The Jeffersons star Marla Gibbs has joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy for the show’s 19th season.
According to Deadline, Gibbs has joined the hit ABC show’s cast as the recurring role of a fictional character, Joyce Ward–the grandmother of new intern Simone Griffith (Alexis Floyd), who resides in Seattle. Ward will reportedly be introduced in episode 1902 and appear in episode 1903.
Gibb’s character will shed light on the new resident’s history with Grey Sloan and her complicated family dynamic. Floyd is described as funny, intelligent, and a high achiever, but she never wanted to work at the hospital due to her painful experience there.
In addition to the on-screen Seattle native, four other Grey Sloan interns have been added to Grey’s Anatomy’s cast: Adelaide Kane (Jules Millin), Harry Shum Jr. (Daniel “Blue” Kwan), Midori Francis (Mika Yasuda), and Niko Terho (Lucas Adams).
Gibbs previously appeared on Grey’s Anatomy spinoff show Station 19 and Shondaland‘s hit political drama Scandal. The beloved veteran actress also had a recurring role on the legendary soap opera Days Of Our Lives. She’s widely known for her iconic role as Florence Johnston on The Jeffersons, which ran for eleven seasons from 1975 to 1985. The role earned her five nominations, among others.
The 91-year-old reportedly reprised her most famous role in a surprise appearance on ABC’s 2019 special Live In Front Of A Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family and ‘The Jeffersons.’ She additionally appeared in several legendary Black series, including A Different World, Martin and The Hughleys.
“I just finished my book. It’s called ‘It’s Never Too Late.’ That’s my story. And I’m sure it’s a lot of other people’s story,” The Jefferson’s star told The Hollywood Reporter back in February. She noted that despite her age, she refuses to slow down and encouraged others to do the same.
“I’m sure [the book] should be encouraging to a lot of people who think it’s too late.'”
