The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of one of its brightest comedic stars. Ruth Buzzi, the beloved actress and comedienne whose unforgettable portrayal of the feisty spinster Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In became a staple of American television, has passed away. She was 88.
With her trademark hairnet, perpetually scowling expression, and fierce handbag swings, Buzzi’s Gladys Ormphby became one of the most iconic characters in television history. Week after week, she brought belly laughs to living rooms across the country, often opposite Arte Johnson’s “dirty old man” Tyrone F. Horneigh in hilarious sketches that have remained etched in the memory of TV comedy lovers.
Born July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Ruth Ann Buzzi grew up in a small Connecticut town and discovered her passion for performance early on. A graduate of the Pasadena Playhouse, she began her career in theater before transitioning to television, where she would soon leave an indelible mark.
Buzzi’s breakout came in 1968 with Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, a zany, fast-paced variety show that was unlike anything audiences had seen before. The show’s offbeat humor and colorful cast struck a chord with the American public—and Ruth Buzzi was at its heart. Her impeccable timing, physical comedy, and expressive face made her sketches instant classics. She became a household name and earned a Golden Globe Award and five Emmy nominations for her work on the show.
Beyond Laugh-In, Ruth Buzzi had a diverse and successful career in television, film, and voice work. She made memorable appearances on shows such as The Carol Burnett Show, Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and Hollywood Squares, and voiced characters in animated favorites like The Berenstain Bears and Pound Puppies. She also starred in several Dean Martin celebrity roasts and appeared in films like The Villain (1979) and Freaky Friday (1976).
But beyond her many roles, Buzzi was known for her warmth, humility, and kindness. Off screen, she was a devoted animal lover, philanthropist, and active supporter of charitable causes. She shared a loving marriage of over 40 years with her husband, Kent Perkins, and together they lived a quiet, happy life on a Texas ranch in her later years.
Her passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic television. Ruth Buzzi didn’t just make people laugh—she made them feel joy, nostalgia, and connection in a way only true artists can. Her characters were never mean-spirited or cruel; even at their zaniest, they radiated heart.
In recent years, fans continued to cherish her via social media, where Buzzi remained active and engaged, always sharing a kind word, a funny memory, or a bit of wisdom with those who loved her. Her enduring grace and sense of humor remained intact, even through personal health challenges in her later years.
As tributes pour in from fellow performers, fans, and entertainment institutions, it is clear Ruth Buzzi’s legacy will live on for generations to come. She was not only a trailblazer for women in comedy but a treasured presence whose laughter echoed far beyond the television screen.
Rest in peace, Ruth Buzzi. You made the world a funnier, kinder, and more joyful place. Your handbag-wielding Gladys may have always seemed grumpy—but you left behind a world filled with smiles.