Lulu Roman: A Life of Laughter, Song, and Faith
Lulu Roman, born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946, in Dallas, Texas, carved a unique and beloved space in American entertainment history as a comedian, gospel singer, and author. Best known for her long-running role on the country-themed comedy show Hee Haw, Roman’s journey was far from ordinary. Her life encompassed immense personal challenges, triumphant artistic achievements, and a deep spiritual transformation that shaped both her work and legacy.
Early Life and Adversity
Born in a home for unwed mothers, Lulu Roman entered the world with a congenital thyroid dysfunction that affected her weight and health throughout her life. Soon after birth, she was placed in the Buckner Orphans Home in Dallas. Her early years were marked by feelings of rejection and abandonment, experiences that would later inform her emotional depth as both a performer and a person of faith.
Despite these beginnings, she showed signs of resilience early on. She graduated from W. W. Samuell High School in 1964, managing to navigate the challenges of institutional life and health issues with determination. In her twenties, Roman worked in Dallas nightclubs, including some owned by Jack Ruby, where she adopted the stage name “Lulu Roman, the World’s Biggest Go-Go Dancer.” Her natural humor and bold personality made her a crowd favorite in the local nightlife scene, planting the seeds for her future in entertainment.
Breakthrough on Hee Haw
Lulu Roman’s big break came in 1969 when she was cast as a regular on Hee Haw, a country music variety show known for its rural-themed skits, corny jokes, and music performances. Co-hosted by Buck Owens and Roy Clark, the show was designed as a country version of Laugh-In, and it quickly became a hit. Roman stood out from the beginning. Her character work—often portraying simple country folks with deadpan humor—was a perfect match for the show’s comedic style.
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Some of her most beloved sketches included recurring bits in “The Culhanes,” a skit about a hilariously clueless family, and her interactions with fellow cast member Junior Samples. She brought a warmth and authenticity to her roles that connected deeply with the show’s audience. Despite being the target of weight-related jokes—many of which she helped write—Roman displayed an unshakable sense of self-deprecating humor and an ability to laugh with, rather than be laughed at.
Yet fame came with its own set of challenges. In 1971, Roman was arrested for drug possession, and as a result, she was temporarily removed from Hee Haw. The incident marked a turning point in her life. During this period, she struggled with addiction and depression. But her return to the show in 1973 marked more than a professional comeback—it signaled a personal transformation that would define the second half of her life.
A Journey of Faith
While away from Hee Haw, Lulu Roman underwent a spiritual awakening and converted to Christianity. Her newfound faith was not simply a personal belief but a force that redirected her life’s purpose. Upon returning to the show, she brought with her a renewed sense of clarity and commitment—not only to her craft but to a higher calling.
Roman’s transition from comedian to gospel singer was both natural and inspired. She had no formal vocal training, yet she possessed a rich, soulful voice that resonated deeply with audiences. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, she recorded over a dozen gospel albums, many of which became staples in Christian music circles. Her performances were filled with emotion, hope, and a powerful sincerity that came from lived experience.
She won a Dove Award in 1985, a prestigious recognition in the world of Christian music. In 1999, she was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame, alongside legends like Loretta Lynn and Andy Griffith. This moment was particularly meaningful for Roman, who had once thought she would be remembered only for her comedy. Instead, she became a beacon of spiritual resilience and artistic evolution.
Her 2013 album At Last featured collaborations with major country and gospel artists, including Dolly Parton, George Jones, T. Graham Brown, and Linda Davis. The album blended gospel standards with country influences, further cementing her status as a crossover artist who brought heart and conviction to every genre she touched.
Struggles and Strength
Lulu Roman‘s journey was not without continued struggle. She was candid about her lifelong battle with obesity, which was partly due to her thyroid condition. In 2005, she underwent lap band surgery and lost over 200 pounds. However, complications led to the removal of the band in 2009. Remarkably, she was able to maintain her weight loss through portion control, walking, and a focus on overall wellness—both physical and spiritual.
Roman was also open about her past drug addiction and the pain it caused. She often used her platform to speak to others about the dangers of substance abuse, offering encouragement to those facing similar demons. Her transparency was one of her most admirable qualities; she never shied away from discussing her mistakes, nor did she allow them to define her.
Her personal life included two marriages—first to Gary Toman in 1975, and later to Woody Smith in 1988. Both marriages ended in divorce. She was the mother of two sons, Damon and Justin. Tragically, Justin passed away in 2017, a loss that deeply affected her. Despite her personal hardships, Roman consistently displayed a powerful sense of gratitude, often attributing her strength to her faith.
Authorship and Advocacy
In addition to her performing career, Lulu Roman was also a published author. Her books focused on themes of redemption, humor, and faith, often incorporating anecdotes from her own life to inspire and uplift readers. She toured extensively, speaking at churches, women’s conferences, and recovery groups across the country.
She used her story to advocate for the marginalized—those battling addiction, facing obesity, or growing up in the foster care system. Her voice became one of hope and healing for people who had been written off by society. Whether through song, comedy, or the written word, she dedicated her life to reminding others that no one is beyond redemption.
Final Years and Legacy
In her later years, Roman settled in Bellingham, Washington, where she lived with her son Damon. She continued to perform occasionally and made appearances at gospel events and Hee Haw reunions. She remained active in the Christian music scene and never lost her love for storytelling.
Lulu Roman died on April 23, 2025, at the age of 78. Her death marked the end of a remarkable life—one filled with laughter, music, struggle, and triumph. She left behind a legacy of resilience and compassion, remembered not only for the joy she brought to millions but also for the strength she showed in overcoming adversity.
Fans and friends alike mourned her passing, reflecting on a life that touched so many. Her former castmates remembered her as the heart of Hee Haw, a woman whose laughter could light up a room and whose spirit never wavered, even in the face of profound personal loss.
Conclusion
Lulu Roman’s story is a testament to the human capacity for change, healing, and joy. She lived her life with vulnerability and humor, fearlessly sharing her story in the hopes of lifting others up. From the orphanage in Dallas to national television fame, from addiction to gospel stardom, Roman’s path was anything but linear—but it was always honest, always heartfelt.
In an age where celebrity often equates to spectacle, Lulu Roman stood out for her authenticity. She never pretended to be anything she wasn’t. She laughed, cried, sang, and prayed in public—and in doing so, she gave others permission to do the same. Her legacy lives on in her recordings, her comedy, her writings, and in the hearts of those she inspired.
Lulu Roman was more than a funny lady from Hee Haw. She was a survivor, a songbird, a spiritual warrior, and a storyteller. And in the story of American entertainment, her chapter is unforgettable.
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