Police Academy star Marion Ramsay dies aged 73

Marion Ramsey in Police Academy
Handout

Police Academy star Marion Ramsay has died at the age of 73, her agent has announced.

Her management confirmed to the BBC that the actress died at her Los Angeles home on Thursday.

They said that Ramsey had died following a brief illness.

In a statement, her management Roger Paul Inc said: "Her passion for performing and sharing her heart with the world was immense," Roger Paul Inc 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."

Ramsey was perhaps best known for her portrayal of the squeaky-voiced Officer Laverne Hooks in six of the Police Academy films from 1984.

The actress in the popular movie series
Handout

However, the Philadelphia-born star also had a successful Broadway career.

She began her stage career in 1964 as a cast member in the original production of Hello, Dolly! She then starred in Miss Moffat opposite Bette Davis. She was also part of the1978 production Eubie! -  about jazz pianist Eubie Blake.

Her television debut came with a role in Keep on Truckin in the Seventies before she landed a regular role on Bill Cosby’s sketch show Cos.

She was also a guest in sitcom The Jeffersons in 1976.

The star was a voice actor for the animated series The Addams Family from the early 1990s, which aired for two seasons.

Towards the end of her career, she had guest appearances on Adult Swim shows Robot Chicken and Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!

Marion Ramsey in Police Academy
Handout

Ramsey was also a campaigner for AIDS awareness.

Today tributes were paid to the star as news of her death was released.

American actor Michael Winslow tweeted he had "no words to say or explain the pain" of losing Ramsey.

British producer Jonathan Sothcott wrote. "In the 80s the Police Academy films cast a long shadow over the comedy genre - they were everywhere & everyone watched them. #MarionRamsey was hilarious as Hooks - a fine comedic actress."

Sarah O’Connell added: “Very sad to hear that Marion Ramsey has died aged 73. She starred as Officer Laverne Hooks in the Police Academy series. I had the opportunity to meet Marion once, and she was lovely.”

Another fan wrote: “This has actually made me sad. The passing of Marion Ramsey they actress who played Hooks in Police Academy. This was one of my favourite movies when I was younger. Lots of happy memories associated with watching it with my mum. Rest in power.”

Another added: “Farewell to Marion Ramsey of Police Academy fame. In a world full of tough times she brought us the greatest gift...laughter.”

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