Beloved ‘Honeymooners’ Actress Joyce Randolph Passes Away at 99

Joyce Randolph, the veteran stage and television actress known for her role as Trixie Norton on the beloved sitcom ‘The Honeymooners,’ has passed away at the age of 99. Randolph died of natural causes on Saturday night at her home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

‘The Honeymooners,’ a comedy set in a Brooklyn tenement during the 1950s, was based on Jackie Gleason’s childhood. Randolph played the witty Trixie Norton, the wife of Ed Norton, played by Art Carney, who often found herself commiserating with Alice Kramden, played by Audrey Meadows, over their husbands’ misadventures.

Originally a recurring skit on Gleason’s variety show, ‘Cavalcade of Stars,’ ‘The Honeymooners’ became immensely popular and later turned into a full-fledged series. The 39 episodes of the show became a syndicated hit and continue to be adored by fans worldwide.

Randolph, citing her favorite episodes, mentioned one where Ed Norton sleepwalks and unknowingly calls out for his wife, using the wrong name. The impact of the show began to sink in for Randolph when her son revealed that people at Yale recognized her as Trixie.

Despite her success on ‘The Honeymooners,’ Randolph faced challenges in her career. Directors often hesitated to cast her due to her strong association with the beloved character. However, she embraced her role as Trixie and cherished the enduring love from fans.

Following her time on the show, Randolph chose to prioritize her family and retired from acting. She did not receive residuals for the 39 episodes of ‘The Honeymooners’ but later received royalties for the discovery of lost episodes.

Randolph remained active in her later years, receiving numerous letters from admirers and frequently visiting Sardi’s, where a portrait of the show’s four characters hung over the bar. She enjoyed her favorite drink, the White Cadillac, and engaged in conversations with patrons.

Joyce Randolph’s passing marks the end of an era, as she was the last surviving main character of ‘The Honeymooners.’ Jackie Gleason, Audrey Meadows, and Art Carney all preceded her in death.

Born as Joyce Sirola in Detroit in 1924, Randolph began her acting career in New York and appeared in various Broadway shows. She also appeared on television alongside stars like Eddie Cantor, Dean Martin, and Danny Thomas.

Throughout her retirement, Randolph remained involved in the theater community, regularly attending Broadway openings and fundraisers. She also dedicated her time to the U.S.O. and frequented cherished Manhattan spots such as Angus and Chez Josephine.

Joyce Randolph is survived by her son Charles. Her late husband, Richard Lincoln, served as the president of the Lambs Club, where Randolph held the title of ‘first lady.’