The Jeffersons‘ Marla Gibbs Reprises Role of Florence in Surprise Live Appearance — Watch Video
If one moment maid The Jeffersons‘ live one-night-only revival, it was Marla Gibbs‘ surprise appearance in the role of housekeeper Florence.
Gibbs, 87, was not listed on the cast roster for Live in Front of a Studio Audience, the Jimmy Kimmel-hosted tribute to Norman Lear’s All in the Family and its spinoff The Jeffersons. In fact, One Day at a Time star Justina Machado was supposed to play the part.
But when Wanda Sykes’ Louise opened the door to interview Florence Johnston, a candidate for the family’s domestic help position, Gibbs was standing there. The 88-year-old actress originated the role in 1975 and played Florence for the series’ entire 11-season run.
Jackée Harry, who played Diane in the live episode and co-starred with Gibbs on the sitcom 227, tweeted that the performance was “a dream I never knew I had, coming true!”
A dream I never knew I had, coming true!
Thank you to @ABCNetwork, @SPTV, @jimmykimmel, @TheNormanLear, @kerrywashington, @iamwandasykes, and my long-time partner in crime @MarlaGibbs4Real for being so wonderful.#LiveInFrontOfAStudioAudience #BlessedBlesseeBlessed xox pic.twitter.com/LIcISsxBcG
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) May 23, 2019
Live in Front of a Studio Audience recreated two of the Lear’s classic sitcoms with a star-packed cast (including Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei) in a one-night-only live performance. Highlights of the evening included Foxx’s flubbing of a line — and breaking character — during the All in the Family segment and Jennifer Hudson’s performance of The Jeffersons‘ incredibly catchy theme song.
An icon for an iconic night! #LiveInFrontOfAStudio #TheJeffersons #MarlaGibbs pic.twitter.com/gDcfzYMzj7
— ABC (@ABCNetwork) May 23, 2019
Press PLAY on the video above to watch Gibbs’ entrance, then hit the comments: What was your favorite moment from the throwback comedy special?
Wanda opened the door, saw Florence and you can tell she was trying so hard not to fan girl. I’m guessing they managed to get her at the last minute which is great for nostalgia but sucks for Justina.
I thought Jamie was completely fanboying as soon as he saw Marla Gibbs. The look on his face was priceless, and I think his hands were clenched together so he wouldn’t lose it.
Marla Gibbs showing up at that door was everything in life!
The best part of the entire special. She is the only surviving cast member and it was also a 227 reunion. Beautiful moment!!!
Well, the actress that played Jenny is still alive and kickin’.
The Jefferson’s is one of my all time favorite shows. Seeing Florence tonight was the best part of the whole special.
You can’t recreate George, Louise, Helen, and Tom… the originals were too good.
The beloved Marla Gibbs is a national treasure. What a joy to see her utter the last line of the episode as she so memorably did decades ago.
I keep seeing people wondering and worrying about Justina Machado, like she was sent packing at the last minute. I strongly suspect that the announcement of her casting was a red herring from the beginning, to ensure that Marla Gibbs’ appearance would be a surprise. I actually think it was brilliant! I have to confess that I was hoping to see Gibbs as Mother Jefferson, but this was WAY better! What a classic moment.
I agree! Whether it was planned or last minute, I’m sure Justina was gracious enough to cede her part to Marla. I was hoping they would figure out a way to include some of the original cast, so this was a pleasant surprise
I totally agree with you, I thought the same thing when she appeared at that door. Machado was an odd choice anyway.
So what’s the deal with Justina Machado?
made not maid
You don’t think that was intentional?
What a treat!
Poor Marla aged from 87 to 88 during the above article.
I know. How hard is it to pick and age and stick with it!
The Cast NAILED IT…
WANDA WAS ON .
MARLA WAS A BLESSING….
They All was Soooo GOOD!!!