Ruth Buzzi, the versatile comedic actress whose career spanned nearly half a century and who became a household name as the frumpy, purse-wielding Gladys Ormphby on the seminal sketch comedy series “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” has died at the age of 88. Her agent confirmed on Friday that she passed away on Thursday at her home in Texas.
Ms. Buzzi had been grappling with Alzheimer’s disease and was receiving hospice care in the period leading up to her death. Her husband, Kent Perkins, conveyed her sentiments to her admirers via a social media post, noting that she believed she “probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them,” a testament to her enduring passion for her craft and the joy she found in entertaining.
Her passing marks the end of an era for a performer who left an indelible mark on American television, from groundbreaking variety shows to beloved children’s programming. This retrospective examines the multifaceted career of an actress who, with her distinctive characters and precise comedic timing, secured a lasting place in the annals of entertainment history.
1. **The Iconic Gladys Ormphby: A Weaponized Purse and Social Commentary**
Ruth Buzzi’s most celebrated and recognizable creation was undoubtedly Gladys Ormphby, a character distinguished by her drab brown attire, a hairnet knotted prominently on her forehead, and a perpetually bitter demeanor. Gladys’s defining characteristic was her tendency to use her handbag as a formidable weapon, striking anyone who provoked her. This distinctive portrayal captured the attention of “Laugh-In” creator and producer George Schlatter, who, in his 2023 memoir “Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy,” confessed his “passion for Gladys Ormphby,” humorously adding, “I must admit that the hairnet and the rolled-down stockings did light my fire.”
On “Laugh-In,” Gladys’s most frequent foil was Arte Johnson’s character, Tyrone F. Horneigh, a lecherous old man who would sidle up to Gladys on a park bench, mumbling suggestive remarks. Invariably, Gladys would respond by delivering a swift, decisive whack with her purse, a recurring gag that became synonymous with the show. Though appearing dangerous, the handbag was, in fact, filled with soft materials like old pantyhose and cotton to ensure no harm was done during the physical comedy.
Beyond the slapstick, Ms. Buzzi articulated the deeper resonance of Gladys, telling The Connecticut Post in 2018, “Gladys embodies the overlooked, the downtrodden, the taken for granted, the struggler.” She further elaborated that when Gladys retaliated, “she speaks for everyone who’s been marginalized, reduced to a sex object or otherwise abused. And that’s almost everyone at some time or other.” The character’s popularity extended beyond the show, with even figures like Elton John requesting to be “hit with my purse,” and Gladys appearing in a “Weird Al” Yankovic music video.
2. **Early Life and Artistic Foundations: From Rhode Island to Pasadena Playhouse**
Born Ruth Ann Buzzi on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, her early life was rooted in a family with a strong artistic and vocational tradition. Her father, Angelo Buzzi, was a nationally recognized stone sculptor, and both he and her brother later operated Buzzi Memorials, a gravestone and monument-making business situated in Stonington, Connecticut. This background provided a unique blend of artistry and grounded practicality for her formative years.
During her high school years in Stonington, Ms. Buzzi was actively involved, serving as head cheerleader, a role that perhaps hinted at her innate charisma and ability to command attention. Her comedic inclinations emerged early; she once recounted to Orange Coast Magazine in 1983 how, while struggling in a dance class, her instructor suggested a “funny ballet.” This experience, where she performed a “little off” compared to others, proved to be a “big hit” and served as a pivotal moment, starting her on the path of performing “funny dances and funny this and funny that through high school.”
At the tender age of 17, Ms. Buzzi demonstrated her ambitious spirit by enrolling in the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, a significant move across the country. There, she honed her theatrical skills alongside future luminaries such as Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman. Two years later, during a summer break, she toured with singer Rudy Vallee in a musical and comedy act, an experience that earned her an Actors’ Equity union card even before her graduation from the playhouse.
