Who Was Ruth Buzzi? Find Out as Laugh-In Comedian Passes Away at 88

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death.

88-year-old comedy legend and Emmy nominee Ruth Buzzi has sadly passed away. According to her family’s statement on Facebook, she died at her home in Texas. Known for being a regular on the iconic variety show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, which ran for five seasons, Buzzi gained fame for her appearances in every episode of the popular series.

In Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, she portrayed various characters, but it was her performance as Gladys Ormphby that earned her the most recognition. Buzzi received five Emmy nominations and snagged a Golden Globe Award for her work on Laugh-In.

In a 2018 interview with the Associated Press, the comedian explained that her character, Gladys, symbolized those often overlooked or underestimated. She described Gladys as representing the neglected, the oppressed, the unnoticed, and the hardworking. Buzzi felt that whenever her character spoke up, she gave voice to marginalized groups.

She voiced the concerns of individuals who have been objectified based on their gender or mistreated, and it’s rare to find someone who hasn’t experienced such treatment at some point in their lives,” she noted.

1993 saw her joining Sesame Street as character Ruthie, the shopkeeper. She lent her voice to various characters on the show, graced different Sesame Street specials, and headlined the movie The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. Furthermore, Buzzi’s voice acting resume includes Nose Marie from Pound Puppies and Mama Bear in The Berenstain Bears.

She portrayed Margie, a frequent companion to Marlo Thomas’s character, in the cherished sitcom That Girl. Additionally, Buzzi made an appearance in the 2003 blockbuster Freaky Friday, alongside actress Lindsay Lohan from Mean Girls and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Her list of movies features names like Lucky Luke, Chu Chu and the Philly Flash, as well as The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. Despite disappearing from any projects following 2021, Buzzi has continued to engage with her followers via her Twitter page.

In my daily digital journey, I consistently share bite-sized wisdom and inspiration with over two hundred thousand individuals who follow me. Tragically, the vibrant spirit of Buzzi, my cherished partner in life, Kent Perkins, continues to shine on through him.

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2025-05-02 19:22