2023, she is 91 years old.
Is Marla Gibbs still acting?
Yes, Marla Gibbs is still active in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in a few TV shows and movies in recent years. This includes movies like “Bromates,” “Spirit Halloween: The Movie,” and an upcoming movie “A Snowy Day in Oakland.” And some TV shows including “Station 19,” “Big Shot” “Days of Our Lives,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “The Ms. Pat Show.”
Where is Marla Gibbs now?
The Jeffersons fame actress, Marla Gibbs is still active in the entertainment industry. And she is currently based in LA.
Did Marla Gibbs win any awards for her acting?
Yes, Marla Gibbs has been recognized for her acting talent with several awards and nominations. For her performance in “The Jeffersons” series, She got five Emmy nominations and one Golden Globe Award nomination. Also, she won seven NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “227.”
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Marla Gibbs net worth is the result of her five-decade-long acting career. In the world of entertainment, she has made an enduring impression. Additionally, future generations will get inspiration from her legacy. From her early days as a singer to her iconic role in The Jeffersons, Gibbs has proved her talent time and time again. Even in her 90s, the actress is still active in her work. Overall, her wealth is a reflection of her success.
