Ruth Buzzi, the comedian and actress best known for appearing on the TV show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” died on Thursday at her home in Texas. She was 88 years old. Buzzi had a talent for caricature and was beloved for her performances on “Laugh-In” in the late 1960s and early 70s.
The show featured politically and socially-charged skits. Buzzi’s most famous character was Gladys Ormphby, a scowling lady with a hairnet bun and brown clothes. Gladys was often the target of misogynist jokes, but fought back by hitting offenders with her handbag. This made her a feminist icon.
We honor the life and legacy of Ruth Buzzi, a trailblazing comedian best known for her iconic role as Gladys on 'Laugh-In.' Her humor and heart touched generations. Our condolences to her loved ones. #SagAftraMember since 1963. 🕊️ https://t.co/0taozkxJoM
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 2, 2025
Ruth Buzzi’s comedic legacy
Buzzi’s comedic skills earned her five Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe win.
Ruth Buzzi was more than Gladys with a handbag. She was a brilliant artist, a trailblazer, a car collector, and a comedic icon. Here are 5 wonderful things you might not know about her. https://t.co/L6ZP5uvjFh
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) May 2, 2025
Her career lasted six decades and included roles in TV shows like Sesame Street and The Tonight Show, which starred Johnny Carson. She also acted in movies such as Freaky Friday and had a successful nightclub act. Born in 1936 in Rhode Island and raised in Connecticut, Buzzi was a high school cheerleader and studied at the Pasadena Playhouse in California. Her first big break came in 1956, when she acted with Rudy Vallée in a stage comedy.
She gained national fame on the TV series “The Garry Moore Show.”
Ruth Buzzi, a comedic actress who scowled her way to pop-culture fame on the comedy-variety show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” died May 1 The cause was complications from Alzheimer'shttps://t.co/7GarT9QMsY#Alzheimers #dementia #actress #caregiver #alzfdn
— Alzheimer's Foundation of America (@alzfdn) May 2, 2025
Many people have shared tributes and condolences for Buzzi on social media. Comedian Lisa Geduldig wrote, “Thank you for the laughs. I’ll always remember Gladys Ormphby.”
Ruth Buzzi’s unique talent and memorable characters have left a lasting mark on the comedy world.
