Ruth Buzzi, beloved star of "Laugh-In," dies at 88
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Ruth Buzzi, the celebrated comedian and actress best known for her role as Gladys Ormphby on the groundbreaking sketch comedy show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 1, 2025, at her home in Texas.
She was 88 years old.
Buzzi had been in hospice care for several years due to complications from Alzheimer's disease, following a series of strokes in 2022 that left her bedridden.
Born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Ruth Buzzi's journey to stardom began early.
She honed her craft on the stage, joining the original Broadway cast of Sweet Charity in 1966, before making her mark on television.
Her early TV appearances on The Garry Moore Show and The Steve Allen Comedy Hour showcased her quick wit and knack for character work, but it was Laugh-In that made her a household name.
Gladys Ormphby: The spinster who stole our hearts
If you ever watched Laugh-In between 1968 and 1973, you’ll remember Ruth’s most iconic character: Gladys Ormphby.
With her hairnet, perpetually pursed lips, and deadly handbag, Gladys was the ultimate curmudgeon—always ready to whack a would-be suitor or wise guy.
Ruth’s portrayal was so beloved that it earned her a Golden Globe in 1973 and two Primetime Emmy nominations during her time on the show.
But Gladys was just one of many.
Ruth’s comedic range was vast, and she brought to life a parade of quirky, unforgettable characters that made Laugh-In a cultural phenomenon.
Her ability to make us laugh—sometimes with just a look—was a gift that spanned generations.
A career that spanned generations
Ruth Buzzi’s talents weren’t confined to sketch comedy.
She lent her voice to children’s classics, playing Suzie Kabloozie on Sesame Street from 1993 to 2006 and Mama Bear on The Berenstain Bears, earning Daytime Emmy nominations for both.
She appeared in everything from The Monkees and That Girl to The Love Boat, CHiPs, and even 7th Heaven.
Her film credits included the original Freaky Friday, and she was a regular guest on game shows and variety specials throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s.
For many Americans, Ruth’s voice and humor became part of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives, too—a rare feat for any entertainer.
Also read: Remembering Cindy Pritzker: The legacy of the Hyatt heiress who passed away at 101
Facing life’s challenges with humor
Ruth’s later years were marked by health challenges, including a series of strokes in 2022 and a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Yet, even as her health declined, her sense of humor never faded.
In a post after her stroke, she quipped, “Some people have strokes of luck; I had the other kind. But thanks for all your love, messages, cards, letters and Sweet Tweets! And although my final arrangements include cremation, I’m not quite ready to make an ash out of myself. xoxoxo.”
Her husband of 47 years, Kent Perkins, often shared updates with fans, describing how Ruth still enjoyed hearing messages from friends and family, and how she celebrated her 86th birthday with apple crunch pie and vanilla ice cream—her favorite.
Source: X / @Ruth_A_Buzzi.
Also read: A Heartbreaking Farewell—'Baywatch' Star Michael Newman Passes at 68
A lasting legacy
Ruth Buzzi’s impact on comedy and television is undeniable.
She was nominated for five Emmys over her career, and her work inspired countless comedians who followed.
But perhaps her greatest legacy is the joy she brought to millions.
Whether you remember her swinging that famous handbag or making a cameo on your favorite show, Ruth’s humor was always warm, inclusive, and a little bit mischievous.
She was also known for her quick wit off-screen.
In 2015, she joked on social media, “I would have probably had kids, but my cat’s allergic.”
It’s that kind of playful spirit that endeared her to fans for decades.
Ruth Buzzi’s life reminds us that laughter is a gift—one that can carry us through the best and worst of times.
Thank you, Ruth, for every smile, every giggle, and every belly laugh.
You’ll be missed, but never forgotten.
Read next: Arizona news anchor’s sudden death shocks community
As we say goodbye to Ruth Buzzi, we invite you to share your favorite memories of her. Did you have a favorite Gladys Ormphby moment? Did Ruth’s characters make you laugh during tough times? Maybe you introduced your grandkids to her voice on Sesame Street? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
She was 88 years old.
