Marlene Clark Cause of Death

American actress, Marlene Clark has been reported dead. According to her family, she died on May 18, 2023, in her home in Los Angeles. She was 85 years old. No cause of death was revealed.

Born on December 19, 1949, Marlene Clark made an appearance in several films including For Love of Ivy (1968), Putney Swope (1969), The Landlord (1970), Stop (1970), Night of the Cobra Woman (1972), and more, during the early stages of her career.

She collaborated with Bill Gunn another time to star in the 1973 horror film, Ganja & Hess. A. H. Weiler of The New York Times wrote his review of the film that “Miss Clark is an arresting presence as the enamored Ganja. Also. she occasionally invests an unbelievable character with style and humor.”

Clark also appeared in the Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon that same year, where she played the role of a secretary. In 1974, she also starred in Black Mamba and The Beast Must Die. 

She appeared in Switchblade Sisters in 1975, and a few other films in the 70s including Clay Pigeon, Beware! The Blob, Newman’s Law, and more. She played the role of Janet Lawson, the fiance of Lamont Sanford in the 1970s sitcom Sanford and Son. 

Tributes have been pouring in across several social media platforms after her death was announced.

“Rest in eternal power, Marlene Clark. A stunning presence in many, an exploitation film, the best combination of her striking beauty and dramatic talent was best utilized in Bill Gunn’s masterful and brilliant GANJA & HESS in 1973,” Apollo Twin wrote.

“Rest in eternal power to Marlene Clark. I’m so grateful for her stunning performance in Bill Gunn’s brilliant Ganja & Hess (1973). She was so talented and beautiful,” Real Queen of Horror.

“Farewell Marlene Clark. She should be horror royalty. Marlene is also on one of my favorite movie posters ever despite only being in the movie briefly. Putney Swope. RIP,” Bandamla Yimenu said.

“Oh man, just heard that Marlene Clark passed away a couple of days ago. What a beautiful woman and a talented actress. I just re-watched Night of The Cobra Woman and talked about it and her on a podcast recently. RIP Angel,” Joe Filippone.