Lulu Roman Dead at 78

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Lulu Roman, a boisterous comedian and gospel singer from Hee Haw, as well as an adored figure on the enduring country music variety program who managed to transform her life, has sadly passed away at the age of 78.

On a Wednesday, Roman passed away in Bellingham, Washington, as her son, Damon Roman, shared with The Hollywood Reporter. Seven months prior, she had relocated there to reside with him. The cause of her demise remains undetermined at this time.

Roman made her debut on CBS’s “Hee Haw” in June 1969, and she was also featured in its final episode, which aired in June 1993 when the show was in syndication. Throughout its extended run, she underwent a transformation, becoming known as a gospel singer. She went on to release over a dozen albums, perform in concerts, and collaborate with artists such as Dolly Parton. You can listen to her sing “Crazy” here.

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Roman initially appeared on the premiere of CBS’s “Hee Haw” in June 1969 and was a part of its last episode, which aired in June 1993 during its time in syndication. During this long-lasting period, she transitioned into a gospel singer and released more than a dozen albums, performed live, and teamed up with artists like Dolly Parton for recording projects. If you’d like to hear her sing “Crazy”, you can do so here.)

Roman, born on May 6, 1946, as Bertha Louise Hable in a home for unmarried mothers, was left at a Baptist orphanage in Dallas due to circumstances. An issue with her thyroid led to her being overweight, and unfortunately, she wasn’t adopted.

During her time at W.W. Samuell High School, she admitted to struggling with drug addiction. Following her graduation in 1964, she earned a living by performing in a comedy act titled “Lulu Roman, the World’s Tallest Go-Go Dancer” at nightclubs that were owned by Jack Ruby.

She would become friends with country music superstar Buck Owens.

In 2020, she remembered that he appreciated her humor. Once, he mentioned that he’d simply watch her for amusement. She exclaimed, “Good heavens!” He found it fascinating: ‘You’re a pro at swift comebacks.’ At first, she wasn’t sure what he meant, but later on, she understood his praise.

With Owens preparing to appear on the country-themed variety show, “Hee Haw,” which was set to replace “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” during the summer on NBC, he introduced her to the show’s producers.

Last year, Roman stated during an interview, “We were looking for a neighborly boy, a heavyset and not-so-bright man, and another heavyset, not-so-bright woman.” Later on, Buck exclaimed, “I’ve found your lady! She’s in Dallas!

Initially, she appeared in supporting roles in videos for a Nashville show, later landing speaking parts in popular segments like “The Culhanes” (a family delivering witty remarks while sitting on a couch), “Truck Stop”, and “The Jug Band”.

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From background appearances in the Nashville-based TV series, she moved on to having lines in hit shows such as “The Culhanes” (a family showcasing their dry humor from a couch), “Truck Stop”, and “The Jug Band”.

The castmembers would meet twice a year to record 13 weeks’ worth of shows each time.

Roman departed from “Hee Haw” following her apprehension for drug possession in March of 1971 (admitting to using marijuana, amphetamines, LSD, and meth). She was handed a four-year sentence ten months afterwards. Yet, she embraced Christianity in 1973 and was reinstated, successfully persuading the producers to let her perform songs.

Following my commitment to Jesus, he began transforming me, shaping me into someone very distinct from who I was initially,” she explained.

Roman acted as the lead in the 1978-79 spinoff series “Hee Haw Honeys,” which also included Misty Rowe and Kathie Lee Gifford. She was also seen in the 1972 film “Corky,” a story about stock car racing with Robert Blake as the main character, and made appearances on episodes of “The Love Boat” and “Touched by an Angel.

In 1974, Roman unveiled her first among many albums. She was honored with a Dove Award in 1985 for her record “You Were Loving Me,” and in 2013, she collaborated with Parton, George Jones, and others on the album of standards titled “At Last.

1999 saw her being honored with induction into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and her life story, titled “This is My Story; This Is My Song“, was released for publication in 2019.

Her youngest son, Justin, died in 2017.

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2025-04-24 19:56