Latest news with #TheGarryMooreShow
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ruth Buzzi, legendary comedian and Scowling Lady from 'Laugh-In', passes away at 88
Comic actress Ruth Buzzi , who made millions laugh with her unforgettable role as the stern handbag-swinging Gladys Ormphby on 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In ', has passed away at the age of breathed her last peacefully on Thursday at her ranch near Fort Worth, Texas, after living with Alzheimer's disease for over 10 years, as confirmed by her long-time agent, Mike Eisenstadt. 'Her husband of almost 48 years, Kent Perkins, expressed to me that she was making people laugh just a few days ago,' Eisenstadt said in an email to Reuters. Ruth Ann Buzzi was born on 24 July 1936 in Westerly, Rhode Island, and raised in Stonington, Connecticut. She had her heart set on acting from a young age. Straight after school, she packed her bags and moved to California to train at the Pasadena Playhouse for the Performing Arts. While studying there, she crossed paths with future greats like Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman , who were also sharpening their craft at the same time. Rising Through the Ranks by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Before becoming a household name, Buzzi honed her skills in comedy revues and small television roles. She appeared on 'The Garry Moore Show' in 1964, catching attention with her sharp comedic timing. She also took to the stage in the original Broadway run of 'Sweet Charity' in 1966, playing alongside Gwen Verdon . This helped launch her into the mainstream, where her unique blend of physical comedy and quirky characters made her stand out. Making History on 'Laugh-In' Ruth Buzzi found fame and national love in 1968 when she joined the cast of 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' – a fast-paced, zany sketch comedy show on NBC. She was the only cast member to appear in every episode until the show ended in 1973. Her most famous character, Gladys Ormphby, became an icon. Dressed in a brown dress, tight hairnet, and forever scowling, Gladys sat on a park bench and fought off the cheeky advances of Arte Johnson 's creepy old man character by whacking him with her handbag. It was comedy gold, and viewers adored it.
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Comedy legend Ruth Buzzi dies after Alzheimer's and stroke
The iconic actor has died at age 88 after a battle with Alzheimer's since 2012 and a debilitating stroke in 2022. Ruth Buzzi has sadly passed away at the age of 88 after living with Alzheimer's since 2012 and suffering a severe stroke in 2022 that left her disabled. The star was undoubtedly a standout figure of 70s television. The news of her passing was confirmed in a heartfelt post shared to her official Facebook page, that announced that she had died on Monday in Texas. Her stroke had left her in hospice care up to her death. A message from the comedy icon's family on Facebook said: 'Ruthie left us while peacefully sleeping yesterday evening at home. She'd been in hospice care, disabled from a stroke in 2022 following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's ten years earlier." The actor was well loved for her sharp wit and unforgettable characters, and she made her biggest mark on the small screen in the ground-breaking NBC sketch comedy series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, which ran from 1968 to 1973, reported The Mirror. Buzzi's electric performances earned the star a Golden Globe and five Emmy nominations during her time on the show, where she starred alongside future Hollywood legend Goldie Hawn, who was supposed to appear on Celebrity Big Brother this year but pulled out last minute. As well as gracing Laugh-In with her scene-stealing comedic talent, Ruth brought her voice to a wide range of popular series, including Days of Our Lives, The Carol Burnett Show, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Berenstain Bears, The Pink Panther, and the classic 1976 family film Freaky Friday. Her journey to comedy stardom began in the most classic of ways - out on the road. Born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, she first stepped into the spotlight at 19-years-old, touring with crooner Rudy Vallee during a college summer break. Getting a taste of the stage solidified the future comic's dreams, and after finishing school, she packed up for New York City. There, she quickly landed a leading role in an off-Broadway musical revue - the first of nearly 20 she would perform in across the East Coast. Her TV break came in 1964 when she joined The Garry Moore Show, followed by a spot on The Entertainers in 1965. Ruth Buzzi's undeniably quirky charm soon caught the eye of casting directors, landing her recurring parts in shows like That Girl and The Monkees, with additional guest spots on Night Gallery and Here's Lucy. But Laugh-In saw her real breakthrough in 1968, when she joined the comedy ensemble for its full run. Reflecting on the experience, Buzzi once said, 'We laughed, and laughed, and laughed. It never even felt like I was going to work. It was pure spontaneous fun.' She stayed with Laugh-In for its full six-season run, creating an unforgettable roster of eccentric characters - from the feisty Gladys Ormphby to the tipsy Doris Swizzler. After Laugh-In, she continued her comedic legacy through shows like The Lost Saucer, Whatever Turns You On, and voice roles in animated classics like Alvin and the Chipmunks and The Berenstain Bears. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Ruth Buzzi Dies: The ‘Rowan & Martin Laugh-In' Star Was 88
Actress and comedian Ruth Buzzi, who rose to fame in the 1968 to 1973 NBC variety/sketch comedy Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, died on May 1. She was 88. 'Ruthie left us while peacefully sleeping yesterday evening at home. She'd been in hospice care, disabled from a stroke in 2022 following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's ten years earlier,' read a message from her family on Facebook. Born July 24, 1936 in Westerly, Rhode Island, Ruth Buzzi's first job in show business was at age 19, traveling with singer Rudy Vallee in a live musical and comedy act during her summer break from college. She moved to New York City after graduation and was hired for a lead role in an off-Broadway musical revue, the first of 19 in which she performed around the East Coast. Buzzi debuted on television in variety series The Garry Moore Show in 1964, and she was a member of the ensemble on the The Entertainers in 1965. Following a guest spot on sitcom The Monkees in 1967, she landed the recurring role of Margie 'Pete' Peterson on the Marlo Thomas comedy That Girl. Other guest appearances followed, including Night Gallery, Here's Lucy and Love, American Style until her big break came with Rowan & Martin's Laugh-in. 'We laughed, and laughed, and laughed. It never even felt like I was going to work. It was pure spontaneous fun,' said Buzzi at a session on Laugh-In at the Television Critics Winter Press Tour in 2011. Buzzi was one of only four cast members who were regulars on the breakout hit for its entire six season run. Among her recurring characters on Laugh-In were spinster Gladys Ormphby; Busy-Buzzi, a gossip columnist; Doris Swizzler, a cocktail-lounge patron who always got smashed with husband Leonard (Dick Martin); one of the Burbank Airlines Stewardesses; and Flicker Farkle. Following Laugh-In, Buzzi appeared opposite Jim Nabors in the Saturday morning comedy The Lost Saucer from Sid and Marty Krofft from 1975 to 1976. In 1979, she co-starred on the Canadian children's comedy show Whatever Turns You On and was active both as a guest star and a voice actor in dozens of TV series (including CHiPs, Alice, Days of Our Lives, Trapper John, M.D., Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Addams Family and The Pink Panther). In 1993, Buzzi joined the cast of Sesame Street as shopkeeper, Ruthie, as part of the Around the Corner set expansion. She also voiced Suzie Kabloozie and her pet cat, Feff in animated inserts that were shown on the show from 1994 to 2008. Buzzi also appeared in numerous TV commercials, including Clorox 2, Clairol and Ban roll-on deodorant, and she voiced Granny Goodwitch for Sugar Crisp cereal. She had a nightclub act across the United States, including at The Sahara and MGM Grand hotels in Las Vegas. She appeared eight times on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. And her film resume included ding Chu Chu and the Philly Flash, Freaky Friday, The North Avenue Irregulars and The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. Memorial arrangements will be made by Lacy Funeral Home on Stephenville, Texas. with the details to be announced. The family requests donating to Alzheimer's research ( in lieu of flowers.
