We are sad to report that film and Broadway actress Marion Ramsey has died, the news reported for the first time. Limit date citing his management team to Roger Paul Inc. Ramsey was best known for appearing as Officer Laverne Hooks in six of the Police Academy films in the 1980s. No cause of death was reported at the time of publication, but the trade notes that Ramsey had been ill for a few days. Ramsey was 73 at the time of his passing. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this tragic time.
Born on May 10, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ramsey’s career began on the stage where she starred in the original version of Hello, Dolly !, on Broadway, which appeared on the Broadway version from 1964 to 1970, and later on tour production that same year. His other credits on stage include Eubie !, Rock ‘N Roll! The first 5,000 years, Grind and Uptown … it’s hot!
Ramsey’s role in the Police Academy series would begin with the first film where his character was introduced, then Cadet Laverne Hooks. The recurring gag with Hooks was her soft, gentle nature, including the annoying disposition that often made her explode in a scene to call someone. She would reprise her role in the five sequels, Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, 3: Back in Training, 4: Citizens on Patrol, etc., starring Steve Guttenberg, Bubba Smith, David Graf, Michael Winslow, Bruce Mahler and Bobcat Goldthwait. Ramsey even repeated his part for an episode of Robot Chicken.
His career in film and television was not limited to this series of funny comedies, which appeared in the sketches / varieties Keep On Truckin ‘and Cos, as well as appearances in The Jeffersons, The Nanny, Beverly Hills, 90210, MacGyver and Modern Family. She recently appeared in SYFY’s original 2915 film Lavalantula, starring alongside her Police Academy co-stars Steve Guttenberg and Michael Winslow. He repeated his part for the 2016 sequel, 2 Lava 2 Lantula, too. Its final credit was the 2018 comedy / drama When I Sing.
To further consolidate her role as a multi-screenwriter, Ramsey also worked as a singer and songwriter, writing songs for soul singer Pat Hodges and the female group The Sweet Inspirations.
According to the Hollywood business, three brothers survive Ramsey. May he rest in peace.
(Photo of Bobby Bank / Getty Images)