Marion Ramsey, best known for her role in the "Police Academy" films, has died at 73. The actress passed away Thursday in her Los Angeles home, her manager, Roger Paul, confirmed.
"Marion carried with her a kindness and permeating light that instantly filled a room upon her arrival," he said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "The dimming of her light is already felt by those who knew her well. We will miss her and always love her."
Born in Philadelphia on May 10, 1947, Ramsey started her career on stage, according to Deadline. She drew interest in 1974 after appearing in the original Broadway, and touring production, of "Hello, Dolly!" She then starred alongside Bette Davis in the musical "Mis Moffat," which famously flopped, but relaunched her career four years later in "Eubie!"
It was during that time that she branched out into TV and film. Her debut came in 1976 when she appeared as a guest on "The Jeffersons." Ramsey went on to appear in various other films but her most memorable role was as the squeaky-voiced Officer Laverne Hooks in "Police Academy." Ramsey clinched the role in 1984 and appeared in the franchise's first six movies, then later reprised the role in the 1993 comedy video "John Virgo: Playing for Laughs."
Ramsey also lent her voice to 1992's animated series "The Addams Family" as well as an episode of the "Robot Chicken" in 2006. In addition to her acting career, the star was also a passionate AIDS/HIV awareness advocate.
She is survived by three brothers.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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