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 d**d 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 d**d 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.
