Comedian Judy Tenuta dead at 72

Some sad news is hitting the comedy community today. Comedian Judy Tenuta – best known for her campy and quirky comedic style, playing the accordion onstage, and branding herself as the “the Love Goddess” – has passed away today at the age of 72. She had previously announced her battle with ovarian cancer.

Tenuta was one of the many comedians that broke out of the 1980s comedy boom, and remarkably one of the few women to do so. After starting in Chicago in the 70s before moving to Los Angeles, as well as touring with George Carlin in the 1980s, Tenuta got mainstream exposure on the Showtime special Ladies of the Night, alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone, and Rita Rudner.

Outside of stand-up she also appeared on TV and in film including Dr. Katz Professional Therapist, Duckman, The Weird Al Show, Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Johnny Bravo, Material Girls, and Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.

Check out some clips of her work .