The secret to longevity in Hollywood? The wage gap, according to the incomparable Marla Gibbs.
The Jeffersons alum, 92, took the stage with Quinta Brunson to present the nominees for Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 2023 Emmy Awards, where she received a standing ovation before schooling the crowd on Hollywood 101.
“Your career has literally spanned decades,” Brunson says. “You got your first job in 1973 and you are still working, What’s the secret to working in Hollywood for so long?”
Gibbs quips, “Oh that’s easy, baby: the wage gap. I got to work 20 more years before I retire, but if you great writers write something for me I’ll just keep on working and cut into that wage gap. Black don’t crack, baby. It’s never too late.”
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The dynamic duo then presented the award to Niecy Nash-Betts for her work in Ryan Murphy’s Dahmer.
Gibbs is most beloved for her role as wisecracking maid Florence Johnston on Norman Lear‘s groundbreaking sitcom The Jeffersons, for which she received five Emmy nominations. Other memorable credits include 227 and The Hughleys.
Earlier in the evening, an emotional Brunson took home the win for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary, making her the first Black woman to win the category since Isabel Sanford’s 1981 win for The Jeffersons. “I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy,” she said in her speech. “I love my mom, my dad, my sisters, my brothers, my entire family so much. I love my husband. I love my cast. I love Abbott Elementary. Thank you so much.”
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