Who was Ruth Buzzi? American actress and comedian passes away at 88

American actress and comedy artist Ruth Buzzi, who played the frumpy and bitter Gladys Ormphby on the groundbreaking sketch comedy series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, passed away on May 1, 2025. The legend who had 200 television appearances during a 45-year career was only 88 at her passing.

Who was Ruth Buzzi?

Ruth Ann Buzzi's career spanned over decades, and she was nominated for five Emmys for her role in the Laugh-In, which aired from 1968 to 1973. Her role as Gladys Ormphby had become a household name, and her fans referred to her by her character long after the show had ended.

Producer George Schlatter had spotted the actress on The Steve Allen Comedy Hour before considering her for the role.

"I think I hired her because of my passion for Gladys Ormphby. I must admit that the hairnet and the rolled-down stockings did light my fire. My favorite Gladys line was when she announced that the day of the office Christmas party, they sent her home early."

In an interview with the Connecticut Post in 2018, Buzzi talked about her character,

"Gladys embodies the overlooked, the downtrodden, the taken for granted, the struggle. So when she fights back, she speaks for everyone who's been marginalized, reduced to a sex object or otherwise abused. And that's almost everyone at some time or other."

She further said,

"I never took my work for granted, nor assumed I deserved more of the credit or spotlight or more pay than anyone else. I was just thrilled to drive down the hill to NBC every day as an employed actor with a job to do."

But that's not all, as the artist's career expanded to a lot of different shows and opportunities. She appeared on several other television shows, including The Carol Burnett Show, The Monkees, and The Dean Martin Show, along with voice acting for animated series such as The Berenstain Bears and Alvin and the Chipmunks, leaving an indispensable mark on the history of television.

Ruth Buzzi's Death

Ruth's passing was announced by her family through a Facebook post.

"Ruth Buzzi died peacefully in her sleep at home in Texas, the post states. She was in hospice care for several years with Alzheimer’s disease. Memorial arrangements by Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville, Texas to be announced."

Her husband, Kent Perkins, shared a heartfelt message shortly after her death.

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“She probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them.”

Buzzi had been battling Alzheimer's and was in hospice care. She had suffered strokes in 2022 after her declining health. In her honour, her family has requested donations to Alzheimer’s research instead of flowers.

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