Sitcom star Marlene Clark has died at 85 (Picture: NBC)

Actress Marlene Clark has died at the age of 85.

The star died at home in Los Angeles earlier this month after a career stretching over decades.

Her close friend Tamara Lynch confirmed the news on Friday, paying tribute to her ‘tenacious’ personality and work ethic.

Clark was best known for appearingin sitcom Sanford and Son, as well as classic horror movie Ganja & Hess and Night of the Cobra Woman.

Born in 1949, Clark made her showbiz debut as a teenager in For The Love of Ivy, going on to appear in the likes of The Bill Cosby Show, Slaughter and Enter the Dragon.

Her final appearance as an actress came in 1988 in sitcom Head of the Class.

Head of the Class was Clark’s last major outing as an actress in 1988 (Picture: Getty)

Lynch told People her late friend was an ‘extraordinary woman,’ paying tribute to her ‘grit’ and ‘command of attention’ despite her small stature.

‘She was tenacious in her love of art, film, and expression,’ and retained her work ethic until the day she died.