Ruth Buzzi, 'Laugh-In' Star and Comedic Trailblazer, Dies at 88

A Comedic Force: Ruth Buzzi’s Mark on Television

Most folks can't hear the name Ruth Buzzi without thinking of her no-nonsense character, Gladys Ormphby, swinging that legendary purse on 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.' After years of battling Alzheimer’s and the aftermath of a series of strokes in 2022, Ruth died peacefully in her Texas home on May 1, 2025, at the age of 88. Her husband of more than four decades, Kent Perkins, shared the sad news and a bit of her signature wit, telling the world how much she truly enjoyed those wild TV days—maybe even more than the audience did.

Buzzi grew up in Stonington, Connecticut, after being born in Rhode Island back in 1936. By high school, she already knew she loved the spotlight. She sharpened her craft at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts. That decision set her on a path from New York revues to Hollywood stardom. Before she became a TV regular, Ruth knocked out performances in 18 musical and comedy revues around New York, proving early on that she could own any stage, big or small.

When 'Laugh-In' exploded onto the scene in the late 1960s, Ruth quickly became its breakout star. Her portrayal of Gladys—a quick-tempered, bemused spinster who dished out slapstick justice—became one of the show’s best-loved sketches. Ruth’s comic timing was so sharp that it snagged her a Golden Globe Award and five Emmy nominations between 1968 and 1973. It’s tough to overstate the impact 'Laugh-In' had on sketch comedy and TV variety shows, and Buzzi was smack dab in the middle of its success, helping push boundaries with fast-paced, edgy humor influenced by the changing mood of that era.

Building a Legacy Beyond Gladys Ormphby

But Ruth never kept herself locked in one box. Beyond 'Laugh-In,' she turned up on kids’ classics like 'Sesame Street' and logged appearances in everything from roasts to variety shows and game show panels. Her quick wit, expressive face, and knack for physical comedy meant she could go toe-to-toe with legends—or steal scenes right out from under them. She had the rare versatility to make both adults and children laugh, sometimes even in the same week.

Her career didn’t slow much as the years rolled on. Ruth was one of those people who just loved to work. She showed up in movies and on all sorts of TV programs, from sitcoms to cartoons. And she didn’t just play for laughs—she had the skills for musical theatre and dramatic roles when the script called for it.

Behind the scenes, Ruth was known for her kindness, professionalism, and a generous spirit toward up-and-coming talent. Close friends in the comedy world say she mentored younger comics and never minded sharing the spotlight.

• Ruth Buzzi helped reshape female comedy on TV, breaking out of old stereotypes with her sharp characters.
• Her Gladys Ormphby role still echoes in pop culture whenever someone jokes about a tough old lady swinging a purse.
• She stayed connected to fans for decades, often poking fun at herself and her most famous character during interviews and live events.

Even after health struggles confined her, Ruth still sent messages of gratitude. Through her husband's updates, fans learned that she remained feisty and funny, despite the hardships. For anyone who grew up watching her or just caught a clip online, it’s hard not to smile thinking about her quick, quirky comedy and the energy she brought to TV screens for generations.