Comedian and gospel singer Lulu Roman has passed away at the age of 78.
Born Bertha Louise Hable in Dallas, Texas, Roman died on Wednesday in Bellingham, Washington, her son Damon Roman confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. She had relocated to Washington just seven months ago to be closer to her son.
As of now, her cause of death has not been determined.
Bertha Louise Hable, known professionally as Lulu Roman, was born on May 6, 1946, in Dallas, Texas. Born with a thyroid condition, she spent her early years in Buckner Orphans Home, where she faced challenges due to her health and weight, often becoming the target of ridicule. To cope, she developed a sharp sense of humor, which later became her trademark.
In the 1960s, Roman worked in Dallas nightclubs, billing herself as “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer.” Her unique persona caught the attention of country star Buck Owens, who recommended her to the producers of the country variety show Hee Haw. Joining the cast in 1969, Roman quickly became a fan favorite, known for her comedic timing and memorable sketches like “The Culhanes” and “Lulu’s Truck Stop.” She remained a staple on the show until its conclusion in 1993.
Despite her success, Roman faced personal struggles, including a battle with drug addiction that led to a hiatus from Hee Haw in the early 1970s. A turning point came in 1973 when she embraced Christianity, leading to a profound personal transformation. This newfound faith inspired her to pursue a career in gospel music, despite having no formal vocal training.
Roman’s gospel career flourished; she released over a dozen albums and collaborated with artists like Dolly Parton, George Jones, and Linda Davis. Her 2013 album At Last featured duets with these renowned musicians. In recognition of her contributions to gospel music, she was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Beyond entertainment, Roman was dedicated to philanthropy, working with organizations like Compassion International and advocating for children’s welfare and addiction recovery. In 2019, she published her autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song, offering an intimate look into her life’s trials and triumphs.
