US EditionComedian and ‘Laugh In' star Ruth Buzzi dies at 88
- Comedian Ruth Buzzi, best known for her role as Gladys Ormphby on NBC's Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, died on May 1 at her Texas home at age 88.
- Buzzi's 45-year career rose from musical comedy and off-Broadway roles to national fame on the groundbreaking Laugh-In, where she appeared in all six seasons from 1968 to 1973.
- Her portrayal of the dowdy and overlooked Gladys Ormphby, who famously used her purse as a tool of defense, highlighted those who are marginalized, while Buzzi remained deeply appreciative of her acting career, never taking the opportunity for granted.
- Buzzi won a Golden Globe and earned two Emmy nominations, made over 200 TV appearances, and continued working despite her Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2012 and hospice care before death.
- Her family expressed gratitude to her fans, sharing that she likely enjoyed performing in the shows more than the audience enjoyed watching them, and they asked that donations be made to Alzheimer’s research instead of sending flowers.
214 Articles
214 Articles
Iconic Female Comedian Dead at 88, 'Comedic Genius'
Ruth Buzzi, best known for her unforgettable role as Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, passed away at 88 in Texas after battling Alzheimer’s. Her decades-long career in television and comedy left a lasting mark on American entertainment. Key Facts: Ruth Buzzi died Thursday at her home in Texas at age 88 following a battle with Alzheimer’s. She rose to fame on NBC’s Laugh-In (1968–1973), appearing in all six seasons. Buzzi earned a Go…
Ruth Buzzi, comedian known for ‘Laugh-In,’ dies at 88
May 3, 2025 (UPI) — Ruth Buzzi, the actress and comedian who played Gladys on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, died Thursday. She was 88. “She was in hospice care for several years with Alzheimer’s disease,” the statement reads. “ Her family requests donating to Alzheimer’s research (www.alz.org) in lieu of flowers.” Buzzi previously had multiple strokes, her second husband, Kent Perkins, shared on social media in 2022. Gladys was Buzzi’s most iconic …
Comedy sketch star Buzzi dies at age 88
LOS ANGELES — Ruth Buzzi, who rose to fame as the frumpy and bitter Gladys Ormphby on the groundbreaking sketch comedy series "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" and made over 200 television appearances during a 45year career, died Thursday. She was…
Ruth Buzzi, who played purse-wielding spinster on ‘Laugh-In,’ dies at 88 | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
LOS ANGELES >> Ruth Buzzi, famous for her work as handbag-wielding spinster Gladys Ormphby on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” died Thursday, her family announced Friday. The Emmy-nominated actor was 88.
‘Laugh-In’ star Ruth Buzzi, scowling lady with the handbag, dead at 88
By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Comic performer Ruth Buzzi, who played a counterpoint to the 1960s sexual revolution for laughs as the frumpy, hairnet-wearing, handbag-swinging spinster on U.S. prime-time television hit “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” has died at age 88. Buzzi succumbed to complications from Alzheimer’s disease at her ranch home near Fort Worth, Texas, on Thursday, 10 years after she was diagnosed, her longtime Los Angeles-…
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