Fans reflect on the timeless comedy legacy left by The Honeymooners star Joyce Randolph

In the wake of Joyce Randolph’s passing, fans from all corners are coming together to celebrate the enduring laughter she brought into their lives through her iconic portrayal of Trixie Norton in The Honeymooners.

Randolph’s son informed TMZ that she passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in New York City on Saturday, January 13 at the age of 99. She had been facing the effects of old age and was unable to walk. At the time of her passing, she was under hospice care.

The news of Randolph’s departure has sparked a wave of nostalgia as admirers fondly recall the moments when her comedic genius lit up screens.

Born on October 21, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan, Randolph embarked on her journey in the entertainment industry during her teenage years with the Wayne University Workshop. After a stint in retail sales, she found her passion for acting and joined the touring company Stage Door. In 1943, she moved to New York City to pursue an acting career, taking on roles in Broadway and television.

Randolph’s breakthrough came in 1951 when Jackie Gleason spotted her in a Clorets commercial and invited her to join a skit on Cavalcade of Stars. This led to her iconic role as Trixie in The Honeymooners, alongside Gleason, Art Carney, and Audrey Meadows. Despite being hailed as the “Garbo of Detroit”,  Randolph remained humble about her rise to fame.

While her time on The Honeymooners defined her career, Randolph continued to showcase her talent on Broadway, notably in Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath (1950). However, she faced typecasting challenges post-Honeymooners, as directors hesitated to cast her due to her strong association with the character Trixie Norton.

Randolph’s career extended beyond television, with appearances in summer stock musicals, commercials, and guest roles on various TV shows. Despite the challenges, she reprised her role as Trixie Norton in the 1991 episode Fur Flies in Hi Honey, I’m Home! Her dedication to her craft, despite the hurdles, leaves behind a legacy of laughter and memorable performances.

As news of her passing broke, fans have fondly reflected on the humour she generously shared and the mark she left on their lives.

Joyce Randolph was a one-woman acting class in deadpan comedy. To go toe-to-toe with Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, and Audrey Meadows without blinking, you had to be the best. A comedy genius.

Thank you for hours of laughter that will never be topped. https://t.co/bKpCjMTHzt

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) January 14, 2024

A very sad farewell
Joyce Randolph was the last living member of the Classic 39 episodes of The Honeymooners, not just of the main cast, but every supporting player, even those who were kids at the time. She was 99 years old! RIP #Honeymooners #JoyceRandolph pic.twitter.com/nawfx2xxhn

— James L. Neibaur (@JimLNeibaur) January 14, 2024

Joyce Randolph (1924-2024), last surviving star of “The Honeymooners”: pic.twitter.com/NosFogKvJu

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) January 14, 2024

“I was so proud to be part of it.” — Joyce Randolph (1924-2024) on THE HONEYMOONERS

Farewell to the last star of one of the greatest and most enduring sitcoms of all time.https://t.co/FHD1otZYwu pic.twitter.com/zvqRFZjWhw

— Will McKinley (@willmckinley) January 14, 2024

Rest in peace, Joyce Randolph of the honeymooners. The last living cast member. When television was funny. pic.twitter.com/sAft8BBstQ

— King 0f Rochester (@KingofRoc2023) January 14, 2024

She is survived by her son Randolph Charles.