Comedian and ‘Laugh-In’ Star Ruth Buzzi Dies at 88

Buzzi’s ‘Laugh-In’ characters included Busy-Buzzi, a Hollywood gossip columnist; and Doris Swizzle, a cocktail-lounge regular.

"Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" costars Ruth Buzzi and Gary Owens share a laugh during NBC's 75th Anniversary Party in Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2002. Rene Macura/AP Photo

Ruth Buzzi, the comedian and actress best known for her portrayal of the sharp-tongued, purse-wielding Gladys Ormphby on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” has passed away at 88.

Her agent, Mike Eisenstadt, said that Buzzi passed away Thursday at her home in Texas after battling Alzheimer’s and receiving hospice care.