Marion Ramsey, Broadway and Police Academy Actress, Dies at 73
Marion Ramsey in Police Academy
Broadway and Police Academy actress Marion Ramsey is dead. She was 73.
Ramsey died at her home in Los Angeles on Thursday morning, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Her management team at Roger Paul Inc. did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
"Marion carried with her a kindness and permeating light that instantly filled a room upon her arrival," Roger Paul Inc. wrote in a statement obtained by the THR. "The dimming of her light is already felt by those who knew her well."
"We will miss her and always love her," the statement concluded.
The actress is best known for her performance as Officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy film franchise, beginning with the 1984 film Police Academy starring Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall and G.W. Bailey.
She went on to reprise the role Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985), Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986), Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987), Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988) and Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989).
Ramsey was also known for her Broadway performances in shows like Hello, Dolly and the Los Angeles production of The Little Shop of Horrors. She appeared in the production of Miss Moffatt with Bette Davis, as well as Harold Prince's Grind and Eubiel, according to THR.
The actress was born in Philadelphia in 1947 and began acting as early as 1976 when she appeared in The Jeffersons as Tracey Davis and landed a recurring role on the Bill Cosby sketch comedy show Cos, according to Essence.
Marion Ramsey in Police Academy 6: City Under Siege
Ramsey also had guest roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and MacGyver. Her work appeared in animated shows, as well, voicing characters in Robot Chicken and The Addams Family.
The actress was also a long-time advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness, according to Variety. She is survived by three brothers, the publication reported.
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