3. **Formative Years in New York: Off-Broadway and Early Television Successes**
Following her graduation from the Pasadena Playhouse, Ruth Buzzi made the decisive move to New York City, where her talents were immediately recognized. She was swiftly cast in a lead role in an off-Broadway musical revue, marking the beginning of a prolific period where she performed in 19 such shows across the East Coast. During this time, she also cultivated a comedy act with Dom DeLuise, with Mr. DeLuise playing the incompetent magician Dominic the Great and Ms. Buzzi his assistant, Shakuntala.
Her national television breakthrough arrived in 1964 with an appearance on “The Garry Moore Show,” a significant opportunity that came shortly after Carol Burnett was succeeded by Dorothy Loudon on the series. On this platform, Ms. Buzzi showcased her knack for physical comedy and character work as Shakundala the Silent, the bumbling assistant to Mr. DeLuise’s character. Her abilities quickly led to further television engagements, including a regular role on the CBS variety show “The Entertainers,” which featured hosts such as Ms. Burnett and Bob Newhart.
During her early career, Ms. Buzzi also had a notable role playing the secretary Agnes Gooch in a Pennsylvania production of “Auntie Mame.” In this portrayal, she deliberately emphasized the character’s “schlumpiness,” a comedic choice that would later serve as a foundational template for the distinctive demeanor and appearance of her most famous character, Gladys Ormphby, demonstrating her early grasp of character development and physical humor.
4. **A Star on Broadway: The Original Cast of “Sweet Charity”**
In 1966, Ruth Buzzi achieved a significant milestone in her career by joining the original Broadway cast of the Bob Fosse and Neil Simon musical comedy “Sweet Charity.” This production, starring the acclaimed Gwen Verdon, marked Ms. Buzzi’s sole turn on the Main Stem, where she held roles as “Woman With Hat” and “Receptionist.” Her participation in this highly anticipated and critically successful show placed her firmly within the elite circle of Broadway performers of the era.
Ms. Buzzi reflected on this period with immense satisfaction, stating in an archival interview posted on the “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” YouTube page, “I thought I had made it to the top. I was just so happy in that show.” Her contentment with her Broadway role, however, was interrupted by a compelling opportunity from the burgeoning world of television. One Friday night, while preparing for a show, she received a call from the producers of “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour,” who were casting for a new series.
This call presented a pivotal choice: remain with her beloved Broadway production or seize a potentially career-defining television role. The “Steve Allen Comedy Hour” was intended as a summer replacement for “The Smothers Brothers” and sought someone to perform opposite Jayne Meadows. Ms. Buzzi consulted with Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, who, recognizing the significance of the television series opportunity, encouraged her, saying, “Do you think you should go? That sounds fabulous, a series, a 10-week series!” She ultimately accepted the offer, but only after securing a promise from Fosse and Verdon that she could return to “Sweet Charity” upon completing her commitment in California.
5. **Discovery and Genesis of “Laugh-In”: George Schlatter’s Vision**
Ruth Buzzi’s pathway to the groundbreaking “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” began during her engagement on “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour.” While working on that summer replacement program in 1967, she was approached by producers looking to cast for the new sketch comedy series. Intriguingly, her recommendation for the role came from an agent whom she had previously dismissed while she was working in New York, highlighting the unexpected turns her career sometimes took.
Her audition for “Laugh-In” co-creator and executive producer George Schlatter was anything but conventional. Instead of presenting typical glossy 8-by-10 headshots, Ms. Buzzi famously showed him photographs of herself in her Gladys Ormphby costume, notably sitting in a wire mesh trash barrel. This unusual and visually striking introduction immediately captured Mr. Schlatter’s attention, demonstrating her unique approach to comedic presentation.
Mr. Schlatter, in his memoir, vividly recalled his strong reaction to this initial encounter, stating, “I think I hired her because of my passion for Gladys Ormphby.” He further elaborated on the character’s allure, mentioning that “the hairnet and the rolled-down stockings did light my fire.” Ms. Buzzi herself recognized the synergy between her style and the show’s format, noting that she felt she was a “good fit” for “Laugh-In” due to her extensive experience with the revue-style performances from her years in New York.
