27 May 2023 , 04:05
376
0
The actress, animator and fashion model Marlene Clark has died, a friend of the star has announced.
The American star featured in a number of horror films and sitcoms and was aged 83 when she passed away earlier this month.
Marlene’s friend, Tamara Lynch, announced the death of the actress, revealing that she passed away at her own home in Los Angeles on Thursday 18 May.
A cause of death has not yet been revealed - while her friend made a heartfelt tribute to the star, declaring she had a ‘beautiful heart’.
Tamara told the Hollywood Reporter: "For 15 years she curated a bustling restaurant scene where underground artists mingled with locals and the stars of film and television.
Strictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tour
Marlene predominantly featured in films and TV shows in the 1970s (FILE)"She had a vision of culinary excellence coupled with dynamic professional service and would lay out the blueprint for the glamorous LA restaurant scene brilliantly casted with her discerning eye.
"Marlene’s style was impeccable. She loved fashion, food, and acting. Her large, full laugh that could fill a room will be missed. She leaves behind friends and family that will forever be grateful for her grace, love, and beautiful heart. Marlene was one of our finest examples of Black beauty."
The actress and former model died on the same day sports legend Jim Brown - who she appeared alongside in a 1972 film titled Slaughter.
Marlene featured in a number of horror films including the 1973 surrealist vampire drama Ganja & Hess.
And she played the recurring character Janet Lawson, across six episodes of NBC’s Sanford and Son from 1976 until 1977.
While a number of her projects saw delayed releases due to post production issues - including the allocation of ratings, like her 1970 film Stop! which was ultimately given an X-rating in the USA.
She said in a past interview: “Most of the movies I starred in didn’t come out when they were supposed to or never came out at all — and if the movies aren’t going to be released, the studios aren’t going to do anything to promote them.
“So you miss out on all that publicity that can lead to other jobs.”
As well as acting, Marlene was a business woman, opening a clothing store on Melrose Avenue in LA in the 1980s.
She later became manager of Hal’s Bar & Grill in Venice Beach.
Nail salon refuses to serve disabled teen saying it 'doesn't do people like her'
She was married to Star Wars actor Billy Dee Williams in the past (Shutterstock)The star was married once in 1968 to Star Wars actor Billy Dee Williams - who played Lando Calrissian - tying-the-knot in a ceremony in Hawaii.
Marlene went on to become the stepmother of Billy’s son Corey from his first marriage - however the couple eventually split and divorced in 1971.