Ruth Buzzi, the iconic comedian and actress who became a household name through her portrayal of the no-nonsense Gladys Ormphby on the hit 1960s variety show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has died at the age of 88.

Buzzi passed away Thursday at her home in Texas following complications from Alzheimer’s disease, according to her agent, Mike Eisenstadt. She had been in hospice care in recent months.

Her husband, Kent Perkins, had recently shared a heartfelt message on her Facebook page, expressing gratitude to fans: “She wants you to know she probably had more fun doing those shows than you had watching them.”

Buzzi’s breakout role came with Laugh-In (1968–1973), where she was the only cast member to appear in all six seasons, including the pilot. Her portrayal of Gladys — complete with hairnet, drab dress, and a lethal handbag — became legendary for its mix of comedy, resilience, and social commentary.

“Gladys embodies the overlooked, the downtrodden… So when she fights back, she speaks for everyone who’s been marginalized,” Buzzi said in a 2018 interview with The Connecticut Post.

Her on-screen chemistry with Arte Johnson’s lecherous character Tyrone F. Horneigh produced some of the show’s most memorable moments, often ending with Gladys whacking him with her purse.

Buzzi won a Golden Globe and was nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work on Laugh-In. Beyond the sketch show, she made more than 200 television appearances, including beloved guest spots on Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and numerous variety specials over a career that spanned four decades.

Discovered by Laugh-In creator George Schlatter while performing on The Steve Allen Comedy Hour, Buzzi’s unique comedic talent and unforgettable characters left an enduring legacy in American television.