According to hollywoodreporter.com, Judy Tenuta, a comedienne known as “The Love Goddess” and “Aphrodite of the Accordion” has passed away at the age of 72 years old. She died on Thursday in her home in Studio City after a battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer, as announced by publicist Harlan Boll. Tenuta shocked audiences by dressing up as the Virgin Mary and eventually incorporating an accordion into her routine and developing the character “Love Goddess.” She went on to introduce her audiences to other characters such as, “The Petite Flower,” “Fashion-Plate Saint,” “Queen of Candy-Pants,” “Princess of Panty Shields,” “Empress of Elvis Impersonators” and “Buffer of Foreheads.” She also often worked with “Weird Al” Yankovic. Her many costumes, props, and even her accordion are now on display at the Hollywood Museum.
Tenuta also played the role of Samantha Rottweiler in Butch Camp, and was a former star in Desperation Boulevard a film that she also produced. She also co-starred in Sister Mary and had a featured role in Material Girls. Tenuta also was on stage in Los Angeles and Chicago starring in The Vagina Monologues and Menopause the Musical as well as headlining stand-up comedy specials on HBO, Showtime, and Lifetime. She also received Grammy nominations for best comedy album and worte the books The Power of Judyism and Full Frontal Tenudity.
Tenuta recently completed an inspirational video she titled, Kicking Cancer’s Ass, that was shot during isolation and quarantine. Survivors include her life partner, Vern Pang; brothers Daniel, John, Steven, Thomas and James; sister Barbara; and two nephews, four nieces and a grand-niece. She will be at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Donations can be made in her memory to the Make A Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or City of Hope.
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