Lulu Roman, a shining star of the classic TV show Hee Haw and a powerful gospel singer, has passed away. She was 78.
Her close friend confirmed the sad news on April 24. According to her son, Damon Roman, Lulu died the day before in Bellingham, Washington. She had moved there last year to live with him.
Lulu—born Bertha Louise Hable—was known for making people laugh on Hee Haw, the country-themed comedy show that became a hit after its debut in 1969. Though she faced many struggles in her life, she used humor and music to connect with others.
“Lulu Roman was unsung,” said her former publicist Ben Laurro. “She endured much adversity in her life that helped her become a joy to others.”
Lulu’s early life was not easy. She was born in 1942 in a home for unwed mothers and placed in an orphanage in Dallas, Texas. Because of a thyroid condition, she gained weight as a child and was often teased. She was never adopted and eventually aged out of the orphanage.
Even though she had a tough start, Lulu had a natural gift for comedy. That talent caught the attention of Hee Haw co-host Buck Owens, who loved her sense of humor and helped her land a spot on the show.
“I was hired to be the fat girl on Hee Haw,” Lulu once said. But she later lost over 200 pounds and talked about her health journey during a 2010 interview on The 700 Club.
Lulu became a fan favorite with her funny skits and big personality. But life wasn’t always fun behind the scenes. She battled drug addiction and left Hee Haw in 1971.
Things turned around in 1973 when she became a Christian. She found comfort and purpose in her faith and started singing gospel music. She was later inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
She also wrote a memoir in 2019 and continued performing for her fans for years. Her song “Failure Isn’t Final” became a favorite for people who found strength in her story.
Lulu didn’t just stick to Hee Haw. She also starred in the spin-off show Hee Haw Honeys from 1978 to 1979, alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and Misty Rowe. She made appearances on The Love Boat, Touched by an Angel, and even acted in the movie Corky in 1972.
Her co-star Misty Rowe shared a touching tribute after her passing.
“Lulu was a gift in my life,” Rowe said. “She played my mother twice and yet she was just 3 years older than me… Now Lulu is my angel in heaven. I thank God for her time here on Earth.”
Lulu’s younger son, Justin, passed away in 2017. Her older son, Damon, remained close to her and was by her side at the end. Her former publicist said she was deeply loving and cared deeply for others.
“She had profound kindness and empathy for the broken-hearted or lonely because she walked that path herself,” said Laurro. “Her fans meant the world to her.”
No cause of death has been released at this time.
Lulu Roman will be remembered for her laughter, her music, and her incredible strength. She brought light to many and will always have a special place in the hearts of those who knew her—on screen and off.
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