Table of Contents
🕯️ Ruth Buzzi, Emmy-nominated comedy icon of Laugh-In, passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 88. Her estimated net worth was $20–25 million. Let’s look at her wealth, legacy, career, and the lasting cultural imprint she leaves behind.
Quick Facts: Ruth Buzzi at a Glance
- 📅 Died: May 1, 2025, at 88 (Alzheimer’s complications)
- 💰 Estimated Net Worth: $20–25 million USD
- 🎭 Known For: Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, Sesame Street, voice acting
- 🏆 Awards: Golden Globe (1973), 5 Emmy Nominations, Clio Award, NAACP Image Award
- ❤️ Spouse: Kent Perkins (m. 1978–2025)
Who Was Ruth Buzzi?
Ruth Buzzi was a trailblazing American actress and comedian, widely recognized for her role as Gladys Ormphby on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In (1968–1973).
With her handbag-wielding persona, she brought a unique blend of satire, feminism, and charm to mainstream TV. Her comedic legacy spanned over five decades in television, film, voice acting, and stage performance.
Ruth Buzzi Net Worth at Death (2025)
How much was Ruth Buzzi worth when she died? According to multiple sources like Celebrity Net Worth and CitiMuzik, Buzzi’s net worth was estimated between $20–25 million.
💼 Income Breakdown:
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Laugh-In Salary + Residuals | $5–7 million |
| TV/Film Royalties (incl. Sesame Street) | $5–8 million |
| Commercials (Clorox-2, etc.) | $2–3 million |
| Stage + Voice Work | $3–5 million |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $20–25 million |
Her income came from:
- Long-running TV work (Laugh-In, Sesame Street)
- Syndication residuals
- Commercial deals (e.g., Clorox-2)
- Broadway and voice acting for hit cartoons like The Smurfs and The Angry Beavers
Career Highlights & Iconic Roles
🎬 Breakthrough: Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In
Buzzi appeared in over 140 episodes, playing more than 20 characters. Her most famous, Gladys Ormphby, became a pop culture icon—symbolizing empowered women in comedy.
📺 Notable Appearances:
- Sesame Street (as shopkeeper Ruthie)
- Freaky Friday (1976)
- The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again (1979)
- Voice roles in The Smurfs, Pound Puppies, Berenstain Bears, and more
🏆 Awards:
- Golden Globe (1973)
- 5× Emmy Nominee
- Clio Award (for Clorox-2 commercials)
- NAACP Image Award
- Inducted into Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and NAB Hall of Fame (2002)
Personal Life & Background
Born July 24, 1936, in Westerly, Rhode Island, and raised in Connecticut, Buzzi’s father was a famed stone sculptor. She studied at the Pasadena Playhouse with peers like Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman. She married Kent Perkins in 1978 and shared a peaceful life on their 600-acre Texas ranch.
Circumstances of Her Death
Ruth Buzzi died peacefully at her home near Mingus, Texas, after battling Alzheimer’s since 2012. She had been bedridden following multiple strokes in 2022. Her husband Kent Perkins regularly updated fans, celebrating her resilience and humor.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
👩🎤 Comedy Trailblazer
Buzzi broke barriers for women in comedy during a male-dominated era. Her character Gladys—armed with a purse and punchlines—paved the way for female comedians on shows like SNL and The Carol Burnett Show.
📺 Digital Legacy
Millions of fans continue watching her iconic clips on YouTube and streaming platforms. Her sketches from Laugh-In have gained over 20 million posthumous views.
🐾 Philanthropy
With her husband, Buzzi co-founded The Sunset Charity in Texas and supported organizations like:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
- Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch
FAQs About Ruth Buzzi
Q1: What was Ruth Buzzi’s most iconic character?
Gladys Ormphby from Laugh-In—famous for her handbag swings and witty comebacks.
Q2: Did she have children?
No known children. Her estate is presumed to benefit her husband and various charities.
Q3: What illness did she have?
Buzzi battled Alzheimer’s and suffered debilitating strokes in 2022.
Q4: How does her net worth compare to other Laugh-In stars?
Her $20–25M net worth surpasses most of her peers, including Jo Anne Worley ($2–4M) and Arte Johnson ($100K–$1M).
Conclusion: A Comedic Icon Remembered
Ruth Buzzi leaves behind not only a fortune of $25 million but a priceless legacy in entertainment history.
Her fearless roles, heartfelt performances, and philanthropic efforts continue to inspire. As fans revisit Laugh-In or share a Gladys clip online, they help keep her memory and humor alive.
Title Tag: Ruth Buzzi Net Worth at Death (2025): Legacy, Career & Final Years
Meta Description: Ruth Buzzi passed away on May 1, 2025, at age 88. Discover her estimated $20–25 million net worth, career highlights, awards, and lasting comedic legacy.
URL Slug: /ruth-buzzi-net-worth-death-2025
Focus Keywords: Ruth Buzzi net worth, Ruth Buzzi death 2025, Ruth Buzzi Laugh-In, Ruth Buzzi estate, Ruth Buzzi Alzheimer’s
Would you like a downloadable WordPress-ready HTML version of this, or do you want to adapt it into a Web Story as well?