6. **The Enduring Legacy of “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In”: A Cultural Phenomenon**”
“Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” debuted as a special in 1967 before its official series run from 1968 to 1973, swiftly becoming one of television’s most iconic and culturally significant sketch comedy series. The show, hosted by Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, was a groundbreaking blend of rapid-fire jokes, visual gags, and political satire, aiming to be relevant to the rapidly changing times of the 1960s. Ruth Buzzi was an integral part of this phenomenon, notably being the only regular cast member to appear in all six seasons, including the pilot episode, a testament to her consistent impact and popularity.
“Laugh-In” played a pivotal role in launching the careers of many comedic talents who would go on to achieve widespread fame, including Goldie Hawn, Lily Tomlin, Jo Anne Worley, and Judy Carne. Among this ensemble of burgeoning stars, Ms. Buzzi was an immediate standout. George Schlatter characterized the show as “a moment of utopian TV,” emphasizing that “it was a collection of an enormous group of people who were very talented, dedicated, and outrageous at a time when outrageousness was coming into vogue.”
Despite a television critic’s observation in 2018 that the show, “seen from today, it looks a little behind its time, a 1950s person’s version of the 1960s,” its cultural impact was undeniable. The series popularized catchphrases like “Sock it to me” and its rapid-cut, non-sequitur style deeply influenced future comedic programming. The ensemble cast, including Ms. Buzzi, truly “thought funny, and knew how to have a nice time working together,” as Ms. Buzzi herself reflected in her later years.
7. **Beyond Gladys: Buzzi’s Multifaceted Characters on “Laugh-In”**
While Gladys Ormphby became Ruth Buzzi’s most celebrated and iconic character on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” her comedic versatility extended far beyond the purse-wielding spinster. Throughout her six-season tenure on the show, Ms. Buzzi adeptly brought to life a diverse array of characters, each contributing to the series’ unique brand of humor and showcasing her range as a performer. This ability to inhabit multiple personas underscored her status as a core comedic talent.
Among her other recurring characters, Ms. Buzzi was known for Flicker Farkle, portrayed as the youngest child within the show’s fictional Farkle Family. She also played Busy-Buzzi, a Hollywood gossip columnist, satirizing the often-frenetic and superficial world of celebrity news. Another memorable character was Doris Swizzler, a cocktail-lounge regular who frequently indulged in excessive drinking alongside her on-screen husband, Leonard, who was played by Dick Martin, one of the show’s co-hosts.
Ms. Buzzi also pioneered the role of an inconsiderate flight attendant on “Laugh-In,” a character type that would later become a comedic staple in popular culture, notably years before David Spade’s similar portrayal on “Saturday Night Live.” These various roles, though not as universally known as Gladys Ormphby, collectively demonstrated Ms. Buzzi’s profound talent for character acting and her ability to craft distinct, memorable personas that resonated with audiences.
8. **Extensive Guest Appearances Across Television**
Ruth Buzzi’s career extended far beyond the confines of “Laugh-In,” marked by a remarkable breadth of guest appearances across the television landscape. Her versatility allowed her to seamlessly transition from sketch comedy to a wide array of variety shows, where her distinctive comedic presence was a welcome addition. She graced the stages of programs hosted by some of the biggest names in entertainment, including multiple appearances on “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Flip Wilson Show,” “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,” “The Tony Orlando and Dawn Show,” “Donny & Marie,” and “The Leslie Uggams Show.” This constant demand underscored her reputation as a reliable and engaging performer capable of connecting with diverse audiences.
A notable recurring engagement for Ms. Buzzi was on the “Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts,” where she humorously reprised her famous Gladys Ormphby persona. In these memorable appearances, she delighted audiences by playfully wielding her purse as a weapon, famously delivering comical blows to the heads of entertainment legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Lucille Ball. These guest spots showcased her ability to adapt her iconic character to different comedic formats, demonstrating her enduring appeal and quick wit, often to the uproarious enjoyment of both the celebrity panel and viewers at home.
