Joyce Randolph, known for her role as Trixie Norton in the iconic 1950s sitcom “The Honeymooners,” died at her residence on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, New York, on January 13, 2024, at the age of 99.
Her son, Randolph Charles, confirmed her death, citing natural causes.
Famous for her role in “The Honeymooners,” Joyce Randolph is considered a significant figure in the annals of American television, particularly for her portrayal of working-class citizens.
Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1924, Randolph started her journey to fame in local theatre. She relocated to New York City to further her acting career and made her Broadway debut in 1950 in the comedy “Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath.” Jackie Gleason noticed her talent while she was filming a commercial for Clorets, and subsequently cast her in his variety show, “Cavalcade of Stars,” which aired on the DuMont network in 1951. It was in this show that the initial sketches of “The Honeymooners” were featured.
She continued portraying Trixie in “The Jackie Gleason Show” on CBS, and later on “The Honeymooners,” when it became a standalone sitcom in 1955-56. The show, recorded in front of a live audience, produced the “classic 39” episodes, which are frequently seen in syndication.
Despite her character having fewer lines than her co-stars, Randolph’s portrayal of Trixie struck a chord with viewers. In a 2002 interview with Larry King, she mentioned cherishing episodes where her role had more than a few lines, singling out a sleepwalking episode as a personal favorite. In a 2012 interview with The New York Times, she revealed that the actors were simply told to “learn those lines and go on,” without much direction on character development.
“The Honeymooners” humorously depicted the daily lives, trials, and dreams of two New York City couples residing in a Bensonhurst, Brooklyn apartment building. The show centered around Ralph Kramden, a Brooklyn bus driver played by Jackie Gleason, and Ed Norton, a sewer worker portrayed by Art Carney. Audrey Meadows played Alice, Ralph’s sensible wife, while Randolph’s character Trixie played Norton’s patient wife. The wives often served as the voice of reason amidst the husbands’ get-rich-quick schemes.
After “The Honeymooners,” Randolph played a variety of roles but remained synonymous with the character of Trixie. She reprised the role in the 1991-92 ABC sitcom “Hi Honey, I’m Home.” In 2017, she attended the red carpet premiere of “The Honeymooners: The Musical” at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey.
In her personal life, Joyce Randolph was married to marketing executive Richard Charles from 1955 until his death in 1997 at 74.
“The Honeymooners,” despite its brief original run, has left a lasting imprint in television history through syndication. The portrayal of Trixie by Joyce Randolph, along with the other main characters, encapsulated American life in the 1950s and 60s with humor and relatability.
Her portrayal of Trixie Norton in “The Honeymooners” added a unique charm and wit to the show. Her on-screen chemistry with Art Carney’s character, Ed Norton, led to memorable moments. The show’s depiction of everyday dreams and struggles resonated with audiences, cementing its status as a beloved classic.
Throughout her career, Randolph faced the typical challenges actors face when strongly identified with a single character. Despite this, she remained active in theater and made occasional television appearances. Her work in summer stock productions and commercials ensured she remained connected to her acting roots.
With the passing of Joyce Randolph, the last surviving member of the original cast of “The Honeymooners” is now gone, marking the end of an era.
