Marion Ramsey, star of the Police Academy, has passed away at the age of 73.
The comedy actress’ management confirmed the news Thursday afternoon – although no cause of death has been identified. However, Deadline reported that she had recently been ill.
Marion was best known for playing Officer Laverne Hooks in Police Academy. The star’s signature role came in the 1984 hit starring Steve Guttenberg. Her high-pitched voice and comical timing made her character stand out in the movie.
Police Academy was such a success that five sequels were released over the next five years, with Marion in all.
She also appeared on the hit Broadway show ‘Eubie!’ From 1978.
Born in Philadelphia, Marion began her career on stage just four years before, with productions of “Hello, Dolly!” The entertainer later co-starred with acting legend Bette Davis in the musical “Miss Moffat” – which became a huge flop.
It was around this time that Marion transitioned from the stage to the screen, landing a guest star on an episode of ‘The Jefferson’s’ from 1976.