Actress Joyce Randolph, Known for ‘The Honeymooners’, Passes Away at 99

Joyce Randolph, a well-known actress from stage and television, passed away at the age of 99. She was best known for her role as Trixie Norton in the beloved comedy series “The Honeymooners.” Randolph died of natural causes at her home in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, according to her son Randolph Charles.

As the last surviving main character from the show’s golden age in the 1950s, Randolph played the savvy and quick-witted wife of the dimwitted Ralph Kramden, portrayed by Jackie Gleason. The show depicted the humorous and relatable struggles of Brooklyn tenement life. Alongside Audrey Meadows, who played Alice Kramden, and Art Carney, who played Ed Norton, Trixie often found herself commiserating with Alice over their husbands’ various follies and mishaps.

“The Honeymooners” started as a recurring skit on Gleason’s variety show, “Cavalcade of Stars,” in 1950. Its popularity led to a full-fledged series for one season in 1955-56. The 39 episodes became syndicated and aired all over the country, making it one of the most beloved television comedies of all time.

Despite her success on the show, Randolph revealed in a 2007 interview that she received no residuals for the 39 episodes. However, she began receiving royalties when “lost” episodes were discovered from the variety hours. After five years with Gleason’s repertory company, Randolph chose to focus on her family and retired from acting.

Even after leaving the show, Randolph remained a beloved figure and received numerous letters from fans. She often frequented Sardi’s, where a portrait of the sitcom’s main characters hung over the bar. In her 80s, she continued to enjoy her favorite drink, the White Cadillac, and engage in conversations with patrons who recognized her.

Randolph’s son once revealed that he had experienced people approaching him at Yale University, asking if his mother was really Trixie. This demonstrated the lasting impact of “The Honeymooners” on television viewers. However, Randolph also acknowledged that her role as Trixie had limited her career opportunities, as directors often saw her exclusively as the iconic character.

Gleason, Meadows, and Carney, who were all part of the main cast, have previously passed away. Gleason revived “The Honeymooners” in the 1960s with Jane Kean taking on the role of Trixie.

Born in Detroit in 1924, Randolph began her acting career in stage productions and later performed in various Broadway shows. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, she made frequent appearances on television alongside renowned stars. She first met Gleason when she participated in a Clorets commercial on “Cavalcade of Stars,” and he took a liking to her.

Throughout her retirement, Randolph remained active in the entertainment industry by attending Broadway openings and fundraisers. She also supported the U.S.O. and frequented popular Manhattan establishments like Angus, Chez Josephine, and the Lambs Club.

Randolph was married to Richard Lincoln, a marketing executive who served as the president of the Lambs Club. They had one son named Charles. Lincoln passed away in 1997.

Joyce Randolph’s contribution to the world of television will always be remembered, and she leaves behind a legacy as the beloved Trixie Norton from “The Honeymooners.”