Marlene Clark Passes Away at 83
Marlene Clark, known for her role as Lamont’s fiancée, Janet in the 1970s sitcom “Sanford and Son”, and Ganja Meda in the 1973 horror film “Ganja & Hess”, has died at the age of 83 in her Los Angeles home on May 18. The cause of her death is unknown, and her birth year is disputed, with reports stating she was born in Harlem on December 19, 1937, and others listing her birthdate on December 19, 1949.
Early Career
Clark worked as a model before getting into acting. Her debut in a major movie was in 1968’s “For Love of Ivy” alongside Sidney Poitier. She also appeared in 1969’s “Putney Swope”, directed by Robert Downey Sr., and “The Landlord” in 1970. She continued her career with films such as “Slaughter” and “Night of the Cobra Woman” in 1972, “Enter the Dragon” in 1973, “The Beast Must Die” in 1974, and “Switchblade Sisters” in 1975.
Life Beyond Acting
Clark left acting in the late 1980s, and proceeded to become the manager of a restaurant in Venice Beach, California. She also opened her own clothing store.
Personal Life
In 1968, Clark married “Star Wars” actor Billy Dee Williams, and the couple divorced in 1971.
Clark’s passing came on the same day as her “Slaughter” co-star and NFL legend Jim Brown, who was aged 87.
Demond Wilson, who portrayed Lamont Sanford, tweeted “RIP beautiful actress Marlene Clark. . . It was a delight to work with you…,” in tribute of her.
The Post contacted a representative for Williams for comment.
Source: nypost.com
