Lulu Roman, a comedian and gospel singer known for her time on the variety show “Hee Haw,” has died at 78. Her son, Damon Roman, confirmed she passed away on April 23, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington. She had moved to the city seven months ago to be closer to him. No cause of death was given.
Roman, born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, was left at a Baptist orphanage in Dallas, Texas. She had a thyroid condition that affected her weight and was not adopted. After completing W.W. Samuell High School in 1964, she performed in Dallas nightclubs owned by Jack Ruby, under the name “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer.” This work supported her financially.
Her career advanced when she befriended Buck Owens, a country music star who saw her comedic potential. Owens was involved in “Hee Haw,” a country-themed version of “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” and recommended Roman to the show’s producers.
In a 2024 interview, Roman recounted Owens commenting on her quick wit. She initially didn’t understand but “got hold of it later.” She mentioned that producers were looking for specific character types. Owens told them, “I got your girl! She’s in Dallas!”
Roman joined “Hee Haw” at its launch in June 1969. She progressed from background roles to speaking parts in segments like “The Culhanes,” “Truck Stop,” and “The Jug Band.” The show’s format involved filming sessions twice a year for 13 weeks of episodes each time.
Her time on the show was briefly halted after a March 1971 arrest for drug possession. Roman later admitted to using marijuana, speed, LSD, and methamphetamine. She was sentenced to four years in January 1972 but underwent a significant transformation after she converted to Christianity in 1973.
“After I gave my heart to Jesus, the Lord started working on me and making me into quite a different person than when I started,” Roman said of her transformation.
She returned to “Hee Haw” and persuaded producers to let her sing. Roman stayed with the show until it ended in June 1993, simultaneously pursuing a gospel singing career. She released over a dozen albums.
Roman’s music career developed alongside her TV work. Her first album came out in 1974, and she won a Dove Award in 1985 for “You Were Loving Me.” In 2013, she collaborated with artists like Dolly Parton for “At Last,” an album of standards. She was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
In addition to “Hee Haw,” Roman appeared in the spinoff “Hee Haw Honeys” (1978-79) with Misty Rowe and Kathie Lee Gifford. Her acting included a role in the film “Corky” (1972) and appearances on “The Love Boat” and “Touched by an Angel.”
Roman released her autobiography, “This is My Story; This Is My Song,” in 2019, detailing her journey from orphan to entertainer. She lost 200 pounds through lap-band surgery and portion control, supported by her faith.
Roman’s personal life had triumphs and challenges. She was married three times and had two sons. Her younger son, Justin, died in October 2017.
Tributes followed her death announcement. Former “Hee Haw” co-star Misty Rowe spoke of their relationship, noting their differences yet strong bond since 1972. Rowe mentioned they would resolve conflicts with affection, Roman saying, “I love you too, Sugar.”
Rowe described Roman as “a gift in my life” and acknowledged them as “the original Hee Haw Honeys and the original Kornfield Friends.” She concluded, “I thank God for her time here on Earth, and I know we will all see her again in that big Kornfield in the sky someday.”
Roman leaves behind a legacy of comedic talent, musical contributions, and a personal redemption story. Her journey from an orphaned child to a celebrated entertainer impacted many through her work in comedy and music over the decades.
