Marla Gibbs, a name synonymous with iconic roles in The Jeffersons and 227, has built an impressive fortune over seven decades in Hollywood. From her early start as Florence Johnston, her rise to fame was both impactful and lucrative.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Marla Gibbs net worth and explore the key television roles that boosted her wealth. Written by Ando Money, this article will guide you through the various ways she achieved her financial success.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Margaret Theresa Bradley |
| Popular Name | Marla Gibbs |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | June 14, 1931 |
| Age | 93 years old |
| Parents | Douglas Bradley, Ophelia Birdie Kemp |
| Siblings | 2, including Susie Garrett |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American (Creole, Haitian descent) |
| Education | Wendell Phillips Academy High School, Northern High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Jordan Gibbs (m. 1955; div. 1973) |
| Children | 3 (Angela, Dorian, Joseph) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Producing, Music |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
What is the Net Worth of Marla Gibbs in 2024?
Marla Gibbs has accumulated a net worth of approximately $4 million in 2024. This impressive wealth can be attributed to her long-standing career in television, notably her roles in The Jeffersons and 227.
Compared to other entertainers in the industry, Marla Gibbs has built her fortune steadily over time, while also managing ventures like her jazz club. For context, let’s compare her net worth with several notable figures in similar entertainment fields:
- Jackée Harry
- Ellen Burstyn
- Norman Lear
- Tyler Perry
- Della Reese
- Rita Moreno
- Tessa Thompson
- Chaka Khan
- Maya Angelou
- Ruby Dee
If you’re interested in exploring the fortunes of others in entertainment, check out our feature on the richest actresses at AndoMoney.com.
Marla Gibbs Salary and Finance Overview
How She Built Her Fortune Over Seven Decades
Marla Gibbs began her acting career later in life, transitioning from her job as a reservations agent at United Airlines to a successful television star. It wasn’t just her roles that shaped her wealth but her consistent work ethic.
Starring as Florence Johnston in The Jeffersons, Marla Gibbs continued working at United Airlines during the early seasons of the show. Her perseverance in maintaining both jobs reflected her early humility and hard work. This role helped her gain recognition, and her earnings saw a substantial increase, especially once she transitioned to working full-time in the entertainment industry.
Key Television Roles that Boosted Her Wealth
Marla Gibbs’ iconic roles in The Jeffersons and 227 were undoubtedly major contributors to her financial success. Playing Florence Johnston, the maid in The Jeffersons, she became a household name. 227 later solidified her status, not only as an actress but also as a producer.
Marla took on the lead role of Mary Jenkins and co-produced the show, further increasing her earnings. These shows ran for multiple seasons, adding to her steady income over the years.
Contributions to the Entertainment Industry
Beyond acting, Marla Gibbs contributed to the entertainment industry as a writer, singer, and producer. Co-producing 227 added a new layer to her financial portfolio. Gibbs has won seven NAACP Image Awards, a testament to her talent and enduring relevance in Hollywood. She also recorded a jazz album, expanding her creative pursuits and income streams.
Film Appearances and Their Financial Impact
Although Marla Gibbs is best known for her television roles, her film appearances have also contributed to her net worth.
Notable films like Madea’s Witness Protection and The Meteor Man provided her with additional exposure and earnings. While these roles were smaller compared to her TV work, they added diversity to her income sources and showcased her versatility.
Music and Jazz Career Contributions
Outside of acting, Marla Gibbs owned Marla’s Memory Lane Jazz Club from 1981 to 1999. This venture was a significant part of her financial journey, adding another dimension to her earnings.
In addition to owning the jazz club, she released the album It’s Never Too Late, further showcasing her musical talent. The jazz club was a popular spot in South Central L.A. and contributed to her wealth over the years.
Awards and Honors Contributing to Her Legacy
Marla Gibbs’ legacy is cemented by the awards and recognition she has received. Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2021 is a highlight, honoring her contributions to television.
This recognition, along with her numerous awards, has elevated her public profile and long-term career stability.
Personal Ventures and Business Endeavors
Owning Marla’s Memory Lane Jazz Club was one of Marla’s most successful business ventures. The club operated for nearly two decades, becoming a beloved spot for jazz enthusiasts in Los Angeles.
This venture showcased her entrepreneurial spirit and added to her diverse income sources. Moreover, her involvement in producing 227 highlighted her ability to manage both on-screen and behind-the-scenes responsibilities.
Family Contributions to Her Financial Legacy
Marla Gibbs’ daughter, Angela Gibbs, has also found success in the entertainment industry. Angela’s work in shows like Sanford and Son and films such as Drumline has helped contribute to the family’s continued presence in Hollywood.
This family success story likely played a part in Marla’s ability to maintain her financial stability.
Financial Longevity and Career Resilience
Even in her 90s, Marla Gibbs remains active in television, showcasing her resilience and passion for the craft. Recent roles in shows like Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy prove that she is still sought-after in Hollywood, ensuring that her wealth continues to grow even at an advanced age.
This longevity is a testament to her adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
FAQs About Marla Gibbs
How did she start her acting career?
Marla Gibbs transitioned into acting from her previous career as a reservations agent for United Airlines.
What are her most famous roles?
Her most famous roles are Florence Johnston in The Jeffersons and Mary Jenkins in 227.
How many children does she have?
Marla Gibbs has three children: Angela, Dorian, and Joseph.
Has she won any awards?
Yes, Marla Gibbs has won seven NAACP Image Awards and has been nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards.
Is she still acting?
Yes, Marla Gibbs continues to act in shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Days of Our Lives.
What other ventures has she been involved in?
Besides acting, she owned Marla’s Memory Lane Jazz Club and released a jazz album.
When did she receive her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Marla Gibbs received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021.
What role did her family play in her career?
Her daughter, Angela Gibbs, is also an actress, contributing to the family’s Hollywood legacy.
Conclusion
Marla Gibbs’ career has been nothing short of inspiring, with her financial success driven by her talent, persistence, and business ventures. If you’d like to learn more or share your thoughts, feel free to visit AndoMoney.com for more insightful content!
