Lulu Roman, known for her work as a comedian and gospel singer on the country music variety show “Hee Haw,” has died at the age of 78. Roman passed away of heart failure on April 23, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington, confirmed by her son, Damon Roman. She had moved to Washington seven months ago to be near her son.
Born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, Roman was left at a Baptist orphanage in Dallas, Texas, after being born in a home for unwed mothers. She developed a thyroid condition that led to lifelong weight issues and was never adopted. After graduating from W.W. Samuell High School in 1964, she began performing in Dallas-area nightclubs owned by Jack Ruby, better known for assassinating Lee Harvey Oswald, under the name “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer.”
Roman’s career breakthrough occurred when she befriended Buck Owens, a country music star who recognized her comic talent. Owens, set to star on “Hee Haw,” a country variant of NBC’s “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” recommended her to the show’s producers.
In a 2024 interview, Roman recalled Owens telling her that he noticed her quick wit, which she initially did not understand but later appreciated. Roman stated that the producers were seeking specific character types: “They needed one boy next door, one fat dumb man, one fat dumb woman,” she said. “Buck said, ‘I got your girl! She’s in Dallas!'”
Roman joined “Hee Haw” from its debut episode in June 1969, beginning with background roles before moving to speaking parts in segments like “The Culhanes,” “Truck Stop,” and “The Jug Band.” The show’s format involved the cast gathering twice yearly to record 13 weeks of episodes each time.
Her stint on the show was briefly interrupted when she was arrested for drug possession in March 1971. Roman later acknowledged using marijuana, speed, LSD, and methamphetamine during this time. She received a four-year sentence in January 1972 but experienced a significant life change when she converted to Christianity in 1973.
“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,” Roman said regarding her transformation.
The producers rehired her for “Hee Haw,” where she persuaded them to let her sing. She remained until the show’s syndication concluded in June 1993. During this time, Roman transitioned into a gospel singer and released over a dozen albums in her career.
Roman’s music career progressed alongside her television presence. She released her first album in 1974 and won a Dove Award in 1985 for her album “You Were Loving Me.” In 2013, she collaborated with country music stars like Dolly Parton and George Jones for an album titled “At Last.” Her contributions to gospel music led to her induction into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Beyond “Hee Haw,” Roman expanded her television portfolio by starring in the 1978-79 spinoff series “Hee Haw Honeys,” alongside Misty Rowe and Kathie Lee Gifford. Her acting credits also included a role in the film “Corky” (1972) and guest appearances on “The Love Boat” and “Touched by an Angel.”
Roman published her autobiography, “This is My Story; This Is My Song,” in 2019, recounting her journey from an orphan to a well-known entertainer and person of faith. After “Hee Haw,” Roman underwent significant weight loss, reportedly losing 200 pounds through lap-band surgery and portion control, influenced by her faith and discipline.
Throughout her life, Roman experienced both successes and challenges. She was married three times and had two sons. Her younger son, Justin, passed away in October 2017.
Following Roman’s death, tributes were shared by former colleagues and friends. Former “Hee Haw” cast member Misty Rowe recalled their bond, stating they were “as different as night and day” but formed a lasting friendship since 1972. Rowe noted that despite disagreements, they would reconcile by expressing their affection, with Roman responding, “I love you too, Sugar.”
Rowe described Roman as “a gift in my life” and acknowledged their professional history as “the original Hee Haw Honeys and the original Kornfield Friends.” She concluded by expressing gratitude for Roman’s time on Earth and the hope of reuniting “in that big Kornfield in the sky someday.”
Roman’s legacy includes her comedic abilities, musical talent, and personal story of transformation. She evolved from an abandoned child facing addiction to a cherished entertainer who impacted many lives through her work in comedy and music across decades.