Ruth Bazzyfamous comedian and actress known for her performances Rowan and Martin laughHe passed away in May 2025 at the age of 88. The news came about 10 years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a progressive brain disease that affects individuals’ memory and reasoning skills that ultimately lead to loss of autonomy. In addition to her Alzheimer’s disease, Bazzi also suffered from multiple strokes in 2022. But as she was legendary, the award-winning performer always maintained her sense of humor.
Below, we look back at our comedy career and learn about Buzzi’s life, career and health.
Who is Ruth Bazzi?
Buzzi is famous for her role as Spinstar Gladys Olmpbee Rowan and Martin laugh. She used her handbag as a deadly weapon, and easily pulled laughs from the fans. In an interview with Nick Thomas in 2016, Bazzi looked back at the iconic wallet-throwing character.
“So many people ask me to hit them with my wallet,” Bazzi said at the time. “In fact, a few years ago we were at a Beverly Hills party and were walking. Elton John. He immediately said to me, “For God’s sake, Ruth, hit me with your wallet. It has been on my bucket list for years!”
I married a Texas man in Hollywood and am here – 40 years later, I retired at a ranch in Lone Star State. There, children learn to write with pencils rather than spray cans. All I have to say is…
yippie-tie-yi-yo! pic.twitter.com/v7dhogmdkj
– Ruth Bazzi (@ruth_a_buzzi) November 26, 2023
How did Ruth Bazzi die?
Bazzi died as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s disease, her representative, Mike Eisenstadt, said Hollywood ReporterMay 2025.
Ruth Bazzi’s Health
The late Golden Globe recipient suffered from several health retreats throughout her life. In 2012, Buzzi was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which ultimately led to her death in 2025. Kent PerkinsShe reportedly said at the time she left her “bedridden and incompetent.”
Nevertheless, Buzzi always maintained her signature wit. After news broke about her strokes in 2022, the late Rhode Island native maintained a sense of humor by taking it to X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Some people have strokes of luck. I had other kinds,” Bazzi wrote at the time, adding, “I added ‘Thank you’ to all your love, messages, cards, letters and sweet tweets! “She then said, “And my final arrangement includes cremation, but I’m not ready to make ashes from myself. Xoxoxo.”
Almost three years later, Buzzi continued to crack jokes, even weeks before her death. In April 2025, she tweeted. “You know you’re old when your walker brings you the curb feel and the airbag.”
