Ruth Buzzi dead: ‘Laugh-In’ comedian was 88

Ruth Buzzi, the actress and comedian who made television audiences belly-laugh as the purse-wielding spinster Gladys Ormphby on the groundbreaking sketch comedy series Laugh-In, died in her sleep at her home in Texas on Thursday. She was 88.

Her family confirmed the news on social media and said Buzzi died peacefully after several years in hospice care for Alzheimer’s. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be sent to Alzheimer’s Association.

The funnywoman appeared in myriad TV shows and films, but her most memorable role was the wary Gladys — who would use her handbag to wallop those who got a little too close, including the late Arte Johnson’s dirty old man — on NBC’s Laugh-In, which ran for six seasons between 1968 and 1973. She was the only cast member to appear on ever seasons, winning a Golden Globe and earning two Emmy nominations for her work.

Laugh-In creator and producer George Schlatter recalled receiving a picture in the mail of Buzzi in her Gladys costume, sitting in a trash barrel, while he was holding auditions for the show. “I think I hired her because of my passion for Gladys Ormphby,” Schlatter wrote in his 2023 memoir, Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy. “I must admit that the hairnet and the rolled-down stockings did light my fire.”

Her other notable characters included Doris Swizzle, Busy Buzzi, Flicker Farkle, and Kim Hither, though it was Gladys who continued to endure. “So many people ask me to hit them with my purse,” Buzzi said in a 2016 interview. “In fact, a few years ago we were at a Beverly Hills party and in walked Elton John. He immediately made his way over to me and said, ‘For God’s sakes, Ruth, please hit me with your purse. That’s been on my bucket list for years!'”

Buzzi was also a fixture on the Carol Burnett and Bob Newhart-hosted The Entertainers, The Steve Allen Comedy Hour, and The Dean Martin Show, among other titles. Her scripted television work included episodes of The Monkees, Emergency, CHiPs, Days of Our Lives, The Love Boat, Saved by Bell, and Sesame Street. She also appeared in movies, including the 1976 version of Freaky Friday, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, and Bad Guys.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly‘s free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.

Buzzi performed on stage as well, and was in the original Broadway production of Sweet Charity.

She is survived by her longtime husband, Kent Perkins.