New York – Joyce Randolph, a veteran stage and television actress best known for her role as Trixie Norton on “The Honeymooners,” has passed away at the age of 99, according to her son Randolph Charles. Randolph died of natural causes at her home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She was the last surviving main character from the beloved TV comedy of the 1950s.
“The Honeymooners” was a comedic portrayal of Brooklyn tenement life, inspired by star Jackie Gleason’s childhood. The show revolved around the lives of Ralph Kramden, a blustering bus driver, his strong-willed wife Alice, and their friends Ed Norton and Trixie. Trixie and Alice often found themselves commiserating over their husbands’ humorous follies and mishaps. The show, which originated as a skit on Gleason’s variety show, “Cavalcade of Stars,” gained popularity after transitioning into a full-fledged series.
Despite the show’s success, Randolph revealed in a 2007 interview with The New York Times that she received no compensation for the 39 episodes she appeared in. However, she later began receiving royalties after the discovery of “lost” episodes from the variety hours. After five years as a member of Gleason’s on-air repertory company, Randolph decided to retire and focus on her family.
Randolph continued to be admired by fans long after leaving the show, receiving numerous letters each week. She enjoyed spending time at Sardi’s downstairs bar, where a portrait of the show’s four characters hung over the bar. In the early 1980s, Randolph realized the impact the show had on viewers when her son revealed that people would approach him at college, asking if she was really Trixie.
Despite the success of “The Honeymooners,” Randolph felt that the role limited her career opportunities, as directors often hesitated to cast her due to her association with the character. Randolph’s co-stars, Gleason, Meadows, and Carney, have all passed away in previous years. Gleason revived “The Honeymooners” in the 1960s with Jane Kean playing the role of Trixie.
Before her television career, Randolph made a name for herself on Broadway and appeared on TV shows with various stars. She first met Jackie Gleason when she did a commercial on his show and quickly formed a connection with him. Randolph spent her retirement attending Broadway openings, participating in fundraisers, and engaging with the U.S.O. She was married to Richard Lincoln, a marketing executive, and they had one son together.
Joyce Randolph’s role as Trixie on “The Honeymooners” made her a beloved figure in television history. Her comedic talent and memorable performance will continue to be cherished by fans and viewers everywhere.