Marion Ramsey, the star of the “Police Academy”, died at the age of 73.
The comedian’s management confirmed the news on Thursday afternoon – although no cause of death has been determined. However, Deadline reported that she had been ill recently.
Marion was best known for her role as Officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy. The star’s signature role came in the 1984 hit, which starred Steve Guttenberg. Her strong voice and comic timing made her a remarkable character in the film.
The “police academy” was so successful, five sequels appeared in the next five years, with Marion appearing in all of them.
She also appeared in the 1978 hit Broadway show “Eubie!”
Marion, who was born in Philadelphia, began her stage career just four years earlier, singing in productions of “Hello, Dolly!” The animator later starred alongside acting legend Bette Davis in the musical “Miss Moffat” – which became a massive flop.
During this time, Marion went from stage to screen and landed a guest role in a 1976 episode of “The Jefferson’s.”