Ruth Buzzi, best known for her unforgettable role as Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, passed away peacefully at 88 in Texas after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Rhode Island and raised in Connecticut, Ruth was the daughter of a Swiss sculptor and graduated with honors from the Pasadena Playhouse. She began her career touring with Rudy Vallee and sharing the stage with comedy greats like Dom DeLuise and Carol Burnett.

Before becoming a fixture on Laugh-In, she made audiences laugh on The Garry Moore Show and The Steve Allen Comedy Hour. Her work on Laugh-In earned her a Golden Globe and five Emmy nominations, appearing in every single episode.

Beyond sketch comedy, Ruth graced Broadway, appeared in films like Freaky Friday, voiced numerous cartoons, and played Ruthie on Sesame Street from 1993 to 2001. Offscreen, she and her husband, actor Kent Perkins, lived quietly on a Texas ranch, bonding over vintage cars. She was also an accomplished painter, often donating her artwork to support charities.

After retiring in 2021, Ruth’s health declined following strokes and her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Her family has asked that donations be made to Alzheimer’s research in her honor—a fitting tribute to a woman who brought so much laughter and heart to the world.