Ruth Buzzi, the beloved comedian and actress, passed away at the age of 88 at her home in Texas. Known for her unforgettable role as the cranky and sharp tongued Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, Buzzi had a career that spanned over 45 years and more than 200 television appearances.
Buzzi lived a quiet and happy life off screen, especially in her later years. She was married to Kert Perkins, who supported her through her long career and health challenges. They lived in Texas, where Buzzi enjoyed a peaceful life away from Hollywood. In her final years, she was diagnosed with Alzheimers and entered hospice care, with her husband by her side. Despite her illness, she remained grateful for her fans. Her husband shared on Facebook that Buzzi likely has “more fun doing those shows than you had watching them.”
Buzzi’s breakout role came on Laugh-In, where she was the only regular to appear in all six seasons of the popular sketch show from 1968 to 1973. Her character Gladys Ormphby became iconic – dressed in dull brown clothing, a hairnet tied tightly over her bun, and always carrying her weapon of choice: a heavy handbag. Gladys often used it to whack people over the head, especially the character Tyrone F. Horneigh, played by Atre Johnson.
“Ruth Buzzi was a comedic genius,” said Nancy Sinatra, an American singer and actress. “I treasured our friendship and I am heartbroken that she is gone. I love you, Ruthie.”
The Laugh-In creator, George Schlatter, spotted Buzzi playing characters on The Steve Allen Comedy Hour and immediately saw her talent. He wrote in his memoir, Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy, “I must admit that the hairnet and the rolled-down stockings did light my fire.”
In addition to Laugh-In, Buzzi appeared on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, where she playfully roasted celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. Her energy and creativity left a lasting impression. Journey Gunderson, director of the National Comedy Center, said, “Her characters, especially the unforgettable Glady Ormphby, captured the delightful absurdity of the era.”
Buzzi never let fame get to her heart. “I never took my work for granted, nor assumed I deserved more of the credit or spotlight or more pay than anyone else,” she said in an interview. “I was just thrilled to drive down the hill to NBC every day as an employed actor with a job to do.”
Ruth Buzzi will be remembered for her humor, her humility, and her groundbreaking work in comedy.
