Hollywood lost a comedy titan this week. Ruth Buzzi, the sharp-witted comedienne who lit up television screens on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” died on May 1, 2025, at 88. Her longtime friend and co-star Goldie Hawn shared a heartfelt tribute, calling Buzzi a singular soul who brought laughter to millions. The news hit hard for fans of the groundbreaking sketch show that defined an era.
Buzzi’s death followed a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, which had confined her to hospice care in Texas. A stroke in recent months further dimmed the light of a performer whose quick wit and slapstick genius made her a household name. Her passing was confirmed by her husband, Kent Perkins, in a statement to major outlets, noting she died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.
Hawn, who shared the “Laugh-In” stage with Buzzi from 1968 to 1970, took to social media on May 2 to honor her friend. She described Buzzi as a confidante through life’s highs and lows, a performer whose talent was matched only by her warmth. “You made me laugh like no one else could,” Hawn wrote, recalling Buzzi’s ability to steal scenes with a glance or a perfectly timed quip. The tribute struck a chord, resonating with fans who grew up watching the duo’s chemistry on NBC’s revolutionary comedy series.
Born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, Buzzi carved a path through the male-dominated comedy world with relentless grit. Before “Laugh-In,” she honed her craft in theater and early TV, earning a spot on the show that would make her a star. From 1968 to 1973, “Laugh-In” blended rapid-fire sketches, political satire, and absurdist humor, with Buzzi’s characters—like the perpetually frazzled Gladys Ormphby—becoming cultural touchstones. Her work earned her a Golden Globe in 1972 and five Emmy nominations, cementing her as a trailblazer.
Beyond “Laugh-In,” Buzzi’s career spanned decades, with roles in films like “Freaky Friday” (1976) and voice work on shows like “Sesame Street.” She remained active in charity, particularly for Alzheimer’s research, long before her own diagnosis. Her husband noted in his statement that donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would honor her memory.
Hawn wasn’t alone in her grief. Tributes poured in from peers like Lily Tomlin and Arte Johnson, who praised Buzzi’s generosity and comedic instinct. The Television Academy issued a statement on May 2, calling her a pioneer whose influence shaped modern comedy. Clips of her “Laugh-In” sketches flooded the internet, a reminder of her knack for turning chaos into hilarity.
Buzzi’s final years were quiet, spent in Texas with Perkins, whom she married in 1979. Her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, made public in 2022, drew support from fans and former colleagues. Despite the disease’s toll, Perkins said Buzzi’s spirit never faded, even as her health declined.
She is survived by Perkins, her husband of 46 years, and a legion of fans who will forever associate her with the psychedelic, laugh-filled nights of “Laugh-In.” No public memorial has been announced.