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The world has lost one of its brightest comedic stars. Ruth Buzzi, beloved for her iconic role on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has passed away at the age of 88. Her family confirmed the sad news through a heartfelt post on Facebook, saying the Emmy-nominated actress died peacefully at her home in Texas.
Buzzi wasn’t just a regular on Laugh-In—she was a staple, appearing in every single episode of the five-season run. Her most famous character? The unforgettable Gladys Ormphby, a cranky, purse-wielding woman in a hairnet who always stood her ground—often by hitting people with that handbag.
Over her long career, Ruth earned five Emmy nominations and even took home a Golden Globe for her work on Laugh-In. But she wasn’t just about the laughs—her characters had heart and meaning. In a 2018 interview, Buzzi said Gladys stood for the “overlooked, the downtrodden, and the taken-for-granted.” For her, comedy was also a way to stand up for people who feel ignored or mistreated.
Her career spanned decades and generations. In the ‘90s, kids got to know her as Ruthie, a sweet shopkeeper on Sesame Street. She also lent her voice to beloved characters like Nose Marie on Pound Puppies and Mama Bear on The Berenstain Bears.
She made regular appearances on the hit show That Girl as Margie, the friend of Marlo Thomas’s lead character, and even popped up on the big screen in films like Freaky Friday (2003) alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Other film credits include Lucky Luke, Chu Chu and the Philly Flash, and The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again.
Though she stepped away from acting after 2021, Ruth never really left the spotlight. She stayed connected with her fans through Twitter, where her sharp wit and classic one-liners continued to bring joy to over 200,000 followers.
Ruth Buzzi leaves behind a legacy of laughter, heart, and resilience—and a generation of fans who will never forget her. She is survived by her husband, Kent Perkins, who stood by her side through her incredible journey.
Rest in peace, Ruth—you made the world laugh a little louder and love a little harder.