Goldie Hawn gives a heartfelt tribute to late friend Ruth Buzzi

Ruth Buzzi, the American actress and comedienne, passed away peacefully at her Texas ranch home early on May 1, 2025, at the age of 88. She had been fighting complications from Alzheimer's disease, which was only one of her challenges in life.

The comedy world lost a bright and never-fading light in television history and many tributes were shared to honor Buzzi, including a heartwarming note from her previous Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In co-star Goldie Hawn.

Hawn, who performed beside Buzzi during the early years of Laugh-In, proclaimed that Buzzi was her dear friend and uniquely talented performer. Hawn began her friendship with Buzzi as a result of their work together on a revolutionary sketch comedy television series in the late 1960s, and their friendship lasted for many years.

Hawn posted an emotional note to social media on her continued sorrow and appreciation for their decades-long friendship.

"My Ruthie, you’re gone, and it hurts so deeply. I’ll always treasure our daily calls, how we could talk endlessly, even after long days. You were my girlfriend, my heart through life’s ups and downs. You made me laugh like no one else could," Hawn wrote in a Instagram post.

"A one of a kind soul who brought so much laughter and light to the world," she wrote. "Those deep, joyful laughs we shared, especially while making Laugh In, will stay with me forever. I love you."

Ruth Buzzi’s legacy lives on through her comedy

Buzzi's role on Laugh-In earned her a Golden Globe Award, five Emmy nominations, and a long-standing comedy legacy on American television. In addition to her entertainment exploits, Buzzi was versatile and also performed movies, stage, and voice work.

Buzzi led an off-screen life filled with awesome creativity and generosity. A supporter of many charities, she doled out her time and money to charities supporting animals and children. She supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Special Olympics, and many more. She even helped support art programs for children and supported animal welfare through the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch in Texas.

In her free time, Buzzi also liked to paint. She never sold any of her artwork, but she did donate many of her own pieces to various charity events, and they would sell for significant amounts of money at an auction for charity.

Buzzi's influence extended beyond television. Over the years there were several songs that referenced her name suggesting that she was so culturally relevant to American pop culture that they had to insert her name into the song.

Buzzi was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2012 and spent most of her later years secluded. In 2022 it was reported that Buzzi had suffered several strokes but was on a path to recovery. Her death is sad news to the entertainment world.

As fans and fellow entertainers reflect on Ruth Buzzi’s legacy, she is remembered not only for her comedic brilliance but also for the warmth and humanity she shared with the world.
 

Gomala Devi is a journalist at Primetimer. 

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering and has over three years of experience as a content writer.

Gomala was drawn to writing after reading the Harry Potter series, and she developed an interest in fashion and pop culture at the same time.
She loves exploring the newest developments in the lifestyle space and crafting interesting opinion pieces. She references official websites, interviews, and social media to ensure that her work is factually sound.

In her spare time, she loves to read books and play chess.