Joyce Randolph, the beloved actress renowned for her portrayal of Trixie Norton in the iconic 1950s sitcom "The Honeymooners," passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Manhattan home. She was 99 years old. Randolph's passing marks the end of an era, as she was the last surviving member of the show's main cast, which included stars Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, and Audrey Meadows.
Her son, Randy Charles, confirmed her passing, noting that she had been in home-hospice care for several months before her death. Randolph's career in entertainment was marked by a variety of roles before her breakthrough in "The Honeymooners." However, much of her early work on live television is lost. Charles fondly recalled her being playfully known as the 'most murdered girl' on television due to her frequent roles as a murder victim.
"The Honeymooners," originally a comedy sketch on "The Jackie Gleason Show," was turned into a 30-minute show for one season, producing 39 episodes. Despite its short run, the show left an indelible mark on American television and is still celebrated for its impact on the sitcom genre. In 2022, CBS Studios announced plans to reboot the show with a focus on a female lead.
Randolph married Richard Lincoln Charles a day after the premiere of "The Honeymooners" in 1955, and they remained together until his death in 1997. Her son described her as a "wonderful actress," a "wonderful mom," and a "loving wife." A private remembrance service will be held at a future date. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Entertainment Community Fund in Randolph's honor.
Fans and admirers have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to Randolph. One user on X (formerly Twitter) reflected, "It's the end of an era," while another added, "So long Trixie, and thank you." The comments highlight the deep affection and respect Randolph garnered throughout her career.
In her later years, Randolph continued to engage with her legacy, making a red carpet appearance in 2017 at the musical adaptation of "The Honeymooners" at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse.