Beyond variety shows, Ms. Buzzi also held a semi-regular role on the popular 1960s sitcom “That Girl,” where she appeared as Margie “Pete” Peterson, a friend to Marlo Thomas’s lead character. Her dramatic and comedic range also saw her make guest appearances on other beloved series, including “The Love Boat.” Notably, she also featured in Lucille Ball’s final comedy series, “Life With Lucy,” marking a poignant collaboration between two comedic titans. In later years, she introduced herself to new generations of viewers with roles such as Screech Powers’ mom, Roberta, in “Saved By The Bell,” and even reunited with “Laugh-In” costars Jo Anne Worley and Gary Owens for an episode of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” showcasing her enduring presence in popular culture across several decades.
9. **Ventures into Educational Television: “Sesame Street”**
Ruth Buzzi’s commitment to entertainment transcended pure comedy, extending significantly into the realm of educational television, most notably through her impactful tenure on “Sesame Street.” From 1993 to 2008, Ms. Buzzi became a beloved figure to millions of young viewers as Ruthie, the friendly and engaging proprietor of the Finders Keepers store. Her character offered a warm, welcoming presence on the acclaimed children’s series, embodying the show’s core values of learning and community. This role was a testament to her versatile acting skills, allowing her to convey warmth and gentle humor suitable for a younger audience, a distinct departure from her more boisterous comedic roles.
Her dedication and talent in this capacity did not go unnoticed, earning her an Emmy nomination for her six-year run as the shopkeeper Ruthie. This recognition underscored the quality of her performance and her significant contribution to the educational landscape of children’s programming. The character of Ruthie resonated deeply with families, providing both entertainment and gentle lessons, solidifying Ms. Buzzi’s place as an influential figure in children’s media.
Further expanding her contributions to “Sesame Street,” Ms. Buzzi also lent her distinct voice to the character of Suzie Kabloozie. Her vocal work on the show demonstrated another facet of her performing artistry, allowing her to animate characters that captivated young imaginations. She also reprised her role as Ruthie in the 1999 film “The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland,” further cementing her legacy within the iconic franchise and extending her reach to the big screen for a new generation of fans.
10. **A Prolific Voice Actress: Animation Credits**
Beyond her on-screen presence, Ruth Buzzi was a remarkably prolific and versatile voice actress, lending her distinctive vocal talents to a myriad of animated series. Her ability to craft unique voices brought countless characters to life, making her a sought-after talent in the animation industry for decades. She contributed to hundreds of guest voices across various cartoon series, a testament to her boundless creativity and adaptability. Her voice work allowed her to explore an entirely different dimension of character development, creating personas solely through sound.
Throughout the 1980s, Ms. Buzzi became a familiar voice in beloved animated classics. She played significant roles in “Pound Puppies,” “Berenstain Bears,” and “The Smurfs,” becoming an integral part of the Saturday morning cartoon landscape. Her contributions helped shape the childhoods of many, providing the vocal foundations for characters that were both entertaining and often imparting subtle moral lessons, aligning with the quality standards of children’s programming.
As her career continued into the 1990s, her voice acting portfolio expanded further to include shows such as “The Pink Panther” and “Cro,” along with “The Angry Beavers.” Earlier in her career, she also voiced Granny Goodwitch on the cartoon “Linus! The Lion Hearted,” showcasing her long-standing involvement in the animated world. These roles demonstrated her extensive range, from sweet and nurturing to comical and eccentric, ensuring her legacy as a significant figure in voice acting.
Ruth Buzzi’s multifaceted career, stretching from her early theatrical triumphs and iconic sketch comedy to her significant contributions in voice acting and educational television, paints the portrait of a truly singular talent. Her comedic genius, marked by an unwavering commitment to her craft and an ability to touch hearts both with uproarious laughter and gentle warmth, has left an indelible legacy. As we reflect on her remarkable journey, it is clear that Ruth Buzzi was far more than just the purse-wielding Gladys Ormphby; she was a performer who embraced every opportunity to entertain, educate, and, above all, make the world a funnier, brighter place. Her impact on American entertainment will be cherished and remembered for generations to come.
