Lulu Roman, who was best known for her funny character on Hee Haw and later inspiring many through gospel music, has passed away at the age of 78. She died on Wednesday, April 23, in Bellingham, Washington, where she had been living with her son, Damon. She was a woman known for her humor and heart, and Lulu’s life was one of great transformation.
She had a challenging childhood before finding fame and faith, but Lulu never lost her spark, despite everything. Those who knew her describe her as joyful, kind, and compassionate.
It was not very smooth, but Lulu Roman never gave up
Lulu’s early life was anything but easy. She grew up in a home for unwed mothers without ever experiencing adoption. A thyroid condition caused weight gain that made her a target of teasing during childhood. This pain was what she carried for years. But through it all, she learned to laugh.
That gift of laughter led her to Hee Haw, where she became a fan favorite. Though she once said she was “hired to be the fat girl,” Lulu quickly proved she was more than a stereotype. The chemistry she had with co-stars, especially Buck Owens, made her one of the show’s most loved faces during its 23-season run. But off-screen, she was struggling. In 1971, she left the show due to drug-related issues.
The turning point for Lulu Roman
After becoming a Christian, Lulu did not just find faith but also purpose. And it all began in 1973. She started a new chapter as a gospel singer, pouring her heart into songs like “Failure Isn’t Final” and “The King of Who I Am.” She continued to appear on screen — Hee Haw Honeys, The Love Boat, and Touched by an Angel — and even took on film roles, including Corky in 1972.
Beyond these things, Lulu was a mother and a friend. Her former publicist, Ben Laurro, described her as someone who “had profound kindness and empathy for the broken-hearted or lonely because she walked that path herself.” She lost her younger son, Justin, in 2017. Misty Rowe, who co-starred with her, said, “Lulu was a gift in my life… now Lulu is my angel in heaven.” Her fans and family remember her for the light and the joy she brought into their lives.