Was there anyone quite like Ruth Buzzi? The comedic world mourns the loss of a true original, Ruth Buzzi, who passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and unforgettable characters.
Remembering Ruth Buzzi: The Queen of Character Comedy
Table of Contents
Ruth Buzzi, best known for her role as the perpetually grumpy gladys Ormphby on “Rowan & martin’s Laugh-In,” graced television screens for over four decades. Her agent,Mike Eisenstadt,confirmed her passing at her home in Texas,following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Shortly before her death, Buzzi’s husband, Kent Perkins, shared a heartfelt message on her Facebook page, expressing gratitude to her fans and conveying her joy in entertaining them.
From “Laugh-In” to Lasting Fame
“Laugh-In,” the groundbreaking sketch comedy series that aired on NBC from 1968 to 1973, catapulted Buzzi to stardom.She was a constant presence, appearing in all six seasons, including the pilot, and earning both a Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations for her work.
Before “Laugh-In,” buzzi’s talent caught the eye of creator and producer George Schlatter during her performances on “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour.”
The Birth of Gladys Ormphby: A Comedic Icon
The story of how Buzzi landed her role on “Laugh-In” is almost as funny as the character herself. Schlatter received a photo of Buzzi in her full Gladys Ormphby getup – drab brown dress, hairnet knotted on her forehead, sitting in a trash can.
Schlatter, in his 2023 memoir, “Still Laughing A Life in Comedy,” admitted that he hired her because of his “passion for Gladys Ormphby,” charmed by the hairnet and rolled-down stockings. He fondly recalled his favorite Gladys line: “the day of the office Christmas party, they sent her home early.”
Gladys Ormphby was known for her signature move: whacking anyone who annoyed her over the head with her purse. On “Laugh-In,” her primary target was Arte Johnson’s lecherous character, Tyrone F. Horneigh.
Buzzi herself explained the character’s appeal in a 2018 interview with The Connecticut Post: “Gladys embodies the overlooked, the downtrodden, the taken for granted, the struggler. So when she fights back, she speaks for everyone who’s been marginalized, reduced to a sex object or otherwise abused. And that’s almost everyone at some time or other.”
Ruth Buzzi as Gladys Ormphby. Image: Getty Images.
Beyond “Laugh-In”: Roasting the Stars
Buzzi’s comedic talents extended beyond “Laugh-In.” She took her act to the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts in Las Vegas, where she playfully assaulted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Lucille Ball with her trusty purse.
journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, praised Buzzi’s “singular energy and charm” that made her a standout on both “Laugh-In” and the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts.
More Than Just Gladys: A Versatile Performer
While Gladys Ormphby was her most famous creation, Buzzi showcased her versatility on “Laugh-In” with other recurring characters, including Flicker Farkle, Busy-Buzzi (a Hollywood gossip columnist), Doris Swizzler (a cocktail-lounge regular), and an inconsiderate flight attendant.
The Enduring Legacy of Ruth Buzzi
Ruth Buzzi’s impact on American comedy is undeniable. Her characters,particularly Gladys Ormphby,continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate her sharp wit and relatable portrayal of the underdog.
The Enduring Appeal of Ruth Buzzi’s Comedy
- Relatable characters that resonated with everyday struggles.
- Sharp wit and physical comedy that transcended generations.
- A pioneering female voice in a male-dominated comedy landscape.
- Some of her humor might be considered dated by modern audiences.
- The physical comedy, while funny, could be seen as slightly violent by some.
A Comedic Force Remembered
Ruth Buzzi wasn’t just a comedian; she was a cultural icon. Her portrayal of Gladys Ormphby gave a voice to the voiceless and reminded us all to laugh at the absurdities of life. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her laughter will continue to echo through the halls of comedy history.
FAQ: Remembering Ruth Buzzi
Remembering Ruth Buzzi: An Interview with Comedy Expert Dr. Evelyn Reed
Time.news recently spoke with Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading expert in comedic history and performance, to discuss the life, career, and enduring legacy of the late Ruth Buzzi. Buzzi, best known for her iconic character Gladys Ormphby on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” passed away at the age of 88, leaving a notable void in the world of comedy [[1]], [[2]], [[3]].
Time.news: Dr. Reed, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Ruth Buzzi’s passing has been felt deeply across the comedic landscape. What, in your opinion, made her such a unique and enduring talent?
Dr. Reed: It’s my pleasure. Ruth Buzzi truly was one of a kind. Her genius lay in her ability to create incredibly memorable and relatable characters, most notably Gladys Ormphby. Gladys was the embodiment of the underdog, the person who’s always overlooked. This resonated deeply with audiences. It wasn’t just about the laughs; it was about the connection.
time.news: “Laugh-In” played a pivotal role in launching her career. Can you discuss the significance of the show and Buzzi’s contribution to it?
Dr. Reed: “Laugh-In” was revolutionary. Its rapid-fire jokes, political satire, and psychedelic visuals captured the spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ruth Buzzi was a constant presence throughout all six seasons. She earned both a Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations for her work. She wasn’t just a player; she was an integral part of the show’s comedic DNA. Buzzi’s character was so loved that George Schlatter hired her based on a picture of her as Gladys Ormphby sitting in a trash can [Article].
Time.news: Gladys Ormphby,the perpetually grumpy character with the hairnet and handbag,is undoubtedly Buzzi’s most famous creation. What made Gladys so iconic?
Dr. Reed: Gladys was brilliantly crafted. The drab dress, the hairnet, the handbag – thes were all visual cues that told a story. But beyond the appearance, Gladys represented something far more significant. as Buzzi herself said, Gladys embodied “the overlooked, the downtrodden, the taken for granted, the struggler.” Her signature move of whacking people with her purse was comedic gold, a cathartic release for anyone who’s ever felt marginalized.
Time.news: Buzzi’s comedic talents extended beyond “Laugh-In,” didn’t they?
Dr. Reed: Absolutely. She was a regular on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, where she fearlessly poked fun at some of the biggest names in show business. She also showcased her versatility on “Laugh-In” playing a variety of characters like Flicker Farkle, Busy-Buzzi, Doris Swizzler and an inconsiderate flight attendant [Article]. This versatility speaks to her range as a performer and her commitment to comedic excellence.
Time.news: What lessons can aspiring comedians and performers learn from Ruth Buzzi’s career?
Dr. Reed: Several key lessons. First, character advancement is crucial. Create characters that are distinct,relatable,and memorable. Second, embrace versatility. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things.And connect with your audience.Understand what resonates with them and use your comedy to make them laugh, think, and feel.
Time.news: Some might argue that certain aspects of Buzzi’s comedy, particularly the physical humor, might be considered dated or even slightly violent by today’s standards. What’s your perspective on this?
Dr. Reed: Comedy evolves, and what was acceptable in one era might not be in another. Though, it’s essential to consider the context in which Buzzi’s comedy was created. Gladys’s purse-whacking wasn’t gratuitous violence; it was a comedic expression of frustration and defiance. While some may find it jarring today, it’s significant to recognize its ancient significance and the message it conveyed at the time.
Time.news: What is Ruth Buzzi’s lasting legacy in the world of comedy?
Dr. Reed: Ruth Buzzi’s legacy is one of laughter,originality,and the power of character comedy. She was a trailblazer for women in comedy, proving that they could be just as funny, fearless, and prosperous as their male counterparts [[2]]. Her work continues to inspire comedians and performers.She reminded the world to laugh at the absurdities of life [Article]. she will always be remembered for iconic character Gladys Ormphby [Article].
