Ruth Buzzi’s death was confirmed on her official Facebook page, followed by a statement from her representative detailing the cause and circumstances of her passing.
Ruth Buzzi died peacefully in her sleep on May 1, 2025, at her home in Texas. She was 88. Her death was due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, her longtime representative Mike Eisenstadt told The Hollywood Reporter.
She had been in hospice care for several years. Earlier that same day, her husband, Kent Perkins, posted a message on her Facebook page. It read, “This is Ruth Buzzi’s husband writing on her page. She asked me to thank all of you for being so good to her for so many years.”
“She wants you to know she probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them,” he wrote. “Because of health issues, she’s [sic] must withdraw from writing, but she will still be reading and enjoying your posts.”
Fans were encouraged to post their memories and photos in the comments. “If you’ve met Ruthie and had a picture taken with her, please post it below. If you have a great memory from her career that you enjoyed — a special comedy sketch, or a moment that made you laugh — share that with us,” the post continued. “Ruthie loves you.”
Hours later, a second post appeared confirming her death and the details surrounding it. In July 2022, Perkins revealed that Buzzi was “bedridden and incapacitated” after suffering a series of strokes.
Buzzi became a household name as Gladys Ormphby, the comically aggressive spinster with a handbag, on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” She also appeared in the original Broadway production of the musical “Sweet Charity,” played Margie “Pete” Peterson on ABC’s “That Girl,” starred with Jim Nabors in “The Lost Saucer,” and contributed for many years to “Sesame Street.”
She is survived by her husband, Perkins, whom she married in December 1978. The couple left Hollywood 15 years ago and settled on a 600-acre cattle and horse ranch in Erath County, Texas.
Memorial arrangements will be handled by Lacy Funeral Home in Stephenville, Texas. The family has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.
