Ruth Buzzi, the beloved comedian best known for her role as the quirky and purse-wielding Gladys Ormphby on the iconic sketch comedy series “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” has passed away at the age of 88. Buzzi died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Texas on May 1, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and complications from a stroke she suffered in 2022.
Her family confirmed the news via a heartfelt post on her official Facebook page. Buzzi’s husband, Kent Perkins, shared a touching message on May 1, stating, “Ruthie left us while peacefully sleeping yesterday evening at home. She’d been in hospice care, disabled from a stroke in 2022 following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s ten years earlier.” Perkins also expressed gratitude for the support Buzzi received from her fans over the years, saying, “She wants you to know she probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them.”
Buzzi was born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, and raised in Stonington, Connecticut. She began her performance career early, taking ballet classes and participating in musical revues. At just 19 years old, she toured with crooner Rudy Vallee during a summer break from college. After graduating, Buzzi moved to New York City, where she quickly made a name for herself in the theater scene.
Her breakthrough came in 1964 when she joined the cast of “The Garry Moore Show.” This led to a series of appearances on various television shows, including “The Entertainers” and “That Girl.” However, it was her role on “Laugh-In,” which aired from 1968 to 1973, that solidified her status as a comedy legend. Buzzi was one of the original cast members and appeared in every episode of the show. Her unforgettable characters included the feisty Gladys Ormphby, who famously used her handbag as a weapon against the advances of Arte Johnson’s character, Tyrone F. Horneigh.
“Gladys embodies the overlooked, the downtrodden, the taken for granted, the struggler,” Buzzi once said in an interview. “So when she fights back, she speaks for everyone who’s been marginalized, reduced to a sex object or otherwise abused.” This relatable portrayal resonated with audiences, making her a standout performer on the show.
Throughout her career, Buzzi earned significant accolades for her work. She won a Golden Globe Award in 1973 and received five Emmy nominations, three of which were for her performances on “Laugh-In.” Her comedic talents extended beyond the show, as she also appeared in various TV specials and guest roles, including on “The Carol Burnett Show,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” and “Sesame Street,” where she voiced the character Ruthie.
Buzzi’s impact on comedy was profound, as noted by Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, who stated, “Ruth Buzzi brought a singular energy and charm to sketch comedy that made her a standout on ‘Laugh-In’ and the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. Her characters, especially the unforgettable Gladys Ormphby, captured the delightful absurdity of the era.”
Her talent was not limited to television; Buzzi also appeared in numerous films, including “Freaky Friday,” “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again,” and “Chu Chu and the Philly Flash.” She was a prolific voice actor, lending her talents to animated series such as “The Berenstain Bears,” “The Smurfs,” and “Pound Puppies.”
In 1978, Buzzi married actor Kent Perkins, and the couple later moved from California to a 640-acre ranch near Stephenville, Texas. They enjoyed a peaceful life together, away from the Hollywood spotlight. Buzzi remained active in comedy and social media, often sharing witty one-liners and engaging with her fans until her health declined.
As news of her passing spread, fans and former colleagues took to social media to express their condolences. Nancy Sinatra, a fellow performer, described Buzzi as “a comedic genius,” stating, “Working alongside her on ‘Laugh-In’ was the most fun I ever had working. I treasured her friendship and I am heartbroken to wake up to the news that she is gone. I love you, Ruthie.”
Ruth Buzzi’s legacy as a pioneering comedian and beloved television star will undoubtedly be remembered for generations. Her ability to blend humor with relatable characters made her a cherished figure in American entertainment. As fans reflect on her contributions, it is clear that Buzzi’s laughter and warmth touched countless lives, leaving an everlasting impact on the world of comedy.
