Marki Bey

Marki Bey, born Marqueeta Bey on March 1, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, emerged as a notable figure in the blaxploitation era of American cinema. Growing up in a vibrant African‑American community, she developed an early fascination with performance, which eventually led her to pursue acting in the late 1960s. Her breakthrough came with the 1974 horror‑blaxploitation cult classic Sugar Hill, where she portrayed the charismatic and determined Diana "Sugar" Hill, a role that cemented her legacy among genre enthusiasts. Bey's filmography, though brief, is marked by a variety of supporting parts: she debuted as Lanie in The Landlord (1970), appeared in Class of '74 (1972) and The Roommates (1973), and later took on the role of Julie in Hangup (also known as Super Dude) the same year. After her early film work, Bey transitioned to television, gracing episodes of popular series such as Starsky and Hutch, Baretta, and Charlie’s Angels between 1975 and 1979, showcasing her versatility across genres. In 1974, she married fellow actor Don Fenwick, a partnership that later evolved into a shared entrepreneurial venture; together they operate the Murder Mystery Cruises in Los Angeles, offering immersive theatrical experiences on the water. Beyond the screen, Bey is an avid stamp collector, a hobby that reflects her meticulous and patient nature. Though she retired from acting in the early 1980s, her contributions to the blaxploitation movement and her continued involvement in entertainment through live performance keep her a respected and memorable figure in film history.