Marlene Clark, Actress In ‘Sanford And Son’ and ‘Ganja & Hess,’ Dead at 85

Actress and fashion model Marlene Clark passed away on May 18 at her Los Angeles home, her friend Tamara Lynch confirmed to PEOPLE. She was 85-years old. No cause of death was revealed.

The veteran starlet was best known for portraying Ganja Meda in the 1973 horror film Ganja Hess, and the beloved character Janet Lawson, in the sitcom Sanford And Son.

Clark grew up in New York City’s Harlem area and went to junior college in Tennessee. Before her career in acting, Clark was a fashion model. In 1968, the sultry performer landed her first film role in the1968 film For Love of Ivy starring Sidney Poitier. In 1969, Clark released a satirical comedy called Putney Swope and the 1970 hilarious flick The Landlord.

As the rising star was making her mark in the film and tv industry, Clark married Billy Dee Williams in Hawaii. Unfortunately, their relationship ended in divorce just 3 years later.

Later on, Clark starred in Enter the Dragon, Lord Shango, Black Mamba, and The Jezebels, as well as the 1972 blaxploitation movie Slaughter with NFL legend and actor Jim Brown, who passed away on May 18–the same day as Clark.

Clark appeared in six episodes of Sanford and Son during its final two seasons in 1976 and 1977. She played the role of Janet Lawson, wife of junkyard owner Lamont–played by actor-turned-preacher, Demond Wilson. He paid tribute to her on Twitter.

Two days later after news was shared that Brown and singing legend Tina Turner passed away too, Wilson shared another post.

In the ’80s, Clark appeared in several shows like Barnaby Jones, Flamingo Road, Highway to Heaven, and Head of the Class.

Also in the ’80s era, Clark opened a Melrose Ave. clothing store and became the manager of Hal’s Bar and Grill in Venice Beach, California, for nearly 15 years.

Clark was a jewel that shared her gifts through television, film, theater, and business. She’s truly left a mark in this world.

Sending condolences to her family and friends.