Los Angeles, California - Marion Ramsey, best known for her role as Officer Laverne Hooks in the film franchise Police Academy, has died unexpectedly at the age of 73.

Ramsey passed away January 7 in her home in Los Angeles, her according to her spokesperson. No cause of death was given.

Born in Philadelphia on May 10, 1947, Ramsey's career initially took off on stage. She co-starred in Broadway shows, including productions of Eubie! and Grind, and toured the nation in the musical Hello Dolly. In 1974, she appeared alongside Bette Davis in the Broadway-bound musical Miss Moffat.

The actor made her pivot to the screen with a guest role on The Jeffersons in 1976 and later became a regular on Bill Cosby's sketch show Cos.

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She played Officer Hooks through all six entries in the Police Academy franchise, which were released between 1984 and 1989. The actor was known for her soft and quiet voice which she contrasted with sudden high-pitched outbursts.

More recently, she starred alongside Steve Guttenberg in the science fiction blockbuster Lavalantula and its sequel 2 Lava 2 Lantula! the following year. Her final acting role was in the 2018 indie film When I Sing.

"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," her manager Roger Paul told CNN in a statement.