Lulu Roman, a popular comedy and music star, has sadly passed away at the age of 78.
Her son, Damon Roman, confirmed her passing to The Hollywood Reporter, sharing that she died in Bellingham, Washington — the city she moved to just seven months ago to be near him.
No official cause of death has been disclosed.
Her former publicist Ben Laurro shared a short but heartfelt tribute to People: “Lulu Roman was unsung. She endured much adversity in her life that helped her become a joy to others.”
Roman is best known for her unforgettable run on Hee Haw, Roman appeared in over 150 episodes between 1969 and 1992, becoming a staple of Southern-style sketch comedy.
Roman’s journey was anything but ordinary — and she never shied away from telling it like it was.
Born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, in a home for unwed mothers in Dallas, Texas, Roman was placed in Buckner Orphans Home shortly after birth. She was born with a thyroid condition that led to her obesity and, heartbreakingly, was never adopted.
Despite the challenges, she carved out her own path — and it was nothing short of fascinating.
After graduating from W.W. Samuell High School in 1964, Roman took her talents to the stage, performing in Dallas clubs under the comedic persona “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer.”
The clubs she performed in were owned by Jack Ruby — the man who famously assassinated Lee Harvey Oswald on live television.
But it was her sense of humor that caught the attention of country music royalty.
Buck Owens, the country star and Hee Haw regular, became a fan. In a 2020 interview, Roman shared: “He liked my sense of humor.”
“‘He told me once that he’d just sit and observe me. I said, “Lord have mercy!” He said it was real interesting: “You’re a master at quick wit.” I wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but I got hold of it later,’” she added.
Owens ultimately played a major role in launching her television career, pitching her to the Hee Haw producers ahead of their first episode in 1969.
In a 2024 interview, she recounted the casting process bluntly: “‘They needed one boy next door, one fat dumb man, one fat dumb woman. Buck said, “I got your girl! She’s in Dallas!”’”
Initially cast in background roles, Roman soon broke through with regular speaking parts in segments like The Culhanes.
But her rise was interrupted in 1971 when she was arrested for possession of marijuana, speed, LSD, and meth — a charge that led to a four-year prison sentence and a temporary departure from the show.
Her life took a dramatic turn just two years later.
Roman embraced Christianity in 1973 and managed to persuade the Hee Haw team not only to bring her back, but to let her showcase another side of her talent: her voice.
“‘After I gave my heart to Jesus, the Lord started working on me and making me into quite a different person than when I started,’” she once said.
That comeback kicked off a brand-new chapter as a gospel singer. Despite never having formal vocal training, Roman went on to release her first of 12 albums in 1974. She was later inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.