Joyce Randolph, Beloved “Honeymooners” Actress, Passes Away at 99
Joyce Randolph, a veteran stage and television actress best known for her role as Trixie Norton on the hit show “The Honeymooners,” has died at the age of 99. Randolph passed away from natural causes on Saturday night at her home in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, according to her son Randolph Charles.
A Lasting Legacy in Television Comedy
Randolph was the last surviving main character from the beloved 1950s comedy, “The Honeymooners.” The show, which provided an affectionate portrayal of Brooklyn tenement life, became a favorite among viewers during television’s golden age. Randolph played the savvy Trixie Norton, who served as the perfect foil to her dimwitted TV husband.
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Starring alongside Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, Audrey Meadows as Alice Kramden, and Art Carney as Ed Norton, Randolph’s character often found herself commiserating with Alice over their husbands’ various follies and mishaps. Together, the four characters brought laughter and joy to audiences across the country.
A Show That Stood the Test of Time
Originally a recurring skit on Gleason’s variety show, “Cavalcade of Stars,” “The Honeymooners” grew in popularity and eventually became a full-fledged series for one season in 1955-56. The 39 episodes produced during that time became a staple of syndicated programming, captivating audiences for generations to come.
Despite the show’s widespread success, Randolph revealed in a 2007 interview with The New York Times that she did not receive compensation in residuals for those episodes. However, she later began receiving royalties with the discovery of “lost” episodes from the variety hours.
A Life Beyond the Spotlight
After five years as a member of Gleason’s on-the-air repertory company, Randolph chose to retire from acting to focus on her marriage and motherhood. She cherished the opportunity to be fully present in her son’s life and did not want to miss out on raising him herself.
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In her retirement years, Randolph continued to receive admiration from fans and received numerous letters each week. She frequented the downstairs bar at Sardi’s, where she enjoyed her favorite White Cadillac concoction and engaged in conversations with patrons who recognized her from a portrait of the sitcom’s four characters displayed over the bar.
A Legacy Remembered
Randolph’s impact on television viewers became evident to her son during his time at Yale University. He would often be approached by people asking if his mom was truly Trixie from “The Honeymooners.” This realization highlighted the lasting impact of the show and its characters on audiences.
Despite the recognition she received for her portrayal of Trixie, Randolph expressed that the role limited her career opportunities in the years that followed. Directors often hesitated to cast her due to her association with the beloved character.
A Life Well-Lived
Joyce Randolph, born Joyce Sirola in Detroit in 1924, had a passion for acting from a young age. She performed in a number of Broadway shows before making her mark on television. Throughout her retirement, she remained active in the theater community, attending Broadway openings and fundraisers.
Randolph’s husband, Richard Lincoln, a prominent marketing executive, passed away in 1997. During their marriage, Lincoln served as the president of the Lambs Club, a theatrical club, and Randolph was regarded as the “first lady” of the club. Together, they raised one son, Charles.
The passing of Joyce Randolph marks the end of an era in television comedy. Her portrayal of Trixie Norton will forever be remembered and cherished by fans around the world. May she rest in peace.
Source: Japan Today
BDST: 1042 HRS, JAN 16, 2024
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