Ruth Buzzi, best known for her iconic portrayal of the feisty and frumpy Gladys Ormphby on the trailblazing sketch comedy show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has died at the age of 88.
According to her agent Mike Eisenstadt via the Associated Press, Buzzi passed away Thursday at her home in Texas. She had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and was under hospice care at the time of her passing. In the days leading up to her death, her husband, Kent Perkins, shared a heartfelt message on Buzzi’s official Facebook page, expressing gratitude to her many devoted fans.
“July 24, 1936 – May 1, 2025”
“Ruth Buzzi died peacefully in her sleep at home in Texas. She was in hospice care for several years with Alzheimer’s disease. Memorial arrangements by Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville, Texas to be announced.Her family requests donating to Alzheimer’s research (www.alz.org) in lieu of flowers.”
She was Born in Westerly, Rhode Island, and raised in Wequetequock, Connecticut. Buzzi was the daughter of Angelo Buzzi, a Swiss-born stone sculptor. She pursued her passion for the performing arts at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, graduating with honors in 1957. Early in her career, she toured with singer Rudy Vallee and performed in numerous off-Broadway revues, sharing stages with future stars like Dom DeLuise and Carol Burnett.
Buzzi gained national attention in the 1960s through appearances on The Garry Moore Show and The Steve Allen Comedy Hour. Her breakthrough came in 1968 when she joined the cast of NBC’s Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. As the only performer to appear in every episode, she became iconic for her portrayal of Gladys Ormphby, a feisty spinster known for wielding her purse against unwanted advances, particularly from Arte Johnson’s character, Tyrone F. Horneigh. This role earned her a Golden Globe Award in 1973 and five Emmy nominations.
Beyond Laugh-In, Buzzi’s versatility shone through in various mediums. She appeared on Broadway in Sweet Charity (1966) and had roles in films like Freaky Friday (1976) and The North Avenue Irregulars (1979). Her television credits include guest spots on The Carol Burnett Show, That Girl, and The Dean Martin Show. Buzzi also lent her voice to animated series such as The Smurfs, Pound Puppies, and The Berenstain Bears. From 1993 to 2001, she endeared herself to a new generation as shopkeeper Ruthie on Sesame Street.
In her personal life, Buzzi married actor Kent Perkins in 1978. The couple relocated to a 600-acre ranch in Texas in 2003, where they enjoyed collecting vintage automobiles. Buzzi was also an accomplished painter, donating her artwork to various charities.
After retiring from acting in 2021, Buzzi faced health challenges, including strokes in 2022 and a subsequent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
