Notable NBC Sketch Comedian Dead at 88
Actress and comedian Ruth Buzzi, beloved for her work on the NBC sketch comedy show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has passed away, TMZ reports. News of Buzzi's death came early Friday via her official Facebook page, which shared that she died peacefully on Thursday in her sleep at home in Texas
Buzzi, who had been in hospice care, had been living with Alzhemier’s since being diagnosed in 2012, as well as suffered a stroke in 2022, according to her widow, Kent Perkins.
Perkins posted a heartfelt message from Ruth a day before her death, in which she expressed gratitude to her fans, as well as her love for making people laugh. He also shared that Ruth would no longer be able to post herself due to her declining health and invited fans to share fond memories and photos with her online.
"She wants you to know she probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them," Perkins wrote.
Buzzi began in the entertainment business at the age of 19 and went on to enjoy a long and varied acting career. In addition to her notable role as Gladys Ormphby in Laugh-In, Buzzi appeared in several stage productions, television shows and films.
Among Buzzi’s credits include Days of Our Lives, The Carol Burnett Show, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Berenstain Bears, and Disney’s Freaky Friday (1976). She came out of retirement for her final role in the 2021 drama One Month Out, starring alongside her husband.
Ruth Buzzi was 88 years old.