Comedy legend Ruth Buzzi has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and unforgettable characters on the iconic series ‘Laugh-In’. Born in Rhode Island in 1936, Buzzi began her career as a cheerleader and later enrolled in the Pasadena Playhouse’s College of Theatre Arts. She earned an Actors’ Equity union card performing with singer Rudy Vallee and was hired for lead roles in several off-Broadway musical revues.
Buzzi rose to fame playing the character Gladys Ormphby on ‘Laugh-In’, a quirky and bitter housewife who often clashed with Arte Johnson’s Tyrone F. Horneigh. The show ran from 1968 to 1973, during which time Buzzi became known for her unique energy and charm.
Throughout her five-decade career, Buzzi appeared in numerous TV shows, music videos, and films, including ‘Freaky Friday’ and ‘The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again’. She won a Golden Globe and was a two-time Emmy nominee for her work on ‘Laugh-In’. Buzzi remained friends with fellow ‘Laugh-In’ co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jo Anne Worley.
After retiring from acting in 2021, Buzzi suffered a series of strokes the following year. Her husband Kent Perkins confirmed that she had dementia before her passing at home in Texas. Fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of this beloved comedy legend, who brought joy and laughter to countless audiences around the world.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/ruth-buzzi-dead-88-laughin-0ad12e343297d352fe5406067851367f