Judy Tenuta, the 'Love Goddess' comedienne and actress, dead at 72
By: Ashley Hume
I remember laughing really hard when she was on Caroline's Comedy Hour and Evening at the Improv in the 1980s. Very talented woman!
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Tenuta's publicist Roger Neal confirmed that she died of ovarian cancer at her home in Los Angeles while surrounded by family.
"She was a very funny, amazing performer," Neal told The Associated Press, adding that it was always a "happy time to be around her."
Tenuta was known for her shrill, gravelly delivery, her acerbic, expletive-laden humor and her accordion-playing. According to her obituary, friends suggested that she incorporate an accordion into her act as she developed her whimsical, wisecracking persona, the "Love Goddess."
The veteran comic learned to play the instrument after being encouraged by her mother, who was a fan of accordionist Lawrence Welk. Tenuta's accordion, which she described as "an instrument of love and submission," is currently on display in the Hollywood Museum.
Born in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Ill., Tenuta was the daughter of a Polish mother, Johanna, and an Italian father, Caesar. She was raised in a Catholic family as one of nine siblings, including six brothers. Tenuta majored in theatre at the University of Illinois at Chicago and became the first of her family to graduate from college.
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She was so quirky and cute. Loved her.
I agree, and I'm glad we've found something in common. Thank you for commenting on my seed.
I absolutely loved her 'It Could Happen' Bits! Loved! Loved! Loved!
An edgy, hilarious comedienne ahead of her time.
Wow, she was 72?
Damn!