Alex Carson
Marion Ramsey was a wonderful comedic actress, best known for her role as Sergeant Laverne Hooks in the film series Police Academy, where she acted alongside Steve Guttenberg. The first film was released on March 22nd, 1984, and soon became so popular that it is now regarded as a cult classic. People loved Police Academy so much that it inspired six more sequels, all of which Marion Ramsey would appear in, as well.
While the Police Academy series would certainly be Marion Ramsey’s most memorable work, she actually got her start as a Broadway actress. From there, she successfully transitioned to film and television roles. Even after the Police Academy series ended, she would go on to act in many more films.
Throughout her life, Marion Ramsey appeared in thirty-one film and television roles, including the Police Academy series, Return to Babylon, and Lavalantula. She had a long and prolific career as an actress that spanned a total of 43 years. While her talents as an actress would never be rewarded by prestigious accolades, her talent allowed her to keep working as an actress. She never fizzled out or quietly retired from her passion.
However, despite being well known for her role in Police Academy, as well as several other films and television shows, much of Marion Ramsey’s life story is a mystery. Perhaps, because she rarely starred alongside A-list celebrities, she didn’t have as many devoted fans as many other celebrities do today.
Sadly, Marion Ramsey passed away on January 7th, 2021. While friends, family, and fans were all devastated to hear of the loss, many people have finally taken the opportunity to acknowledge all the good she did throughout her life. Fellow celebrities, as well as longtime fans of the Police Academy series have been writing meaningful tributes to the wonderful actress, whose long career has finally come to an end.
Marion Ramsey will always be remembered for her contributions to film and Broadway. The talented actress lived a long life surrounded by fans and loved ones, and even though she’s gone, her legacy will continue to live on for many years. In today’s video, we’re going to take a look at Marion Ramsey’s long and successful career, as well as some of the highlights of her life. Make sure you stick around, because we’re also going to reveal how Ramsey’s famous character in Police Academy is drastically different from Ramsey’s personality in real life.
Marion Ramsey’s Early Life
Marion Ramsey was born on May 10th, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up with three brothers, who are still alive today and are all currently mourning the loss of their sister. While there isn’t much else known about her family or early life, we do know that she was determined to pursue life as an actor. Because acting is such a risky career path, it just shows that Marion Ramsey had guts and confidence from a young age. She started out acting in Broadway shows, where she became a regular on the stage.
Eventually, however, Ramsey decided to take her acting skill to the big screen, and transitioned to acting in both film and television. Her first onscreen role was in 1975, where she appeared in the comedy show Keep on Truckin’.
She Is Very Different from Her Character in Police Academy
Marion Ramsey will probably be remembered as her most iconic character, Sergeant Laverne Hooks. This character has a distinctively squeaky voice, as well as a shy and jumpy personality. In real life, however, close friends, family, and colleagues have asserted that Marion Ramsey was as different as possible from this character. In real life, Marion Ramsey was known for a bold and commanding voice. She certainly had a presence backstage, but when it came to acting for the cameras, she could morph into a different person entirely!
She Wore a Fatsuit in Police Academy
Believe it or not, while performing her role as Sergeant Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy series, the producers wanted her to wear a fatsuit. Originally, producers intended to switch the fatsuit out for increasingly thinner suits, so that it looked like Marion Ramsey’s character lost weight throughout the series. Eventually, however, the producers decided against this idea, and she simply stayed in a fatsuit for the entirety of the film franchise.
She Preferred to Live a Private Life
Many Hollywood stars and other celebrities enjoy the attention of the spotlight, and have no problem declaring all of their relationships and struggles to the rest of the world. Other celebrities prefer a quieter and more private life. Marion Ramsey was certainly one of these people. While she was never afraid to be confident both onstage and onscreen, she always carefully separated her work life from her personal life.
While little is known about Marion Ramsey, it is believed that she was single for much of her life. There is no record of any engagement or marriage to anyone else, and she has no children. Still, despite this quiet way of life, she touched many people around her, and longtime friends described her as being gentle, loving, and kind to everyone she met.
She Had a Successful Broadway Career
Marion Ramsey first got her start in acting on Broadway. Most famously, she appeared in the original Broadway production of Hello Dolly! She also co-starred in Broadway productions such as Eubie! and Grind. She had an impressive singing voice, as well as a commanding stage presence. However, later on, she would decide to transition to film and television, instead.
While Marion Ramsey would never become as famous as some actors and actresses we know today, she never gave up on her passion. Make sure you stick around until the very end, because we’re going to reveal how friends and family dealt with her passing. And if you’re enjoying this video so far, please take a moment to like this video, and don’t forget to subscribe to Facts Verse for more!
She Was a Huge Advocate for People Struggling with HIV and AIDS.
Marion Ramsey devoted much of her life to raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. The terrible illness has claimed millions of lives, and before any treatments were discovered and distributed, many people were left to die with devastating and painful symptoms. There has always been a lot of terrible stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV and AIDS, which Marion Ramsey worked hard to combat.
A lifelong singer, Ramsey appeared at an annual fundraiser, where she performed the song “Divas Simply Singing” in order to raise more money for the cause. She was deeply empathetic towards those suffering from AIDS and HIV, and she extended her whole heart towards those people for many long years.
She Also Worked as a Musician
Marion Ramsey led a rich and full life outside of acting. She also worked as a songwriter alongside Haras Fyre, who is known as the composer behind songs such as “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter,” “Supernatural Thing,” and “Satan’s Daughter.” While Marion Ramsey never launched a solo career as a singer, her voice was incredibly popular among friends, family, and fans.
She Was Close Friends with Leslie Easterbrook
While filming the Police Academy film franchise, Marion Ramsey developed a close friendship with Leslie Easterbrook, who, aside from her own role in Police Academy, is well known for her role as Rhonda in the show Laverne & Shirley. She has also had successful work as a producer. While Leslie Easterbrook has not yet released a statement regarding the loss of her close friend and colleague, it’s all too easy to imagine the grief she must be feeling at Marion Ramsey’s death.
She Acted Until Two Years Before Her Death
Marion Ramsey may have been 73 at the time of her death, but even as she was growing older, she refused to quit acting until two years before her death. Later in life, she starred in the film Lavalantula, as well as its sequel, 2 Lava 2 Lantula. Her final acting credit was in the 2018 film When I Sing, as the character Reggie.
Overall, Marion Ramsey’s acting career spanned 43 years, and she appeared in 31 film and television roles, as well as many Broadway productions. While she may not be as well known as actors like Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, or Matt Damon, she certainly had a prolific and successful career.
Marion Ramsey’s Final Days
Marion Ramsey’s manager, Roger Paul, released a statement saying “Marion carried with her a kindness and permeating light that instantly filled a room upon her arrival. The dining of her light is already felt by those who knew her well. We will miss her, and always love her.”
Marion Ramsey died on January 7th, 2021, and while no concrete cause of death was given, it was revealed that she was ill in the days prior to her death. Ramsey’s body was cremated, and her family members will scatter her ashes in the ocean, per her request.
Marion Ramsey lived a rich and wonderful life, and fans will remember her talent for many long years. Were you more surprised to learn that Marion Ramsey was close friends with Leslie Easterbrook, or that she worked as an advocate to bring awareness to HIV and AIDS? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to Facts Verse for more!
