Ruth Buzzi, the legendary comedienne and actress, passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 88. Best known for her unforgettable role on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” Buzzi leaves behind a trail of iconic performances, charitable work, and savvy investments that solidified her legacy both in entertainment and beyond. At the time of her death, Ruth Buzzi’s net worth was estimated at $25 million—a testament to her successful career and wise financial planning.
The Woman Behind the Laughs
Ruth Ann Buzzi was born on July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, and raised in Stonington, Connecticut. She was the daughter of Angelo Peter Buzzi, a stone sculptor and monument carver, and Rena Pauline. Ruth had one older brother named Harold. A bright and charismatic student, she led her high school cheerleading squad and quickly discovered her talent for performance.
Buzzi went on to study at the Pasadena Playhouse for the Performing Arts in California, where she trained alongside future stars like Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman. Her early exposure to live stage acting built the foundation for a remarkable multi-decade career in comedy, stage, voice acting, and television.
Career Breakthrough and the Rise to Fame
Ruth began her entertainment journey touring with singer Rudy Vallee at just 19. After moving to New York, she quickly found her footing in musical revues and television commercials. Her breakout moment came in 1967 when she joined “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour,” which paved the way for her role in “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” in 1968.
As Gladys Ormphby, the frumpy, purse-wielding spinster with unmatched comic timing, Buzzi became a household name. She was the only cast member to appear in every single episode of the show throughout its five-year run from 1968 to 1973. Her comedic duo with Arte Johnson’s character, Tyrone F. Horneigh, became one of television’s most celebrated sketches.
For her work on Laugh-In, Buzzi earned five Emmy nominations and won a Golden Globe Award, confirming her place among the comedic elite of the era.
A Voice for Generations
Following her success in live-action comedy, Ruth Buzzi became a familiar voice in children’s television. She lent her voice to beloved series such as “Sesame Street,” “The Berenstain Bears,” “Pound Puppies,” “Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers,” and “Darkwing Duck.” One of her most recognizable voice roles was Suzie Kabloozie, a quirky character on Sesame Street that carried her unique brand of humor to younger generations.
From 1977’s “Baggy Pants and the Nitwits” to 2000s animations like Rocket Power and Sheep in the Big City, Buzzi’s voice acting spanned decades. She maintained a strong presence in children’s entertainment, even as her on-camera roles became less frequent.
Ruth Buzzi’s Wealth: Investments and Lifestyle
Though she retired from acting in the 2000s, Buzzi’s financial foresight ensured her long-term prosperity. She and her husband, Kent Perkins, whom she married in 1978, were avid and strategic investors. Together, they amassed a portfolio that included Texas oil and gas wells, mineral rights, a shopping center, farmland, and their own tequila brand, Man In Black Tequila.
Their primary residence was a 629-acre working ranch in Mingus, Texas, featuring a 9,000-square-foot mansion valued at $8 million. Ruth and Kent lived quietly in their later years, enjoying ranch life and their shared passion for classic automobiles.
The couple owned a $2 million car collection, which included five Rolls-Royces, several Bentleys, antique Jaguars, and a 1957 Chevy Bel Air previously owned by Steve McQueen, worth an estimated $1 million alone.
A Lifetime of Television and Film
Beyond sketch comedy and animation, Buzzi had a rich career in television and film. She guest-starred on “The Dean Martin Show,” “CHiPs,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” “Saved by the Bell,” “7th Heaven,” and many others. She also starred opposite Jim Nabors in the sci-fi sitcom The Lost Saucer.
Her film credits included “Freaky Friday” (1976), “The Villain” (1979), “Up Your Alley,” and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. Though her big-screen appearances declined in later years, they showcased her versatility beyond sketch comedy.
Honors, Philanthropy, and Final Years
Ruth Buzzi was widely recognized for her contributions both on and off the screen. She was inducted into the Television and Radio Hall of Fame in 2006, and was one of the first white women to receive an NAACP Image Award, in recognition of her barrier-breaking performances with Black entertainers.
Her charitable efforts were just as impressive. Ruth supported causes like Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital, and Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch. Along with Kent, she founded the Sunset Charity Foundation, which provided emergency assistance to families and single parents in need.
In her personal life, Ruth was described as warm, witty, and deeply compassionate. She never had children of her own but mentored many in the entertainment industry and gave generously to children’s causes.
Passing and Legacy
Ruth Buzzi passed away on May 1, 2025, from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease, a condition she had quietly battled for a decade. She died peacefully at her beloved Texas ranch, surrounded by family and the serenity of the countryside she adored.
Ruth Buzzi’s career spanned over 60 years, crossing genres, generations, and platforms. With her humor, heart, and unmatched work ethic, she made America laugh—and left a legacy few can rival. From the iconic Gladys Ormphby to her behind-the-scenes philanthropy and financial brilliance, Buzzi’s story is one of enduring talent and timeless impact.
