Marla Gibbs, 93, Says She’s ‘Ready to Work Again’ at ABFF Honors

Marla Gibbs is celebrating her prolific career in Hollywood — and is ready for more!

The Jeffersons alum, 93, received the Hollywood Legacy Award at the American Black Film Festival Honors in Los Angeles on Monday, Feb. 17, for her prolific career as an actress and producer. The event, which was established in 2016, pays tribute to Black artists who have championed diversity and inclusion and made significant contributions to American entertainment.

Gibbs was presented with the award by Regina King, her former NBC 227 costar. Gibbs immediately expressed her excitement at having King, 54, by her side. 

“I’m also excited to be honored today. To be honored is wonderful. Especially while you’re still here on the planet,” Gibbs began her acceptance speech. “I had some ladies come to me and they said, ‘Marla, I’ve always wanted to act. Do you think it’s too late?’ I said, ‘Are you still breathing?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ ” Adding, “It’s not too late. As long as you’re here and you’re still breathing.”

“I’ve been so blessed,” she said, as she acknowledged that she is celebrated for her work as no-nonsense maid Florence Johnston on the groundbreaking sitcom The Jeffersons. The CBS series aired from 1975 to 1985 and followed an affluent Black couple who move from Queens to Manhattan. She was nominated for the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series every year from 1981-1985 for her role in the series.

After Jeffersons concluded, she then starred alongside King in 227 from 1985 to 1990 and portrayed the daily life of a middle-class Black family in Washington, D.C.

“Tonight, I am so happy not only to have my daughter Regina, but my daughter Angela [Gibbs],” she said. Marla and her ex-husband Jordan Gibbs shared three children: Angela, 70, Dorian, 61, and Joseph. 

“And my agents, who have won the award several times as the best agents,” she said before adding, “They know that I am ready to work again. Anybody got any projects?”

“Thank you so much. Everybody who watched the show. I say thank you. I owe you a big bowl of thanks. If you hadn’t watched, I would not be. Since you watched, I am,” she stated.

“I owe it all to you. I appreciate you so much. Been an honor to be among you all these years,” she said, before reiterating, “Yes, and I’m ready to do some more!”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Along with Gibbs’ award at the Feb. 17 event, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor was awarded the Excellence in the Arts Award, Keke Palmer was honored with the Renaissance Award, Aaron Pierre was recognized with the Rising Star Award and Giancarlo Esposito was given the Excellence in the Arts Award.