Lulu Roman health struggles explored as Hee Haw star dies aged 78

Lulu Roman, the famous American comedian best known for her role on the country-themed variety series Hee Haw, died in Bellingham, Washington, on April 23, 2025 at the age of 78. The cause of death has not been stated yet.

As fans and friends mourn the loss of her legacy, it’s worth reflecting on the personal struggles she endured, most notably, her public battle with health issues which spanned most of her life.

Roman was born Bertha Louise Hable on May 6, 1946. She was born with a thyroid condition that led to lifelong struggles with weight, and after being abandoned as an infant, she was raised in an orphanage in Dallas. Her childhood was full of emotional trauma, being teased over her size, and a lack of love and support from her family.

"By the time I was 5, I was already getting, ‘Fatty, fatty, two by four, can’t get through the kitchen door." She said in an interview with The Wilson Times.

Lulu Roman also suffered from high blood pressure and mobility problems that bound her to a motorized wheelchair. Her attempts to reduce weight were unsuccessful even after trying diets including the Atkins and Slim Fast.

She then took the drastic decision to have a gastric band fitted in 2004. The first try was unsuccessful due to some complications, but in 2005, she tried again, and this time it was successful.

Over a period of time, Lulu Roman shed nearly 190 pounds and had numerous operations to cut away surplus skin. Talking about how she feels after the weight loss, she said:

"I can look in the mirror, and I’m not disgusted or displeased with myself anymore. I’m still rather in shock."

Lulu Roman’s struggles with drug addiction and her road to recovery

In addition to physical health, Roman has also fought drug addiction and mental health problems. According to The Wilson Times, in her early career, and at the height of the fame of Hee Haw, she experimented with a wide range of substances, from marijuana to methamphetamines and even LSD.

She was arrested on drug charges in 1971 and took a temporary leave from the show. Her own moment of transformation came in 1973 when she became a Christian, something that, she said, led to her stop taking drugs or drinking.

Lulu Roman’s difficulties also had a ripple effect and impacted her family life. She was the mother of two sons, Damon and Justin.

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Her firstborn, Damon, was born during her addiction days, and doctors suggested he might not make it, which turned out to be false as he was born healthy. Her youngest son, Justin, passed away in 2017. Not much is known about her sons and their personal life.

In her later years Lulu Roman found a new sense of mission through gospel music. She recorded over a dozen albums, earned a Dove Award and was inducted into the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

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