‘Laugh-in’ Fave Ruth Buzzi Dies at 88

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Ruth Buzzi took comedy seriously.

This week, at the age of 88, the seasoned entertainer took her final bow. Although she semi-retired some years back, she continued to bring joy to our lives through her posts on social media.

Her X acount bio cut straight to the chase: “Love, Peace and Laughter.”

In the year 2025, that method appears rather charming, reminiscent of a time when comedians brought laughter… communally. It’s intriguing to wonder about Buzzi’s political leanings in the 2024 election. Was she aligned with Trump or Harris?

The “Laugh-In” alum was Team Funny. Always.

Buzzi’s departure leaves us feeling the void in multiple aspects. Modern comedy, with its tendency towards political polarization, is reminiscent of a scene where performers like Amber Ruffin swiftly satirize current events, or any late-night host who criticizes a large portion of society.

Recently, Jimmy Kimmel described his ABC show as a platform for “shouting.” While Busy Phillips might not have openly criticized Kimmel for this characterization, it’s clear that she may not share the same viewpoint.

She saw TV as a place to howl … with laughter.

Her accolades continue to be noteworthy, stretching from her tenure on the legendary “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” to numerous television performances and movie roles, ranging from “Freaky Friday” to “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again.” During her time on “Laugh-In,” she received two Emmy awards. Despite the show’s counter-culture leanings having a political undertone, her work transcended that label.

An undated quote from the comic legend explains her approach to humor.

Buzzi expressed to The Connecticut Post that he never underestimated his work, nor did he feel entitled to more recognition, attention, or compensation than others. Instead, he was simply delighted to commute daily to NBC, having a role to perform and being part of the team.

Some comedians still stick to the Buzzi brand of humor. Clean. Smart. Welcoming.

Consider comedian Nate Bargatze, a well-known figure in the comedy world. His unique style of humor transcends cultural barriers, uniting audiences.

That’s what Buzzi brought to us for decades. It’s why her passing matters.

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2025-05-02 23:03