Lulu Roman, Hee Haw Star and Gospel Icon, Passes Away at 78

Born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, in Dallas, Texas, Lulu Roman, then 78, passed away in Bellingham, Washington, on April 23, 2025. Roman’s life was one of tenacity, talent, and unwavering faith; she was well-known for her performance on the country comedy variety program Hee Haw and for her work in Southern gospel music.

Early Life and Challenges

Lulu Roman formative years were disturbed. She was born in a shelter for single mothers and sent to an orphanage when four years old. Having a thyroid disorder that caused weight problems, she was teased and excluded in her earlier years. Roman overcome these obstacles and acquired a keen sense of humor as well as a passion for performance—qualities that would define her subsequent work.

Rise to Fame on Hee Haw

Roman’s career turned completely around in 1969 when country music star Buck Owens suggested her for a part on Hee Haw, a brand-new TV show combining comedy and music. Her unusual comic timing and warm demeanor soon made her a popular among the viewers. Roman was a consistent on the program for its existence, save for a little break in the early 1970s.

Personal Struggles and Spiritual Awakening

Early on in Hee Haw, Lulu Roman developed drug addiction, which caused legal problems and a brief leave from the program in 1971. Her life changed in 1973 when she joined Christianity. From helping her in recovery, this spiritual revelation motivated her to choose a new career path.

Gospel Music Career

After her conversion, Lulu Roman committed her life to gospel music and made more than a dozen CDs that were hit with people all across. Her contribution to the genre was acknowledged in 1985 with a Dove Award and in 1999 with an entry into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Later Years and Legacy

Roman endured disease, including major weight gain in her final years. Showing great tenacity, she had lap-band surgery in 2005 and lost a lot of weight. Roman kept playing and motivating others all around her with her tale of faith and atonement.

Lulu Roman’s influence went beyond entertainment; she was a ray of hope for millions of people going through comparable hardships. Along with fans, her genuineness and strength won her over fellow stars. Looking back, another Hee Haw actress, Misty Rowe, said, “Lulu was a godsend in my life. I thank God for her time here on Earth; I believe we will all see her once more in that magnificent Kornfield in the sky someday.

Conclusion

Lulu Roman’s life story is essentially one of achievement in show industry mixed with a deep personal development thru hardship. Her legacy reminds us of the human spirit, belief, and tenacity until today.