Buzzi had been in hospice care for several years due to complications from Alzheimer's disease, following a series of strokes in 2022 that left her bedridden.
Born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Ruth Buzzi's journey to stardom began early.
She honed her craft on the stage, joining the original Broadway cast of Sweet Charity in 1966, before making her mark on television.
Her early TV appearances on The Garry Moore Show and The Steve Allen Comedy Hour showcased her quick wit and knack for character work, but it was Laugh-In that made her a household name.
Ruth Buzzi brought generations of Americans joy with her unforgettable characters and timeless comedic charm. Image Source: YouTube / Facts Verse.
Gladys Ormphby: The spinster who stole our hearts
If you ever watched Laugh-In between 1968 and 1973, you’ll remember Ruth’s most iconic character: Gladys Ormphby.
With her hairnet, perpetually pursed lips, and deadly handbag, Gladys was the ultimate curmudgeon—always ready to whack a would-be suitor or wise guy.
Ruth’s portrayal was so beloved that it earned her a Golden Globe in 1973 and two Primetime Emmy nominations during her time on the show.
But Gladys was just one of many.
Ruth’s comedic range was vast, and she brought to life a parade of quirky, unforgettable characters that made Laugh-In a cultural phenomenon.
Her ability to make us laugh—sometimes with just a look—was a gift that spanned generations.
A career that spanned generations
Ruth Buzzi’s talents weren’t confined to sketch comedy.
She lent her voice to children’s classics, playing Suzie Kabloozie on Sesame Street from 1993 to 2006 and Mama Bear on The Berenstain Bears, earning Daytime Emmy nominations for both.
She appeared in everything from The Monkees and That Girl to The Love Boat, CHiPs, and even 7th Heaven.
Her film credits included the original Freaky Friday, and she was a regular guest on game shows and variety specials throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s.
For many Americans, Ruth’s voice and humor became part of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives, too—a rare feat for any entertainer.
Also read: Remembering Cindy Pritzker: The legacy of the Hyatt heiress who passed away at 101
Facing life’s challenges with humor
Ruth’s later years were marked by health challenges, including a series of strokes in 2022 and a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Yet, even as her health declined, her sense of humor never faded.
In a post after her stroke, she quipped, “Some people have strokes of luck; I had the other kind. But thanks for all your love, messages, cards, letters and Sweet Tweets! And although my final arrangements include cremation, I’m not quite ready to make an ash out of myself. xoxoxo.”
Her husband of 47 years, Kent Perkins, often shared updates with fans, describing how Ruth still enjoyed hearing messages from friends and family, and how she celebrated her 86th birthday with apple crunch pie and vanilla ice cream—her favorite.
Source: X / @Ruth_A_Buzzi.
Also read: A Heartbreaking Farewell—'Baywatch' Star Michael Newman Passes at 68
A lasting legacy
Ruth Buzzi’s impact on comedy and television is undeniable.
She was nominated for five Emmys over her career, and her work inspired countless comedians who followed.
But perhaps her greatest legacy is the joy she brought to millions.
Whether you remember her swinging that famous handbag or making a cameo on your favorite show, Ruth’s humor was always warm, inclusive, and a little bit mischievous.
She was also known for her quick wit off-screen.
In 2015, she joked on social media, “I would have probably had kids, but my cat’s allergic.”
It’s that kind of playful spirit that endeared her to fans for decades.
Ruth Buzzi’s life reminds us that laughter is a gift—one that can carry us through the best and worst of times.
Thank you, Ruth, for every smile, every giggle, and every belly laugh.
You’ll be missed, but never forgotten.
Read next: Arizona news anchor’s sudden death shocks community
As we say goodbye to Ruth Buzzi, we invite you to share your favorite memories of her. Did you have a favorite Gladys Ormphby moment? Did Ruth’s characters make you laugh during tough times? Maybe you introduced your grandkids to her voice on Sesame Street? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
