Lulu Roman
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Born Name:
Bertha Louise Hable
Born Date: May 6, 1946
Born Place: Pilot Point, Texas
Died Date: April 23, 2025
Died Place: Bellingham, Washington
Occupations: Singer, comedian, memoirist
Brief Biography: Lulu Roman was best known as a regular on the iconic country variety show Hee Haw. Overcoming a challenging childhood in an orphanage, she rose to fame, battled addiction, found faith as a gospel singer, and inspired audiences until her passing in 2025.
Early Life and Career:
Born in a home for unwed mothers in Dallas, Texas.
Orphanage: Born with a thyroid condition that caused her to be overweight, she was never adopted and was raised at Buckner Orphans Home. She learned to use a sharp, deadpan sense of humor as a defense mechanism against teasing.
Early Jobs: Before her big break, she worked as a telephone operator and briefly performed in nightclubs as "Lulu Roman, the World's Biggest Go-Go Dancer".
Television Stardom (Hee Haw):
The Big Break: Country music star Buck Owens discovered her in Dallas and recommended her to the producers of Hee Haw.
Show Run: She became a founding cast member when the show premiered in 1969. Her hearty laugh, quick wit, and plus-sized comedic presence made her a fan favorite.
Personal Struggles and Transformation:
Addiction: During her early years on Hee Haw, she struggled with drug addiction, which led to a temporary departure from the program in 1971.
Faith: During this hiatus, she converted to Christianity, underwent personal rehabilitation, and returned to the show under the stipulation that one Christian song be featured in every episode.
Gospel Music and Later Life:
Music Career: Transitioning to gospel and Southern country music, she recorded over a dozen albums.
Awards: She won a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association in 1985 and was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Weight Loss: In 2005, following severe weight-related mobility issues, she underwent lap-band surgery and successfully lost over 200 pounds.
Autobiography: In 2019, she published her autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song.
Born Date: May 6, 1946
Born Place: Pilot Point, Texas
Died Date: April 23, 2025
Died Place: Bellingham, Washington
Occupations: Singer, comedian, memoirist
Brief Biography: Lulu Roman was best known as a regular on the iconic country variety show Hee Haw. Overcoming a challenging childhood in an orphanage, she rose to fame, battled addiction, found faith as a gospel singer, and inspired audiences until her passing in 2025.
Early Life and Career:
Born in a home for unwed mothers in Dallas, Texas.
Orphanage: Born with a thyroid condition that caused her to be overweight, she was never adopted and was raised at Buckner Orphans Home. She learned to use a sharp, deadpan sense of humor as a defense mechanism against teasing.
Early Jobs: Before her big break, she worked as a telephone operator and briefly performed in nightclubs as "Lulu Roman, the World's Biggest Go-Go Dancer".
Television Stardom (Hee Haw):
The Big Break: Country music star Buck Owens discovered her in Dallas and recommended her to the producers of Hee Haw.
Show Run: She became a founding cast member when the show premiered in 1969. Her hearty laugh, quick wit, and plus-sized comedic presence made her a fan favorite.
Personal Struggles and Transformation:
Addiction: During her early years on Hee Haw, she struggled with drug addiction, which led to a temporary departure from the program in 1971.
Faith: During this hiatus, she converted to Christianity, underwent personal rehabilitation, and returned to the show under the stipulation that one Christian song be featured in every episode.
Gospel Music and Later Life:
Music Career: Transitioning to gospel and Southern country music, she recorded over a dozen albums.
Awards: She won a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association in 1985 and was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Weight Loss: In 2005, following severe weight-related mobility issues, she underwent lap-band surgery and successfully lost over 200 pounds.
Autobiography: In 2019, she published her autobiography, This Is My Story; This Is My Song.