Ruth Buzzi was one of those rare entertainers who managed to stay relevant, beloved, and financially savvy across multiple generations. When she passed away in May 2025 at the age of 88, she left behind not just a legacy of laughter but also a surprisingly robust net worth estimated at $25 million.
That kind of money doesn’t just happen by accident, especially not in the volatile world of show business. So how did a comedian best known for her wigs and outrageous characters on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In build such a fortune? The answer lies in a mix of talent, smart investments, and a career that refused to slow down.
Inside Ruth Buzzi’s Impressive $25 Million Net Worth as of 2025
Most people remember Ruth for her iconic roles on Laugh-In, where she played characters like Gladys Ormphby, the perpetually frustrated spinster with a lethal handbag. What many don’t realize is that she was the only cast member to appear in every single episode of the show’s original run. That kind of consistency didn’t just make her a household name. It also meant steady paychecks, syndication royalties, and a career boost that led to over 200 guest appearances on other TV shows. She wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. She popped up everywhere from The Dean Martin Show to The Love Boat, and each of those gigs added to her bank account.
But television was just the beginning. Ruth had a voice that was instantly recognizable, and she put it to work in animation. For years, she voiced characters on Sesame Street, including Ruthie and Suzie Kabloozie, and she brought life to shows like The Berenstain Bears and Pound Puppies. Voice acting might not have made her a superstar, but it provided something even better: residual income. Every time those shows aired in reruns or got released on DVD, she got paid. And in an industry where many actors struggle once their on-camera roles dry up, Ruth ensured she always had money coming in.
What really set Ruth apart, though, was her business sense. She didn’t just spend her earnings on Hollywood parties and fancy clothes. Alongside her husband, Kent Perkins, she invested in real estate, including a sprawling 600-acre ranch in Texas. That wasn’t just a pretty piece of land. It was a working ranch with serious value, estimated at around $8 million by the time of her death. She also had investments in oil and gas wells, mineral rights, and even a shopping center. These weren’t vanity projects. They were smart, long-term plays that kept her wealth growing even when she wasn’t in front of the cameras.
Then there were the collectibles. Ruth and Kent had an eye for valuable items, especially cars. One of their most prized possessions was a 1957 Chevy Bel Air that once belonged to Steve McQueen. That car alone was worth over a million dollars, and it was just one piece of a larger collection. She understood that certain assets appreciate over time, and she treated her hobbies as investments. Even her love of antiques and memorabilia had financial benefits, because she knew what was worth holding onto.
Commercial endorsements were another piece of the puzzle. Back in the day, Ruth was the face of brands like Clorox 2, Clairol, and Sugar Crisp cereal. Those deals might seem small compared to today’s influencer marketing, but at the time, they were lucrative. Companies paid well for recognizable faces, and Ruth’s comedic charm made her a natural fit for advertising. Those checks added up over the years, padding her fortune in ways that many of her peers overlooked.
Despite her wealth, Ruth Buzzi was never flashy about it. She lived comfortably but didn’t fall into the trap of overspending just because she could. She and Kent were careful with their money, which is why her net worth stayed strong even in her later years. She also gave generously to causes she cared about, like St. Jude’s Hospital and animal rescue organizations. That balance of enjoying her success while still being responsible with it is a big part of why she died a multimillionaire.
