Joyce Randolph, a beloved stage and television actor best known for her role as Trixie Norton on “The Honeymooners,” has passed away at the age of 99. The veteran actor died of natural causes at her home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on Saturday night, according to her son Randolph Charles.
Randolph was the last surviving main actor from the iconic comedy series, which was a hit during television’s golden age in the 1950s. Set in Brooklyn, “The Honeymooners” provided a humorous glimpse into the lives of Ralph Kramden, a blustering bus driver played by Jackie Gleason, and his quick-witted wife Alice, portrayed by Audrey Meadows. Randolph played Trixie Norton, the savvy friend of Alice who often found herself commiserating with her over their husbands’ various mishaps and follies.
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The show originated as a recurring skit on Gleason’s variety show, “Cavalcade of Stars,” in 1950 before becoming a full-fledged series for one season in 1955-56. With its relatable characters and hilarious storylines, “The Honeymooners” quickly became a favorite among viewers and continues to be cherished by audiences today.
Despite the show’s immense popularity, Randolph revealed in a 2007 interview with The New York Times that she received no compensation in residuals for the 39 episodes of “The Honeymooners.” However, she later began receiving royalties with the discovery of “lost” episodes from the variety hours. After her time on the show, Randolph chose to focus on her family, dedicating herself to marriage and motherhood.
Although she stepped away from the spotlight, Randolph remained a beloved figure, receiving numerous letters from fans and frequently visiting the downstairs bar at Sardi’s, where she would enjoy her favorite White Cadillac drink and engage in conversations with patrons who recognized her from a portrait of the sitcom’s four characters.
Randolph’s impact on television viewers didn’t fully register with her until the 1980s when her son, attending Yale University at the time, shared that people would approach him and ask if she was really Trixie. Reflecting on her career, Randolph lamented that playing Trixie had limited her opportunities as directors often saw her solely as the beloved character.
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Born Joyce Sirola in Detroit in 1924, Randolph began her acting career in her late teens, performing in road companies and Broadway shows. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, she appeared on TV alongside notable stars such as Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Danny Thomas, and Fred Allen.
In her retirement, Randolph continued to support the arts, attending Broadway openings and fundraisers. She was also actively involved with the U.S.O. and frequented her favorite Manhattan haunts, including Angus, Chez Josephine, and the Lambs Club. Her husband, Richard Lincoln, who passed away in 1997, was the president of the Lambs Club, where she held the title of “first lady.” Randolph and Lincoln had one son, Charles.
Joyce Randolph’s passing marks the end of an era in television history. Her portrayal of Trixie Norton on “The Honeymooners” will forever be remembered and cherished by fans around the world. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter and joy, and her presence on screen will be greatly missed..
