Beloved for her "sharp wit and unforgettable characters," Ruth Buzzi rose to fame on the groundbreaking NBC sketch series Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (1968–1973), earning a Golden Globe and five Emmy nominations for her scene-stealing performances alongside Goldie Hawn. Outside of Laugh-In, Buzzi lent her distinctive comedic voice to a range of popular shows, including Days of Our Lives, The Carol Burnett Show, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Berenstain Bears, The Pink Panther, and Freaky Friday (1976). Her path to comedy stardom began at 19, when she toured with Rudy Vallee during a college summer break — an experience that "solidified her dreams." After graduation, she moved to New York City and soon landed a lead role in an off-Broadway revue, the first of nearly 20 across the East Coast.
Ruth Buzzi, who rose to fame as the frumpy and bitter Gladys Ormphby on the groundbreaking sketch US comedy series Laugh-In and made more than 200 television appearances during a 45-year career, has died at age 88.
Buzzi, who was nominated for five Emmys, was best known for the NBC variety sketch comedy “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” which ran from 1968 to 1973. “Ruth Buzzi died peacefully in her sleep at home in Texas,” a Facebook message from her family announced on Friday. “She was in hospice care for several years with Alzheimer’s disease. Memorial arrangements by Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville, Texas to be announced.” Her rep confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that she died of complications from Alzheimer’s.
