Marion Ramsey has died at the age of 73, her rep has sadly confirmed.
A cause of death has not been determined, though the actress had been ill in recent days, according to Deadline.
She was best known for playing Officer Laverne Hooks in Police Academy.
The film was such a success that it spawned five sequels over the next five years with Marion appearing in all of them.
Her rep said in a statement: "Marion carried with her a kindness and permeating light that instantly filled a room upon her arrival.
"The dimming of her light is already felt by those who knew her well. We will miss her, and always love her."
Marion started her career on the stage and starred in the original Broadway and subsequent touring productions of Hello, Dolly!.
She also starred opposite Bette Davis in the musical Miss Moffat.
Another memorable role was in the hit 1978 Broadway show Eubie!.
Her TV career began with a 1976 guest appearance on sitcom The Jeffersons.
She also became a regular on the Bill Cosby sketch show Cos.
In 1984 she landed her most iconic role in Police Academy.
She became a stand-out star thanks to her high-pitched voice.
Marion reprised the role in the 1993 video John Virgo: Playing for Laughs and in a 2006 episode of Robot Chicken.
Her other TV credits include Modern Family, Beverly Hills, 90210 and MacGyver.
Her last known role was in Lavalantula, a TV thriller film.
She reunited with her Police Academy co-star Steve Guttenberg in the movie.
Marion was also a singer and songwriter.
She did not have any children.
The TV star is survived by her three brothers.
