‘Hee Haw’ Star Lulu Roman Dies at 78: The Untold Story!

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78-year-old Lulu Roman, known for her comedic acting and singing roles on the TV show “Hee Haw” from 1969 to 1993, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday. The reason for her death has not yet been disclosed.

In addition to her extensive career on television with appearances on “The Love Boat” and “Touched by an Angel,” Roman delved into recording music, particularly in the Southern gospel genre, earning a Dove Award in 1985 and induction into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

In 1969, when “Hee Haw,” a comedy-music series with a rural theme, first aired, they were searching for a plus-sized actress who was funny to join their main cast as an ensemble member. Roman, who fit the role perfectly, quickly became like family to many American households that enjoyed the show’s humor, which was as simple and down-to-earth as a cob of corn.

On Thursday, fellow performers and TV colleagues paid tribute to Lulu. Misty Rowe, a long-time “Hee Haw” cast member, shared heartfelt words: “Lulu and I were as different as night and day, but we worked together since 1972. We were the original Hee Haw Honeys and Kornfield Friends. Despite our squabbles, we would always make up by saying ‘I love you Lu’ and she would respond with ‘I love you too Sugar.’ Lulu was a blessing in my life. Although she played my mother twice on screen, she was only three years older than me. Off-screen, we were like gossipy girls. Now, Lulu is my angel in heaven. I am grateful for her time here on earth, and I know that one day we will all meet again in the great Kornfield in the sky.”

Roman acknowledged that it was country music icon and “Hee Haw” co-host Buck Owens who helped her secure her big break. In an interview with “The 700 Club,” she reminisced about their conversation, saying, “He told me, ‘One of these days you’re going to be a star, and I’ll have a part in it.’ I replied, ‘Keep talking, cowboy.'” When the “Hee Haw” show was being put together, there were some Canadians who had been inspired by “Laugh-In” and wanted to create a country music version. They made a list of ideal cast members: one attractive blonde and one attractive brunette; one girl-next-door type and one boy-next-door type; one clumsy, dimwitted man and one clumsy, dimwitted woman. Buck then said, “I’ve got your girl. She’s in Dallas!

She joked, “I was the beautiful blonde, obviously… He explained, ‘They’re planning a country and western-style show, and they’re going to name it ‘Hee Haw.’ I asked, ‘Hee what?’ He replied, ‘Hee Haw, like a donkey.’ I shrugged. He said, ‘There will be a lot of money.’ I responded, ‘Go on…’ They placed me on a large jet, flew me to Hollywood, and brought me to CBS Television Studios. The first person I encountered was Carol Burnett. I’ll never forget her as long as I live. She met us in the hallway and said, ‘Close your mouth, child. You’re about to join our group.’

However, life beyond the Hollywood set wasn’t easy for Roman. She candidly confessed to being heavily addicted to drugs during her time on the show, stating that she was usually under the influence most of the time. Unfortunately, this led to two drug-related arrests. These incidents resulted in a year-long suspension from her role on ‘Hee Haw’. During this challenging period, Roman also discovered she was pregnant, which was quite shocking given the conservative standards of early 1970s television.

“Hee Haw,” initially canceled by CBS in 1971 after only two years on the air, was famously referred to as a “rural purge.” However, it found success in syndication and Roman returned to the cast in 1973, remaining until the show ended its run in the mid-1990s.

Her struggles with drug addiction and overeating were partly rooted in her childhood abandonment at an orphanage, which later influenced her negative relationships with food. Born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, in Dallas, Texas, Roman vividly recalled the day she was left at the age of 4 by her grandmother, on September 10, 1950. She described feeling the abandonment more acutely due to being the overweight child and dealing with a thyroid issue. As she explained, “I think I probably felt it a little harder than most of them because I was ‘the fat kid.’ I came in with a thyroid problem,” and she was subjected to hurtful comments like, “Fatty, fatty, 2 x 4, can’t get through the kitchen door.” She now recognizes that her food became a source of comfort and escape from this emotional pain, as she put it, “I think my food became my drug probably the day that they put me in the orphans’ home. Sugar became my friend, because it didn’t hurt me and it didn’t talk back to me; it didn’t call me names.

