JamesG
07-02-2026, 05:25 PM
Marla Gibbs Given Honorary Day by City of Chicago
by Zac Ntim
July 2, 2026
June 30 will now be known as Marla Gibbs Day in the City of Chicago following an official declaration from the city’s mayor to honor the veteran actor, best known for her roles in small-screen classics such as "The Jeffersons" and "227".
Born in Chicago, Gibbs moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and earned her big break playing Florence Johnston on Norman Lear’s "The Jeffersons". Gibbs earned five Supporting Actress Emmy nominations for her role on the show alongside a Golden Globe nom.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed the honor earlier this week as part of a release event held in Los Angeles for Gibbs’ memoir It’s Never Too Late. Speakers present at the event included Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel Howery, Kim Fields, and Yvette Nicole Brown.
“Marla didn’t just make us laugh. She expanded what was possible for Black women in television and comedy,” said Hollywood Confidential's Steve Jones in a statement. “The path she paved made careers like Quinta Brunson, Issa Rae, and countless others possible. Giving flowers to a living legend while she can still receive them is exactly why Hollywood Confidential exists.”
https://deadline.com/2026/07/marla-gibbs-the-jeffersons-honorary-day-chicago-1236973350/
by Zac Ntim
July 2, 2026
June 30 will now be known as Marla Gibbs Day in the City of Chicago following an official declaration from the city’s mayor to honor the veteran actor, best known for her roles in small-screen classics such as "The Jeffersons" and "227".
Born in Chicago, Gibbs moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and earned her big break playing Florence Johnston on Norman Lear’s "The Jeffersons". Gibbs earned five Supporting Actress Emmy nominations for her role on the show alongside a Golden Globe nom.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed the honor earlier this week as part of a release event held in Los Angeles for Gibbs’ memoir It’s Never Too Late. Speakers present at the event included Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel Howery, Kim Fields, and Yvette Nicole Brown.
“Marla didn’t just make us laugh. She expanded what was possible for Black women in television and comedy,” said Hollywood Confidential's Steve Jones in a statement. “The path she paved made careers like Quinta Brunson, Issa Rae, and countless others possible. Giving flowers to a living legend while she can still receive them is exactly why Hollywood Confidential exists.”
https://deadline.com/2026/07/marla-gibbs-the-jeffersons-honorary-day-chicago-1236973350/