Who Was Lulu Roman? Hee Haw Star and Gospel Singer Dies at 78

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Lulu Roman, famous for her role in the long-running country comedy series ‘Hee Haw’, passed away on April 23 at the age of 78. The cause of her death wasn’t disclosed, but it was announced that her passing was unexpected. Over a period of almost 25 years, Roman became a regular figure in American homes due to her work on ‘Hee Haw’, which broadcast from 1969 to 1993.

Back in the day, I’d be found with a radio stuck to my ear, tuned into Southern gospel tunes. Fast forward, I became a singer myself, filling up albums with those soulful melodies. Guess what? The stars aligned in ’85 when I bagged a Dove Award – it was a dream come true! And then, the cherry on top came in 1999, when they inducted me into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Isn’t that something Variety reported?

Bertha Louise Hable was born in Dallas on May 6, 1946, and went by the name Roman. At the tender age of 4, she was left at an orphanage, which marked a challenging period in her childhood. She grappled with health problems and self-worth issues, frequently subjected to mockery due to her weight. In her own words, “I quickly discovered that I could employ the quick humor bestowed upon me by God to make people laugh with me rather than at me.

She became part of the cast of Hee Haw when they were seeking a humorously talented, larger-framed actress. Legendary country artist Buck Owens endorsed her by exclaiming, “She’s in Dallas!

Roman acknowledged him for his role in her major success: “He predicted, ‘You’re going to become a big star someday, and I’ll have a part in it.’ I replied, ‘Keep talking, buddy.’ ” Despite achieving fame, Roman battled with drug addiction and was absent from the show for a year due to legal issues and pregnancy. She later embraced faith and claimed that when she surrendered herself on her knees to the Lord, she felt he freed her from her addiction.

Roman had permission to perform Christian songs on Hee Haw, which she did, and subsequently pursued her gospel music career further. As the years passed, her health deteriorated significantly; by her sixties, she tipped the scales at 380 pounds and relied on a scooter for mobility.

In 2005, she underwent lap-band surgery and shed approximately 200 pounds, but had to have the band removed in 2009 due to health issues. Since then, she’s kept her weight in check through careful portion control and faith. She’s also shared that although she can’t run super fast, she is able to run, which was something she couldn’t do before her surgery.

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2025-04-25 11:52