Legendary actress and comedian Marla Gibbs whose notable roles over five decades include Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons, and Mary Jenkins on 227, is in good spirits after she appeared to almost pass out while accepting her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tuesday, a representative says.
The ceremony was emotional as Gibbs has been in the entertainment business for so long and opened the doors for so many others to come through while not really recognized by the industry. But her name being cemented in the walk of fame was one step closer to her getting her flowers while she's still here.
“Marla got overwhelmed with all the excitement and heat but doing very well,” the actress’ agent, Garry Purdy, said in an email. “She’s enjoying the after party now!”
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But first, onlookers were concerned right after the Emmy-nominated performer was introduced to the stage by famed producer Norman Lear. The 90-year-old guest of honor was delivering her acceptance speech when she began slumping over.
Gibbs was at the podium giving a speech during the unveiling of her star on the Walk of Fame when she suddenly paused and appeared to be about to faint.
A man wearing a mask who had been in her group of guests rushed forward to keep "The Jeffersons" star from falling.
Her daughter Angela Gibbs took to the microphone to say her mother needed a moment "to cool down." The temperature soared past 90 Tuesday in Los Angeles
Paramedics responded to the 6800 block of Hollywood Boulevard around noon for a medical emergency. But after treatment, Gibbs declined transport, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Margaret Stewart.
The ceremony picked back up about a half an hour later, when Gibbs was formally presented her star.
“Thank you to all of you who have been fans of ‘The Jeffersons’ and ‘227,’” she said in her acceptance speech. “We love you, and this is because you watched us that we were able to excel, and I’m able to be here today.”
Gibbs took photographs and did interviews with national and local media afterward, Ana Martinez, producer for the Walk of Fame, told EW.
Before her speech was cut short, Gibbs thanked fellow actress Tisha Campbell and producer Norman Lear, who both gave speeches before she took the stage.
