Acclaimed actress Joyce Randolph, best known for her role as Trixie Norton on the iconic 1950s sitcom “The Honeymooners,” died at her Manhattan, New York residence on January 13, 2024. She was 99 years old.
Randolph’s son, Randolph Charles, confirmed her passing, citing natural causes as the cause of death.
Randolph was a significant figure in American television, recognized for her role in a sitcom that profoundly shaped the representation of working-class Americans.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1924, Randolph’s path to fame started in local theater. She relocated to New York City to further her acting career, making her Broadway debut in 1950 in the comedy “Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath.” Her talent caught the eye of Jackie Gleason while she was shooting a commercial for Clorets. Gleason subsequently selected her for his variety show on the DuMont network, “Cavalcade of Stars,” which premiered in 1951 and included the early sketches of “The Honeymooners.”
Randolph continued to portray Trixie on CBS’ “The Jackie Gleason Show” and later on “The Honeymooners,” when it became a standalone half-hour sitcom recorded in front of a live audience in 1955-56. This season resulted in the “classic 39” episodes, which are frequently seen in syndication.
Although her character had fewer lines than her fellow actors, Randolph’s performance as Trixie resonated with viewers. She told Larry King in 2002 that she treasured episodes where she had more than a few lines, singling out a sleepwalking episode as a favorite. Discussing her approach to the role in a 2012 interview with The New York Times, Randolph stated that the cast was instructed to “learn those lines and go on” without much guidance for character development.
“The Honeymooners” humorously portrayed the everyday lives of two New York City couples living in a Bensonhurst apartment building. The central characters were Ralph Kramden, a Brooklyn bus driver played by Jackie Gleason, and Ed Norton, a sewer worker portrayed by Art Carney. Audrey Meadows played Ralph’s sensible wife, Alice, while Randolph’s character, Trixie, was Norton’s patient spouse. The wives often played the role of common sense amidst the couples’ struggles and get-rich-quick schemes.
After “The Honeymooners,” Randolph had various roles, but she remained closely linked with the character of Trixie. She returned to the role in the 1991-92 ABC sitcom “Hi Honey, I’m Home.” In 2017, she attended the red carpet premiere of “The Honeymooners: The Musical” at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey.
In her personal life, Randolph was married to marketing executive Richard Charles from 1955 until his death in 1997 at 74.
“The Honeymooners” and Randolph’s part in it remains a significant part of American culture. Despite its brief original run, the sitcom became a part of television history through syndication. Randolph’s Trixie, along with the other main characters, encapsulated 1950s and 60s American life with humor and authenticity.
Randolph’s interpretation of Trixie Norton added a distinctive charm and wit to “The Honeymooners.” Her rapport with Art Carney’s character, Ed Norton, resulted in memorable on-screen moments. The show’s portrayal of daily challenges and aspirations resonated with viewers, securing its status as a cherished classic.
Randolph faced the common actor’s challenge of being strongly identified with a single character throughout her career. Despite these challenges, she maintained her involvement in theater and made occasional television appearances. Her activities in summer stock productions and commercials kept her linked to her origins in acting.
With the passing of Randolph, the last surviving member of the original “The Honeymooners” cast, an era has come to an end.
