Marla Gibbs’ eagerly anticipated Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony was briefly interrupted Tuesday as the 90-year-old guest of honor appeared to suffer from heat exhaustion in the middle of her acceptance speech.
The actress and singer, famous for roles in classic TV sitcoms “The Jeffersons” and “227,” was set to receive the 2,698th star from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at the event held outside the El Capitan Entertainment Center on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, which was attended by television producer Norman Lear and actress Tisha Campbell who made earlier speeches.
After thanking the event organizers and Lear, Gibbs paused and closed her eyes, as the temperature in Los Angeles rose to 88 deg in the afternoon sun. Her son quickly stepped in to catch her from falling.
A chair was rushed to the stage where Gibbs was then seated and then later moved to an indoor facility.
The event was broadcast live through the Hollywood Walk of Fame website.
The event continued after a half-hour delay.
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