Ruth Buzzi was born on July 24, 1936 in Westerly, Rhode Island to Rena Pauline and Angelo Peter Buzzi, the latter a renowned stone sculptor associated with Westerly famed granite industry. Her father owned Buzzi Memorials. Known for her comedy routines on the 1960s variety show Rowan & Martin Laugh In (1967), Ruth Buzzi studied dance, vocals, and acting at the Pasadena Playhouse for the Performing Arts, enrolling when she was just seventeen. Early in her career, she formed a duo with comedian Dom DeLuise.

Winning a Golden Globe for her comedic portrayals in Laugh-In, she was also nominated for five Emmys. First appearing on the Steve Allen Show, she was recognized by the producers of a new NBC television show called Laugh-In. She had also guest starred on the Garry Moore Show (1958) and Your Show of Shows (1950) with Imogene Coca. Her characters include Doris Sidebottom, a notorious drunk; and Gladys Ormphby, an old woman with a hair net and a deadly handbag.

She has captured the audience attention and earned kudos from her home state. Late in life, Ruth retired to a 600-acre ranch in Texas with her husband Kent Perkins. For her contributions to television and to the world of comedy, Ruth Buzzi was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 1971.

Debra A. Mulligan