Long-established humorist Judy Tenuta, acknowledged to her followers as “The Fancy Goddess” and “Aphrodite of the Accordion,” died of ovarian cancer on Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles. She became as soon as 72.
Known for her acerbic humor, expletive-laden jokes, raspy tell and accordion, she became as soon as among the many performers who fueled the repute of live comedy in clubs, alongside side the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, Laff Cease in Houston and Caroline’s in New York Metropolis.
Tenuta co-starred with Bruce Vilanch in the indie “Sister Mary,” and had small roles in “Gibsonburg” and Hillary and Haley Duff’s “Materials Women.” Her TV work incorporated appearances in “Standard Clinical institution,” “Ned’s Declassified College Survival Info” and “Corey in the Residence.” As wisely as to playing minor characters on “The Odd Al Tag,” she became as soon as a smartly-liked in Al Yankovic’s comedy shorts and tune videos.
“Earth has if truth be told misplaced a goddess,” Yankovic tweeted following news of her dying.
Devastated to hear of the passing of my dear, dear friend, the lovely Miss Judy Tenuta. I can’t believe she’s gone. Earth has truly lost a goddess. pic.twitter.com/TiRuWTARiB
— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) October 6, 2022
On stage, she regarded in “The Vagina Monologues” and “Menopause the Musical” each and every in L.A. and Chicago, and her possess stand-up specials on Showtime, HBO and Lifetime.
One of those HBO specials became as soon as 1987’s “Females of the Evening,” alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone and Rita Rudner, when Tenuta first won nationwide attention.
By the mid-1980s, Tenuta had won say for a series of television commercials for MTV and Weight loss program Dr Pepper and moved to Los Angeles, but persisted to create on national tours, making visits to the Chicago circuit.
Tenuta became as soon as an outspoken imply for pleased rights and continually conducted at pleased bars and clubs around Chicago, and regarded as a gigantic marshal for a gigantic collection of pleased pride festivals. She turned ordained as a minister to officiate identical-intercourse marriages.
Born in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, on Nov. 7, 1949, her hobby in comedy began when she took a class with the Chicago improv crew The 2nd Metropolis and quickly after began opening for other comedians in Chicago throughout the 1970s.
Known for her define, campy and boundary-pushing costumes (full with “egg bras” and “nippy cup necklaces”) and personas, Tenuta’s acts incorporated the monikers “The Shrimp Flower,” “Sort-Plate Saint,” “Queen of Candy-Pants,” “Princess of Panty Shields,” “Empress of Elvis Impersonators” and the “Buffer of Foreheads.”
Tenuta became as soon as the fundamental female humorist to be named most fascinating female comedian at the American Comedy Awards. She became as soon as a two-time Grammy nominee for most fascinating comedy album for “Consideration Butt-Pirates and Lesbetarians!” and “In Goddess We Have faith.” She became as soon as wrote the books “Corpulent Frontal Tenudity” and “The Vitality of Judyism.”
Tenuta is survived by her lifestyles partner, Vern Pang, five brothers (Daniel, John, Steven, Thomas and James) and sister Barbara. Tenuta will most likely be buried at Hollywood Eternally. In lieu of plant life, donations will be made to Obtain a Wish Basis, St Jude Clinical institution or Metropolis of Hope.
Correction: An earlier version of this yarn incorrectly acknowledged that Tenuta became as soon as 65 at the time of her dying. She became as soon as 72.
