Lulu Roman, known for her comedic and gospel singing talents on “Hee Haw,” has died at 78. Roman passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington, as confirmed by her son, Damon Roman. She had moved to Washington to be closer to him seven months prior. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, in a home for unwed mothers, Roman was left at a Baptist orphan facility in Dallas, Texas. She suffered from a thyroid condition that impacted her weight throughout her life and was never adopted. After graduating from W.W. Samuell High School in 1964, she started performing in Dallas nightclubs owned by Jack Ruby, known for assassinating Lee Harvey Oswald, as “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer” to earn a living.
Roman’s career took off when she befriended country music star Buck Owens, who saw her comedic potential. Owens recommended her to producers of “Hee Haw,” a country-themed version of NBC’s “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” which was initially conceived as a summer replacement for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
In a 2024 interview, Roman recalled Owens observing her quick wit and expressing interest in her talent. She said, “They needed one boy next door, one fat dumb man, one fat dumb woman. Buck said, ‘I got your girl! She’s in Dallas!'”
Roman joined “Hee Haw” in its debut episode in June 1969, first appearing in background roles before moving to segments such as “The Culhanes,” “Truck Stop,” and “The Jug Band.” The show recorded 13 weeks’ worth of episodes twice a year.
Her career on the show was temporarily interrupted when she was arrested for drug possession in March 1971. Roman later admitted to using marijuana, speed, LSD, and methamphetamine. She was sentenced to four years in January 1972 and underwent a significant life change by converting 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 about her transformation.
The “Hee Haw” producers rehired her, allowing her to sing on the show. She remained until the final syndicated episode in June 1993. During this time, Roman reinvented herself as a gospel singer, releasing over a dozen albums.
Roman’s music career thrived alongside her television work. Her debut album came out in 1974, and she won a Dove Award in 1985 for “You Were Loving Me.” In 2013, she recorded an album of standards, “At Last,” with artists like Dolly Parton and George Jones. She was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Outside “Hee Haw,” Roman appeared in the 1978-79 spinoff series “Hee Haw Honeys,” alongside Misty Rowe and Kathie Lee Gifford. Her acting credits include the film “Corky” (1972) and guest roles on “The Love Boat” and “Touched by an Angel.”
Roman’s autobiography, “This is My Story; This Is My Song,” was published in 2019, detailing her life from being an orphan to becoming an entertainer and person of faith. She reportedly lost 200 pounds through lap-band surgery and portion control, motivated by her faith and determination.
Roman experienced personal ups and downs. She married three times and had two sons. Her younger son, Justin, passed away in October 2017.
Following her death, tributes emerged from colleagues and friends. Former “Hee Haw” cast member Misty Rowe commented on their connection, noting they were “as different as night and day” but formed a lasting bond since 1972. Rowe mentioned they would resolve disagreements by expressing affection, with Roman saying, “I love you too, Sugar.”
Rowe described Roman as “a gift in my life” and reflected on their professional history as “the original Hee Haw Honeys and the original Kornfield Friends.” She concluded, “I thank God for her time here on Earth, and I know we will all see her again in that big Kornfield in the sky someday.”
Roman’s legacy is marked by her comedic skill, musical contributions, and personal transformation. Her journey from an abandoned child facing addiction to a respected entertainer impacted many lives through her television and music career.
