Ruth Buzzi, a renowned figure in comedy best recognized for her portrayal of Gladys Ormphby on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” passed away on May 1, 2025, at her residence in Texas at the age of 88.
Buzzi’s death was attributed to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by her agent, Mike Eisenstadt. She had been under hospice care for several years following her diagnosis and suffered a series of strokes in 2022, which resulted in her being bedridden.
Before her passing, her husband, Kent Perkins, expressed gratitude to Buzzi’s fans through a statement on her Facebook page, noting, “She wants you to know she probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them.”
Buzzi was born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, the daughter of Angelo Buzzi, a nationally recognized stone sculptor. She was raised in Stonington, Connecticut, where her father operated Buzzi Memorials. During high school, she was the head cheerleader.
At 17, Buzzi began her studies at the Pasadena Playhouse. Two years later, she toured with singer Rudy Vallee, performing in a musical and comedy act. This experience allowed her to earn her Actors’ Equity union card before graduating from the College of Theater Arts.
After relocating to New York, Buzzi quickly obtained roles in off-Broadway musical revues and television commercials. Her national television debut came in 1964 on “The Garry Moore Show,” following Carol Burnett’s departure from the series.
Her career trajectory changed significantly when “Laugh-In” creator George Schlatter noticed her performing on “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour.” During auditions for “Laugh-In,” Schlatter received a photo of Buzzi in her Gladys Ormphby attire, seated in a trash barrel.
Buzzi became the only regular cast member to appear in all six seasons of “Laugh-In,” including its pilot. The NBC show aired from 1968 to 1973, earning her a Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations.
Her character Gladys Ormphby, known for her hairnet and for using her purse as a weapon, became a memorable part of television comedy. On “Laugh-In,” she often targeted Arte Johnson’s character Tyrone F. Horneigh.
Buzzi appeared in over 200 television segments during her 45-year career. She was a semi-regular on “That Girl” and co-starred with Jim Nabors on “The Lost Saucer.”
Her other television work included guest spots on variety shows hosted by Carol Burnett, Flip Wilson, Glen Campbell, Tony Orlando, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Leslie Uggams. She also featured in Lucille Ball’s “Life With Lucy.”
Buzzi extended her Gladys persona to the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, where she humorously hit celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin with her purse.
Buzzi contributed her voice to series like “Pound Puppies,” “Berenstain Bears,” “The Smurfs,” and “The Angry Beavers.” She received an Emmy nomination for her role as Ruthie on “Sesame Street.”
Her filmography includes “Freaky Friday,” “Chu Chu and the Philly Flash,” “The North Avenue Irregulars,” and “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again.”
Buzzi was active on social media, sharing witticisms like “I have never faked a sarcasm” and “Scientists say the universe is made up entirely of neurons, protons, and electrons. They seem to have missed morons.”
In 1978, she married actor Kent Perkins. They moved from California to Texas in 2003, acquiring a 1,580-acre ranch near Stephenville. Buzzi retired from acting in 2021.
Journey Gunderson, director of the National Comedy Center, stated Buzzi’s characters captured the era’s absurdity and would be remembered for bringing joy to generations.
Buzzi maintained a modest view of her success. “I never took my work for granted,” she once said in an interview. “I was just thrilled to drive down the hill to NBC every day as an employed actor with a job to do.”
Buzzi is survived by her husband, Kent Perkins. The couple did not have children, which she humorously noted in 2015: “I would have probably had kids, but my cat’s allergic.”
