Ruth Buzzi was a singular force in American comedy, an actress who built a career on razor-sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and a sense of humor that lit up screens for decades. From the wildly popular Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In to her quiet contributions behind the scenes in her later years, Ruth Buzzi never strayed from her commitment to making people laugh. Her comedic timing, physical humor, and warm screen presence earned her a permanent place in entertainment history and in the hearts of fans across generations. Her passing in May 2025 marks the end of a truly golden chapter in comedy.
Saying Goodbye to Ruth Buzzi
On May 1, 2025, Ruth Buzzi passed away at the age of 88, surrounded by loved ones at her Texas ranch. She had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for over a decade and experienced a sharp decline in health following a series of strokes in 2022. The announcement of her passing brought an outpouring of appreciation for a woman who had quietly stepped away from the spotlight, but never from the hearts of those who admired her.
Ruth Buzzi’s death struck a chord far beyond the entertainment industry. Her fans, spanning from those who grew up with Laugh-In to those who discovered her through reruns, shared memories of how her humor lifted spirits in challenging times. She was a funny, timeless, and rare comedian whose material was sharp yet warm, and biting yet playful. Losing her is like losing a thread in the fabric of American television history.
Why she will be missed is simple: no one did it quite like Ruth Buzzi. Her fearless performances, from slapstick battles with Artie Johnson to guest spots on Sesame Street, demonstrated not only range but depth. She could swing a purse with comedic ferocity or melt hearts with a raised eyebrow. In a world that often forgets its pioneers, Buzzi remains unforgettable.
The Career of an Icon
Born in 1936 in Rhode Island and raised in Connecticut, Ruth Buzzi’s flair for performance emerged early. She graduated from the Pasadena Playhouse in California, launching into a career that began on stage and quickly moved to television. Her breakthrough came on The Steve Allen Show, where her eccentric characters caught the attention of producers and viewers, paving the way for her signature role on Laugh-In.
As Gladys Ormphby, the purse-wielding spinster who never backed down from confrontation, Buzzi became a sensation. The character was a cultural touchstone. She was the only performer to appear in every episode of Laugh-In during its six-year run, a testament to her immense popularity and irreplaceable role on the show. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe and several Emmy nominations.
Buzzi’s talents extended far beyond Laugh-In. She was a regular guest on The Dean Martin Show, The Carol Burnett Show, and even made children laugh with appearances on Sesame Street. Her voice brought life to characters in The Smurfs, Pound Puppies, and The Berenstain Bears. Ruth Buzzi was an artist who never confined herself to one format or audience. She simply entertained wherever she went.
Later in life, Buzzi shifted away from public appearances but never stopped contributing. She focused on philanthropy, especially for animal welfare and children’s charities. Living quietly on her Texas ranch with her husband, Kent Perkins, she remained deeply loved within the industry and beyond. Her legacy is not only what she did on camera, it is how she made people feel in the process.
A Final Curtain
Ruth Buzzi’s departure reminds us just how rare true originality is. She was a trend-setter. Whether sparring in sketches, voicing cartoons, or using her celebrity to support meaningful causes, she did it all with grace and mischief. Her memory will live on in the joy she gave and the doors she opened for future performers. In losing her, the world grows a little quieter, but Ruth Buzzi’s echo will keep us laughing for years to come.
