She was the queen of the deadpan stare, the matriarch of handbag-fueled justice, and one of the warmest comedic hearts ever to grace stage or screen. Ruth Buzzi may be remembered best for her time on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, but her legacy stretches far beyond one character. Here are 5 things you might not know about her—and you’ll be glad you do.
1. Her First Stage Was Surrounded by Stone—Literally
Ruth Buzzi grew up in a house built by her sculptor father, overlooking Wequetequock Cove in Connecticut. Surrounded by the artistic energy of Buzzi Memorials, her childhood was rooted in creativity. Her father was a Swiss immigrant and renowned artisan, and it’s clear Ruth inherited not just his dedication to craft—but a natural flair for leaving lasting impressions.
2. She Got Her Start with Rudy Vallee—Before She Was Even 20
At just 19, Ruth was already a touring performer, sharing the stage with crooner Rudy Vallee in a comedy-musical act. It wasn’t just a summer gig—it was her gateway to the Actors’ Equity Association and a foreshadowing of the decades-long career to come. How many people can say they got their big break before graduation and never looked back?
3. She Helped Fund Children’s Art Camps Through Her Paintings
While we knew her for comedy, Ruth Buzzi was also a talented oil painter. Though she never sold her work commercially, she donated her vibrant art to charity fundraisers, raising thousands for children’s causes. One of her passions was sponsoring children’s art summer camps through the Dallas Museum of Biblical Art. A laugh and a legacy.
4. She Was Honored in a Music Video by “Weird Al” Yankovic
Yes, Ruth Buzzi—our beloved Gladys—made a cameo in Weird Al’s video “Gump.” It’s a fitting tribute for a woman who never stopped being culturally relevant across decades. She also popped up in videos for the B-52s and Presidents of the United States of America, proving she was just as punk as she was punchline.
5. She Was a Car Collector with a Heart as Big as Her Garage
Ruth and her husband Kent Perkins weren’t just Hollywood royalty—they were serious car enthusiasts. Living on a 600-acre Texas ranch, they collected classic British and American cars, some of which ended up in commercials, parades, and even the Petersen Automotive Museum. One of her cars—yes, the one Jessica Simpson posed with in Vogue—was a blue Bentley convertible.
Ruth Buzzi gave us laughs that lasted generations—but it was the grace behind the giggles, the heart behind the humor, that made her unforgettable. Thank you, Ruth, for every purse swing, every punchline, and every reminder that the funniest people are often the kindest.