Lulu Roman, a beloved comedian from Hee Haw, died Wednesday at age 78, her son Damon Roman told The Hollywood Reporter. A close friend confirmed the news to PEOPLE on Thursday. Roman passed away in Bellingham, Washington, where she relocated last year to live with Damon.
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Roman, born Bertha Louise Hable in 1942, gained fame on Hee Haw, a comedy series that premiered in 1969 and ran for 23 seasons. Her sharp humor and warm presence captivated audiences, despite a life filled with challenges.
Rising Above Early Struggles
Roman entered the world in a Dallas home for unwed mothers and grew up in an orphanage. A thyroid condition caused weight gain, sparking relentless teasing. She left the adoption system without a family, her former publicist Ben Laurro told PEOPLE. Still, Roman's spirit thrived.
"She made people laugh effortlessly," Laurro said.
Country music icon Buck Owens spotted her talent and helped her land a role on Hee Haw. Roman quipped she joined the show as "the fat girl" but later shed 200 pounds. She shared her health transformation on The 700 Club in 2010.
Faith Fuels a Comeback
Drug struggles forced Roman to leave Hee Haw in 1971. She embraced Christianity in 1973, a decision that reshaped her life. In 1999, the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame honored her contributions. Roman also penned a memoir in 2019, detailing her journey.
Her career extended to the Hee Haw spinoff Hee Haw Honeys from 1978 to 1979, where she starred with Kathie Lee Gifford and Misty Rowe. Roman appeared on The Love Boat, Touched by an Angel, and the 1972 film Corky alongside Robert Blake. Her gospel hits, like "Failure Isn't Final" and "King of Who I Am," inspired fans.
"Lulu brought joy to my life," Rowe told The Hollywood Reporter. "She's now my angel in heaven."
A Heart for Others
Roman's kindness left a lasting mark. "She showed deep empathy for the hurting," Laurro said, highlighting her love for her fans and sons. Her younger son, Justin, passed away in 2017, a loss she carried heavily.
