Renowned Comedian Ruth Buzzi Passes Away at 88
Ruth Buzzi, the beloved actress and comedian famous for her role as the cantankerous Gladys Ormphby on the television comedy series Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has passed away at the age of 88.
Buzzi died peacefully while asleep at her Texas residence on Thursday, as confirmed by her family. They noted that she had been under hospice care for an extended period due to Alzheimer’s disease.
“Just days before she passed, Ruth was still making us laugh,” her agent of over three decades, Michael Eisenstadt, shared with USA TODAY. “Her husband, Kent Perkins, who was nearly her partner for 48 years, mentioned this with a light heart. Ruth was not just a client to me but more like a family member; she was warm, affectionate, and perpetually humorous,” he added.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born in 1936 in Westerly, Rhode Island, Buzzi kickstarted her career in show business right after graduating high school by appearing on The Gary Moore Show. She soon became a familiar face on the CBS variety show The Entertainers, and her comedic talent was further showcased on The Steve Allen Comedy Hour. This exposure paved the way for her memorable stint on Laugh-In from 1968 to 1973, where she became known for several characters, though Gladys Ormphby remains her most iconic role. Gladys was known for her grumpy demeanor and her purse, which she often used comically as a weapon.
Buzzi holds the distinction of being one of only three cast members, and the sole woman, to appear in all 140 episodes of Laugh-In and a special episode in 1971. Her remarkable performance on the show earned her a Golden Globe in 1973 for Best Supporting TV Actress, along with Primetime Emmy nominations in 1969 and 1972.
Contributions Beyond Laugh-In
Beyond Laugh-In, Buzzi had an extensive career in television and voice acting. She portrayed Suzie Kabloozie on Sesame Street from 1993 to 2006. Her other notable appearances include roles on The Lost Saucer, Days of Our Lives, The Love Boat, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Saved by the Bell. Buzzi also lent her voice to several animated series, such as Plastic Man, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Paw Paws, The Berenstain Bears, and The Addams Family.
According to her agent, Buzzi battled Alzheimer’s disease for a decade and had faced significant health challenges recently. Her husband, Ken Perkins, revealed that she experienced multiple strokes in July 2022, which severely impacted her mobility and overall health. Despite these challenges, Perkins shared that she remained cognizant and could recognize her loved ones, responding with smiles to the supportive messages from her fans. “She confronts these challenges bravely and with humor, and she is very grateful for the continuous love and friendship over the past six decades,” he expressed on social media.
Ruth Buzzi is survived by her husband, Kent Perkins, to whom she was married since 1978. Her legacy as a pioneering female comedian who brought laughter to millions continues to endure.
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