Marla Hendricks (TV character)

Infobox character
name = Marla Hendricks
series = Boston Public
colour =


caption =
first = 1x01 "Chapter One"
last = 4x15 "Chapter Eighty-One"
cause =
nickname =
alias =
species =
gender = Female
age =
born =
occupation = Professor
religion =
title =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
episode = 81
portrayer = Loretta Devine
creator = David E. Kelley

Marla Hendricks is a fictional character from the FOX drama "Boston Public" played by American actress Loretta Devine during the entire run.

Character history

Marla was a social studies teacher who suffered from severe bipolar manic depression, the effects of which were mainly only seen in Season 1. She had to take pills to make it through a stressful day, which seemed to be just about every day. She was occasionally depicted as a vocally religious woman, encouraging students to pray on school grounds and running a gospel choir. She was also frequently the one to give lectures to other faculty members, parents, or students about the financial and emotional challenges facing teachers, along with other topical issues such as bullying, multiculturalism, and the usage of the "N-word" by white people.

On the other hand, on many occasions, Marla was depicted, like Danny and Harvey, as someone who thought before she spoke. She was vocal and no-nonsense, and often insulted teachers, students, and even Steven when they needed it, or sometimes just because she needed it. Scott once accused her of being too emotional on too many different issues to the point it diluted her potency as an advocate. Her bold personality kept her from advancing into administration when she insulted a mayor's liaison when he interrupted a play rehearsal. In Season 3, she had a brief relationship with a political advocate played by Vern Troyer.

In Season 4, she decided to have a baby, and asked Steven if he would consider donating his sperm. When Steven refused, she continued to try to get pregnant but failed. Marla had a miscarriage, but later got the chance of experiencing motherhood when she took in a student named Rainy. Overall, Marla was considered an excellent and compassionate teacher, adept at reaching kids and parents. Like the other faculty, her personal foibles sometimes got in her way, but she was overall, there for the kids and her colleagues.