Jamie Foxx's Emotional Tribute to Marla Gibbs after 'Jeffersons' Live Remake

Following the live remake of “The Jeffersons,” Jamie Foxx paid a moving tribute to Marla Gibbs, the last living member of the classic ‘70s sitcom’s main cast.

Last week, Foxx joined a host of Hollywood high-flyers starring in “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons,” a recreation of two iconic sitcoms that are beloved till this day.

THE BIG SURPRISE

The comedian/actor/singer, who played George Jefferson, is obviously a fan of the show because he couldn’t help getting emotional while reminiscing about being on stage with Gibbs, 87.

Gibbs is known for nailing her role as Florence Johnston, the blunt maid employed by George and his wife Louise “Weezie” Jefferson, originally played by the late Isabel Sanford and recreated in the live special by comedian, Wanda Sykes.

Gibbs made a surprise cameo in last week’s ABC remake, drawing thunderous and unending applause for the audience and admiration from the cast members, most notably Foxx.

GIBBS' LASTING LEGACY

The 51-year-old took to Instagram with a photo of him and Gibbs while admitting that writing the caption brings him to tears.

“Thinking about when she walked into that apartment and delivered those iconic lines, it was reminiscent of how she walked into all of our lives over 40 years ago and changed us forever,” Foxx continued. “With her quick wit and sharp tongue, she challenged George and us as a society every day.”

He added:

“She took a character of service and turned it into a character of strength and honor. She made us laugh. She made us cry... with confidence and ease... and she made us rush to that TV with the knobs on it and tune into her soul. And now to be in her presence, I am humbled... don’t know how GOD blessed me so much, but I’ll take it... @marlagibbs4real at 88 years young you still take our breath away.”

FAN OF A FAN

Responding to Foxx’s kind words in an Instagram post of her own, the Hollywood veteran described him as “sweet” and “talented” and declared herself a “fan.”

“I love you, my family loves you, and the world Loves you!!” Gibbs wrote to Foxx. “I’m a fan of yours too, and I too appreciate your contribution as an extraordinary artist and human being. Keep it up honey and let’s work together again soon!!”

STAR-STUDDED PRODUCTION

“Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons” originally aired on May 22 and as Gibbs later announced, ABC ran a repeat broadcast on May 25.

The live production also saw actors like Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Will Ferrell, and Jackee Harry, taking on beloved ‘70s sitcom characters from both shows while “American Idol” alum Jennifer Hudson, performed “The Jeffersons” catchy theme song “Movin’ on Up.”

TIMELESS ENTERTAINMENT

The epic remake, brought to life by the shows’ original creator Norman Lear, 96, and late night host Jimmy Kimmel, was first confirmed last month.

“They have said over and over again that these two shows were meant for the '70s and would not work today,” Lear had said in a statement. “We disagree with them and are here to prove, with two great casts depicting All in the Family and The Jeffersons, the timelessness of human nature.”

“The Jeffersons,” a spin-off of another Norman Lear production, “All In The Family,” follows the lives of George and Weezie, a black couple who moved from Queens to the East Side of Manhattan after George’s dry-cleaning business takes off.