Marlene Clark facts for kids

Marlene Clark (born December 19, 1949 – died May 18, 2023) was an American actress, animator, and fashion model. She was well-known for her roles in the 1973 horror film Ganja & Hess, where she played Ganja Meda. Marlene Clark also starred as Janet Lawson, Lamont's girlfriend, in the popular TV show Sanford and Son. She was on the show from 1975 until it ended in 1977.

About Marlene Clark

Her Early Life

Marlene Clark was born on December 19, 1949. Sources say she was born in either New York City or Los Angeles, California. She grew up in the Harlem area of New York City. Before she became an actress, Marlene worked as a fashion model.

Her Acting Career

Marlene Clark appeared in many films and TV shows. In the 1960s, she was in movies like For Love of Ivy (1968) with Sidney Poitier. She also appeared in Putney Swope (1969), directed by Robert Downey Sr..

In 1970, Marlene was in The Landlord, which was Hal Ashby's first movie as a director. The writer of The Landlord, Bill Gunn, later cast her in his film Stop (1970). She also acted alongside Jim Brown and Stella Stevens in the movie Slaughter (1972). That same year, she was in Night of the Cobra Woman (1972).

Marlene Clark worked with Bill Gunn again for the 1973 horror film Ganja & Hess. She starred with Duane Jones in this movie. A film critic from The New York Times said that Marlene Clark was "an arresting presence" as Ganja. They also noted she brought "style and humor" to her character. In 1973, she also had a role as a secretary in the famous Bruce Lee movie Enter the Dragon.

Later, Marlene Clark appeared in Black Mamba (1974). She also starred with Calvin Lockhart, Michael Gambon, and Peter Cushing in The Beast Must Die (1974). In 1975, she was in Switchblade Sisters. Other movies she appeared in during the 1970s include Clay Pigeon (1971), Beware! The Blob (1972), and Newman's Law (1974). On television, Marlene Clark played Janet Lawson, who was Lamont Sanford's girlfriend in the popular 1970s TV show Sanford and Son.

Her Personal Life

In 1968, Marlene Clark married actor Billy Dee Williams in Hawaii. She became the stepmother to his son, Corey. Their marriage lasted for three years, and they divorced in 1971.

Her Passing

Marlene Clark passed away on May 18, 2023. Interestingly, her co-star from the movie Slaughter, Jim Brown, also passed away on the same day.

Film Roles