Ruth Buzzi Dead at 88: ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’ Comedian Had Alzheimer’s Disease

Ruth Buzzi, the actress and comedian known for her work on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has died. She was 88 years old.

Buzzi’s family announced her death in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Friday, May 2.

“July 24, 1936 – May 1, 2025. Ruth Buzzi died peacefully in her sleep at home in Texas,” the statement said. “She was in hospice care for several years with Alzheimer’s disease. Memorial arrangements by Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville, Texas to be announced. Her family requests donating to Alzheimer’s research (www.alz.org) in lieu of flowers.”

One day prior to her death, Kent Perkins, Buzzi’s husband, shared a Facebook post thanking fans for their support throughout his wife’s health battle.

“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. Because of health issues, she’s must withdraw from writing, but she will still be reading and enjoying your posts,” he penned. “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. Ruthie loves you.”

He also previously shared an update on her health on Facebook in July 2022.

“This photo was from nearly a year ago on Ruthie’s birthday. She wants you to know she is not in pain and is aware you are sending your best wishes her way as she battles the results of devastating strokes that have left her bedridden and incapacitated. She can still speak and understand, she still recognizes all her friends and loved ones. I am reading to her your wonderful comments and she smiles,” Perkins wrote at the time. “I might add that I am living with an attitude of gratitude for 43 years of marriage to my best friend, the greatest person I ever met, the one and only Ruth Buzzi. Her love for others knows no bounds, and she has spent a lifetime making people smile.”

“She is dealing with this situation bravely, and still with humor, believe it or not… and with the love of God in her heart and soul, she thanks you for being her friend. And for the love you’ve shown her continuously for the past six decades or more…Whatever happens, please know you have always been loved right back in return,” he continued.

Buzzi and Perkins got married in 1978, years after her successful run on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. In addition to her work on the comedy-variety show from 1968 to 1973, which earned her a Golden Globe, Buzzi earned more than 100 acting credits over the years. She took part in more than 80 episodes of Sesame Street, as well as tons of voice-over work in animated show’s like The Addams Family, 2 Stupid Dogs, Cro and more.