Marion Ramsey (May 10, 1947 – January 7, 2021) was an American actress and singer. She was a regular on the series Cos but is best known for her role as the soft-spoken Officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy series. Later she appeared in the films Recipe for Disaster and Return to Babylon, and in the television films for SyFy, such as Lavalantula and 2 Lava 2 Lantula!.
Biography
Early life Born in Philadelphia on May 10, 1947, Ramsey's entertainment career started on stage.
Career She co-starred in Broadway shows, including productions of Eubie! and Grind, and toured the US in the musical Hello Dolly.
Her first television part was a guest role on the series The Jeffersons, and was a regular on Cos, the Bill Cosby sketch comedy series. In 1976, Her career in TV and film took off after she appeared as a guest on the hit sitcom The Jeffersons.
One of Ramsey's most memorable roles was that of Officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy films. She appeared as the character in the films: Police Academy (1984), Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985), Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986), Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987), Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach (1988), and Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989). Like most of her police academy co-stars, she did not return for the seventh and final film in the franchise, Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994). Ramsey lent her voice to the character Denise Pidgeon in the animated Police Academy series, which ran from 1988 to 1989. Ramsey was one of few main cast members of the series, to not guest appear in the sitcom, which aired from 1997 to 1998.
Later career Later in her career, she had guest appearances on Adult Swim shows Robot Chicken and Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!. In 2015, she reunited with Police Academy stars Steve Guttenberg and Michael Winslow in the Syfy camp film Lavalantula and its sequel 2 Lava 2 Lantula! the following year. Her final acting role was in the 2018 indie film When I Sing.
Ramsey was a singer and songwriter who wrote songs with Haras Fyre (composer of "Supernatural Thing," "This Time I'll Be Sweeter," "Satan's Daughter" for Gary Glitter, and others).
Ramsey was deeply committed to AIDS awareness and lent her voice for charitable causes, performing in "Divas Simply Singing," an annual fundraising event.
Ramsey was good friends with actress and singer Nell Carter.
Death She died at her Los Angeles home on January 7, 2021, after a short illness. She was survived by three of her brothers.
Filmography + Film and television roles Year Title Role NotesRefs1975Keep on Truckin'VariousRegular role 1976The JeffersonsTracy WilliamsEpisode: "The Breakup: Part 2"CosVariousRegular role 1984Police AcademyCadet Laverne HooksOn Police Academy: What an Institution! (UK: video title)Family SecretsLinda Jones1985Police Academy 2: Their First AssignmentOfficer Laverne Hooks1986Police Academy 3: Back in TrainingSgt. Laverne Hooks1987Police Academy 4: Citizens on PatrolOn Citizens on Patrol: Police Academy 4 (UK: poster title)1988Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach1989Police Academy 6: City Under Siege1990MacGyverPolice officerEpisode: "Harry's Will"1991Beverly Hills, 90210Careers CounsellorEpisode: "Stand (Up) and Deliver" 1993Johnny BagoNurse Roberta 'Bobbie' ThompsonEpisode: "Hail the Conquering Marrow"John Virgo: Playing for LaughsOfficer HooksDaddy DearestCop No. 21994The NannyWoman in AudienceEpisode: "The Strike"2001ManiactsHooker2003Recipe for DisasterMotorcycle CopTV movie2006Robot ChickenLaverne Hooks / TeacherVoice, Episode: "Sausage Fest" 2007Lord Help UsDoretha JacksonThe Stolen Moments of SeptemberMs. Henshaw2009Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!HarrietEpisode: "Harriet"2011Modern FamilyLady in salonEpisode: "Two Monkeys and a Panda"2012Who Killed Soul Glow?2013Return to BabylonBarbara's Maid2014Wal-Bob'sLillian2015Lavalantula Teddie TV movie 20162 Lava 2 Lantula!DaZe Vol. Too (sic) – NonSeNseMs. Thenusda Norbuckle2017VendettaWilhelmina Thibodeaux 2018When I SingReggie(final film role)
References
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