Police Academy star Marion Ramsey dies at 73… after an illustrious screen and stage career that was notable for her iconic soft and squeaky voice
Marion Ramsey, most famous for playing soft-spoken Officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy comedy films throughout the 1980s, has passed away.
She was 73 years of age at the time of her death on Thursday, in Los Angeles, California.
While a cause of death has not yet been announced, her management team at Roger Paul Inc. confirmed Ramsey’s passing.
RIP: Marion Ramsey, most famous for playing soft-spoken Officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy comedy films throughout the 1980s, has passed away
And as Deadline reports, the actress had been ill in recent days.
Marion appeared in all six Police Academy films, which spanned the years of 1984 until 1989.
The uproarious movie franchise, costarring Steve Guttenberg and George Gaynes, cemented Ramsey’s comedic status as the wispy-voiced Sgt. Hooks who occasionally went berserk.
Cause of death unspecified: Marion was 73 years of age at the time of her death on Thursday, in Los Angeles; seen here in October 2019
The Philadelphia-born actress began her career on stage, appearing on Broadway in the original production of Hello, Dolly!
In 1974, Marion also starred in the musical flop Miss Moffat opposite Bette Davis.
Four years later, she was part of the well-received, Tony-nominated Broadway musical Eubie!, which also starred Gregory and Maurice Hines.
Parallel to this, Ramsey kickstarted her career in TV and film, beginning with a 1976 guest appearance on the hit sitcom The Jeffersons.
Comedic gold: Marion appeared in all six Police Academy films, cementing her comedic status as the wispy-voiced Sgt. Hooks who occasionally went berserk; seen here in the 1984 original
Around the same time, she also became a regular on the sketch comedy series Cos.
Other notable TV credits include Beverly Hills, 90210, MacGyver, The Nanny and Robot Chicken.
Marion was also a dedicated activist in the AIDS/HIV awareness space, having performed in Sheryl Lee Ralph’s annual fundraising event Divas Simply Singing in Los Angeles.
Decorated stage actress as well: Marion appeared in several lauded Broadway productions, including Hello, Dolly! and Eubie!; seen here in 2013
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