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Judy Tenuta has passed away at the age of 72. The comedian legend, known as the “Goddess of Love”, has passed away after a battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer at his Studio City home, representative of Teacher Harlan Boll confirmed. She is survived by her partner Vern Panas well as a number of siblings – including brothers Daniel, John, Steven, Thomas and Jamesand her sister Barbara. Learn more about Judy and her accomplishments here.
She is known as the ‘Goddess of Love’.
In her first standing performance, Judy caused controversy when she dressed up as the Biblical Virgin. She added an accordion to her routine, which has become a signature element of her career – especially after character development into the chrome-voiced “Goddess of Love.” sly and sly. Some of her best outfits, along with her accordion, are on display at the Hollywood Museum in Hollywood & Highland. Notably, she began acting in comedy at Chicago’s iconic The Second City.
“Goddess of Love” also paved the way for her other hot characters with unique outfits, including “Little Flower”, “Candy Pants Queen”, “Fashion Saint”, “Fashion Saint”, and more. Princess Panties”, “The Queen of Elvis Impersonators” and others.
After moving to Los Angeles in the ’80s, Judy joined a voiced HBO special Women in the night with Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone and Rita Rudner. She has also appeared in advertising campaigns for brands such as Diet Dr Pepper and MTV while maintaining a presence in the independent world.
She’s from Chicago
Judy was born into a Catholic family as one of nine siblings in Oak Park, Illinois on November 7, 1949 to parents Johanna and Caesar. Her father and mother named her because of the deceased Judy Garland. She lived in Chicago most of her young life, and pursued a post-secondary degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago, majoring in theatre.
She was nominated for GRAMMYs
Judy has had many awards in her career, including several Nominated GRAMMY in the category of Best Comedy Album for Attention Butt-Pirates and Lesbetarians! and In the goddess we believe in.
She is a friend of Weird Al
Judy worked closely with her friend Strange Al – nickname Al Yankovic – and appear as supporting characters on both The Weird Al Show as well as appearing in his music videos and other short costumes. Al took to social media to pay tribute to her after the news of her death was confirmed.
Sad to hear that my dear friend, my lovely girl, Ms. Judy Tenuta has passed away. I can’t believe she’s gone. Earth has truly lost a goddess. pic.twitter.com/TiRuWTARiB
– Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) October 6, 2022
“Sad to hear that my dear friend Judy Tenuta has passed away,” he wrote on Twitter. “I can’t believe she’s gone. The Earth has truly lost a goddess.”
She is a supporter of gay rights
Judy was known throughout her life for being a voice and support gay rights. In addition to her active work, she regularly performs at gay clubs and bars in the Chicago area, as well as participating in Pride festival gay men like great marshals. She was also ordained to conduct same-sex marriages.
Judy will be buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Her family requested donations to the Wish Foundation, St Jude’s Hospital or the City of Hope in lieu of flowers.
