‘Sanford & Son’, Ganja & Hess Actor Is 85 – The Hollywood Reporter

Marlene Clark

Courtesy Everett Collection

Statue actress Marlene Clarke who portrayed Lamont’s fiancee Sanford and Son And it was featured in the movies of the 1970s Ganja and Hess, Switchblade sisters And Slaughter, is dead. She was 85 years old.

Clark died May 18 at her home in Los Angeles, her friend Tamara Lynch announced. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Clarke also starred in Roger Corman’s The Reptile Sectres. Night of the Cobra Woman (1972) and as one of the werewolves in the British horror film The beast must die. (1974), and she was an early victim under the direction of Larry Hagman. be carefull! Blob (1972)

Clarke played John Saxon’s secretary. Enter the dragon (1973), starring Bruce Lee, and her big screen work is also included. Black Mamba (1974) Newman’s Law (1974) Lord Shango (1975) and Baron (1977) she showed the opposite The beast must die. On screen husband, Calvin Lockhart.

In reality Ganja and Hess (He eventually gave up that lifestyle, but she soldiered on.) The film played as the only American entry in the Critics Week sidebar at the Cannes Film Festival that year.

In the year “There are so many layers to her personality,” she said of her character in 2000. Temple of Schlock Interview: “She’s such a bundle of contradictions. It was very rewarding to play that part.”

Clarke stars as a government agent in Jim Brown. Slaughter (1972) and Muff, the leader of an all-female black gang whose mission is to thwart murderous drug dealers. Switchblade sisters (1975), directed by Jack Hill.

She then recurred as Janet Lawson, the love interest of Demond Wilson’s character on NBC’s six episodes. Sanford and Son From 1976-77. Lamont’s pop Fred Sanford (Red Foxx) initially disapproves of the engagement, but he comes around to it.

Born in Harlem on December 19, 1937, Clark often spent her summers in her mother’s hometown of West Virginia.

She attended Morristown Junior College in Tennessee and New York City College and worked as a model before making her film debut. Love for Ivy (1968), starring Sidney Poitier.

Clark followed classes in John Schlesinger Midnight Cowboy (1969), Robert Downey Sr Putney Swope (1969) – in which she was an underrated flight attendant in an airline commercial – and Hal Ashby The owner (1970), co-authored by Lamb.

Gunn hired her as a director for the first time. stop! (1970), but the film was retained by Warner Bros. and given an X rating that had not been seen in years.

“Most of the movies I’ve starred in haven’t come out when they’re supposed to or never come out – and if the movies don’t come out, the studios don’t do anything to promote them. ” she said. “So you miss out on all the publicity that could lead to other jobs.”

But Clark managed to get work on episodes. Marcus Welby, M.D, Bonanza, Mod Squad, McCloud, Rookies, Barnaby Jones, Flamingo Road, Highway to paradise And Department head before giving up acting in the late 1980s.

While still an actress, she opened her own clothing store on Melrose Avenue in the 80s and later became the manager of Hal’s Bar and Grill in Venice Beach.

“For 15 years, she ran a busy restaurant scene where underground artists mingled with locals and movie and television stars,” Lynch said. She has a superior culinary vision combined with dynamic professional service, and she charts the LA restaurant scene with her brilliant eye.

“Marlin’s style was impeccable. She loved fashion, food and acting. She loses her big, full laugh that could fill a room. She leaves behind friends and family who will be forever grateful for her grace, love and beautiful heart. Marlene was one of our best examples of black beauty.

She was the second wife of actor Billy Dee Williams (they were married from 1968-71) and they appeared together in the 1970 NBC telefilm. Lost flight.