What played a pivotal role in her rise to fame, surprisingly enough, was this: “She realized quite early that her quick sense of humor, which she believed was bestowed upon her by God, could be used to make people laugh with her rather than at her.” This wit, honed through years spent in the orphanage, had a special polish because, as she put it, “They never adopted fat children.” At 18, she was freed from the orphanage and ventured into the world on her own.

After a difficult period during which she spent time in jail twice following her break from “Hee Haw”, Roman encountered a friend from the orphanage upon her release from prison for the second time. This friend persuaded her to attend a church service, and it was there that something profound happened: “When I knelt down and surrendered my life to God, right then and there, He miraculously helped me overcome my addiction to drugs.” Sensing her enduring popularity even when she wasn’t on the show, they eventually invited her back, to which she responded, “I’ll think about it; I’ll pray on it.

Roman came back to the program and stayed on board even as it underwent numerous transformations – such as shifting from a top-tier network time slot to syndication – until “Hee Haw” eventually went off the air in 1995, marking the end of its 26-year run.

Roman received payment to perform Christian tunes on the program, and she put out numerous records with a Southern gospel style both during and after her time on “Hee Haw”. Later, she was honored by being admitted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Despite deriving contentment from her spiritual pursuits, Roman’s physical well-being deteriorated significantly over time. She admitted to weighing approximately 380 pounds by the age of sixty and found it necessary to move about with the aid of a scooter.

She significantly reduced her weight by 200 pounds, moving from sizes 56/58 to 14/16. Now, she’s not just able to walk, but she can even manage a run, although it’s not particularly fast, as she proudly declared.

In 2005, I underwent lap-band surgery, a decision that seemed promising for my weight loss journey at the time. However, complications arose in 2009, leading to the removal of the band. This left me feeling dreadful, fearing that all the lost weight would return. Yet, through unwavering faith and consistent practice of portion control, I managed to keep the pounds off.

Roman advised, “You should opt to be a person who forgives,” emphasizing the need to let go of the resentment towards her birth family for abandoning her at four years old. “Subsequently, I had to forgive myself for the poor decisions I’ve made throughout my life… You can allow Jesus’ blood to shape your identity, and in that lies freedom.

Many friends from the country and gospel worlds paid tribute to her Thursday.

Crystal Gayle expressed sorrow over the passing of Lulu Roman, saying, ‘From the start of my career, Lulu has been more than just an acquaintance; she’s been a cherished friend. Parting is never easy, and I will deeply miss my longtime companion.’

Cast member Cathy Baker reflected, ‘Lulu has been an integral part of my life for the past 56 years, since our first encounter at WLAC during the initial taping of ‘Hee Haw’ in May, 1969. Over these years, we’ve laughed and cried together, raised children, mourned the loss of dear friends, comforted each other through hardships, and celebrated the incredible bond and family ‘Hee Haw’ created for us. Parting is tough, even with the knowledge that she’s in a place filled with eternal love and happiness. I will dearly miss her and hold close every precious, amusing, magnificent memory of our time together.’

Victoria Hallman, another cast member, remarked that Lulu Roman’s talent was immense. She felt privileged to have shared the stage with her on ‘Hee Haw’ and in numerous other productions, but beyond being co-stars, Lulu was like a big sister to me. For 26 years, we shared deep affection and unwavering loyalty, supporting each other through joyful and difficult times. As the world grieves for an icon, I grieve for the best big sister anyone could ask for.

Roman was deeply affected by the passing of her son, Justin Collin Roman, who sadly passed away in 2017. This tragic event significantly altered her viewpoint and strengthened her religious beliefs, as stated in her official remembrance.

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2025-04-25 04:47