Lulu Roman, Beloved ‘Hee Haw’ Comedian and Country Gospel Singer, Dies at 78

Lulu Roman, the unforgettable comic force behind nearly 25 years of laughter on the rural comedy variety series Hee Haw, has died at the age of 78. The news of her unexpected passing was confirmed Wednesday, though no cause of death has been released.

Roman, born Bertha Louise Hable in Dallas, Texas on May 6, 1946, became a fixture in millions of American households with her quick wit, self-deprecating humor, and infectious warmth on Hee Haw, where she was a mainstay from its launch in 1969 through 1993. But her legacy extends far beyond corny jokes and overalls—Roman also carved out a remarkable career in Southern gospel music, winning a Dove Award in 1985 and being inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

Though she brought joy to so many, Roman’s life was shaped by early abandonment and struggle. Dropped off at an orphanage by her grandmother when she was just four years old, Roman grew up battling obesity and bullying. “They didn’t adopt fat kids,” she once recalled bluntly. Her sense of humor became a shield and a weapon. “I learned very early on that I could use a quick wit to have people laugh with me instead of at me.”

That wit led her to Hee Haw, where producers were searching for a plus-sized comic actress to round out the ensemble. According to Roman, it was country music legend Buck Owens who vouched for her. “He said, ‘I got your girl. She’s in Dallas.’” Owens delivered, and Roman was flown to Hollywood to screen test at CBS. The first person she saw? Carol Burnett. “She met us in the hall and said, ‘Shut your mouth, child. You’re fixin’ to be one of us.’”

But her time on television wasn’t without turbulence. Roman openly battled drug addiction during her early years on Hee Haw, even being arrested twice. She lost her spot on the show for a year, during which she became pregnant out of wedlock—controversial for a family program in the 1970s. However, her lowest moments led to a spiritual turning point. After attending church at a friend’s urging, she said, “I gave my life to the Lord, and instantly He took those drugs away from me.”

Her repentance and newfound faith impressed the show’s producers enough to welcome her back in 1973. From there, Roman became one of Hee Haw’s most beloved cast members, staying through the show’s entire syndication run until its end in 1995.

Alongside her comedy work, Roman found her voice in gospel music, releasing a series of Christian albums that earned her acclaim in religious circles. Her voice, as soulful as her laugh was hearty, helped her bridge both the entertainment and spiritual worlds. In her later years, she performed regularly, continuing to share her testimony of redemption.

Roman also battled serious health issues. At one point, she weighed 380 pounds and relied on a scooter to move around. After undergoing lap-band surgery in 2005 and facing complications that forced its removal in 2009, she managed to maintain a 200-pound weight loss through prayer, discipline, and support.

“I can walk now. I can run. Not fast, but I can run,” she said proudly. “You have to choose to be a forgiver,” she once added, reflecting on her difficult childhood and struggles with self-worth. “Then I had to forgive myself for all the stupid choices I made in my life.”

Roman’s passing drew heartfelt tributes from across the country music and gospel communities. “I will miss my old friend,” said Crystal Gayle. “It’s hard to say goodbyes.” Hee Haw castmate Cathy Baker called her “a special friend for 56 years,” adding, “I will cherish every sweet, silly, glorious memory.” Victoria Hallman, another longtime colleague, described her as “the best big sister anyone ever had.”

Fellow cast member Misty Rowe spoke of their complicated, enduring friendship. “We were as different as night and day… Yet we would often squabble and then make up by saying ‘I love you Lu’ and she would say ‘I love you too Sugar.’”

Roman’s humor, candor, faith, and resilience made her not just a TV icon but a survivor whose story resonated far beyond the screen. She is survived by loved ones, though predeceased by her son, Justin Collin Roman, who passed away in 2017.

For a woman who once said she wasn’t adoptable, Lulu Roman became a beloved part of America’s television family—one who never stopped laughing, singing, or sharing her truth.