Judy Tenuta, a brazen 1980s comedian who toured with George Carlin and referred to herself as the “Love Goddess,” passed away on Thursday. She was 72 years old.
Tenuta passed away Thursday afternoon at her home in Los Angeles, surrounded by her family, according to publicist Roger Neal. Death was caused by ovarian cancer.
Neal remarked, “She was always a joy to be around since she was such a hilarious and talented entertainer.”
Judy Tenuta attends The Hollywood Museum’s 30th Anniversary Celebration of “The Silence Of The Lambs” on October 20, 2021 in Hollywood, California. Getty Pictures
Neal stated that Tenuta had given her birthdate as November 7, 1965, but she was actually born in 1949. “She was old-fashioned, so she never revealed her own age, but now that she has passed away, we may reveal her true age,” he continued.
Her heart-shaped face, topped with flower-accented bouffant hair, provided the image of innocent innocence, which was swiftly broken by her loud, gravelly voice and acerbic humor, which included expletives. She affectionately referred to the accordion she incorporated into her act as “an instrument of love and submission.”
She was part of a generation of comedians who popularized live comedy in clubs around the country, including the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, Laff Stop in Houston, and Caroline’s in New York. A normally male-dominated field, including Tenuta, made way for women.
“Saddened to learn of the demise of my beloved, dear friend Miss Judy Tenuta. I cannot believe she has left “She collaborated with Weird Al Yankovic on his 1990s television series and 2006 song video. “The planet has indeed lost a goddess.”
Saddened to learn of the demise of my beloved, dear friend Miss Judy Tenuta. I cannot believe she has left us. The planet has indeed lost a goddess. pic.twitter.com/TiRuWTARiB
— Al Yankovic (@alykovic) on 6 Oct 2022
Michael McKean, a member “The “Spinal Tap” actor tweeted, “Unique. Damn.”
Tenuta rose to prominence in 1987 with the HBO program “On Location: Women of the Night,” in which she starred alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone, and Rita Rudner.
Tenuta was selected best female comedy club performer in the 1988 “American Comedy Awards” television special, competing against male winner Jerry Seinfeld. Other recipients that year were Robin Williams, Lily Tomlin, and Bette Midler for their club or movie work.
“I would trade it in a heartbeat if I could simply be a wife and mother,” said the gold lamé-wrapped, gum-chewing Tenuta as Carlin presented her with her prize.
She was a frequent guest on late-night talk shows, game shows, and Howard Stern’s radio shock jock program. Her acting and voicing credits included “Weird Al Show” and “Space Ghost Coast to Coast.” She appeared onstage in Los Angeles and Chicago in “The Vagina Monologues.”
Tenuta received back-to-back Grammy nominations for best spoken word comedy album in 1995 and 1996 for “Attention Butt Pirates and Lesbetarians” and “In Goddess We Trust.”
She supported LGBTQ rights, participated in pride events, and had ardent admirers among the LGBTQ community. As an ordained minister of Judyism, she stated on her website that she was “available for same-sex marriages!”
Tenuta attended Catholic schools in the Chicago suburb of Maywood, including one she dubbed “St. Obnoxious and Bondage.” She stated that she was the “isolated, little flower” in a Catholic family with six brothers; Petite Flower became one of her stage nicknames.
She did odd jobs after graduating from college, including packing meat and taking inventory at a Catholic religious clothing store.
Tenuta said in a 1989 interview with The Associated Press, “I was sacked because they found me trying on clothes.” “So the boss entered, and I suppose he became quite angry. And I responded, ‘Well, I guess I’ll have to see how they appear, pig. I am attempting to ameliorate the situation for these broads “‘
Tenuta joined the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago before beginning her solo stand-up career. Tenuta stated that most people immediately recognized her performance, which included the self-centered “Judaism” religion, in spite of her unusual attire and bizarre stage presence.
“In my religion, only I am permitted to complain. The great thing about my religion is that you can temporarily ignore all of your worries and focus on mine “She stated to AP.