Emmy Awards night was nothing short of spectacular, especially when the legendary Marla Gibbs graced the red carpet, showcasing timeless elegance and wit. The 92-year-old star of “The Jeffersons” and “227” stole the show in a stunning long-sleeve black velvet gown adorned with dazzling jeweled embellishments and a trailing silhouette.
The five-time Emmy nominee, Gibbs took the stage with Emmy winner Quinta Brunson of “Abbott Elementary” to present the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. The stage lit up as the audience welcomed Gibbs with a standing ovation, acknowledging her remarkable career spanning decades.
Gibbs and Quinta Brunson presented the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie. However before they announced the winner Brunson asked Gibbs about the secret to her enduring success. With humor that only Marla Gibbs can deliver, she attributed her longevity in Hollywood to “the wage gap,” eliciting laughter from the audience. Gibbs playfully suggested that if great writers would create a role for her, she’d keep working and defy the notion of retirement, concluding with the timeless phrase, “Black don’t crack!”
The iconic moment was sealed with the announcement of Niecy Nash-Betts as the winner for her outstanding work in “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”
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Marla Gibbs, nominated for the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series every year from 1981-1985 for her role in “The Jeffersons,” has left an indelible mark on television. Known for her portrayal of the no-nonsense maid Florence Johnston, Gibbs’s talent and charisma have made her an icon in the industry. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021.
As the night unfolded, Quinta Brunson herself became an Emmy winner, securing the title of Best Actress in a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary.” In her emotional acceptance speech, Brunson expressed gratitude for living her dream and making history, echoing the groundbreaking achievements of icons like Marla Gibbs and Isabel Sanford.
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, originally scheduled for September and delayed due to industry strikes, delivered a night of celebration, nostalgia, and moments that will be remembered for years to come.