Joyce Randolph, the renowned actress who portrayed Trixie Norton on the classic 1950s sitcom “The Honeymooners,” passed away at her home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, on January 13, 2024. She was 99. 

Randolph’s death was confirmed by her son, Randolph Charles, who stated that she died of natural causes. 

Joyce Randolph was a pivotal figure in American television history, known for her role in a sitcom that deeply influenced the portrayal of working-class Americans.

Born in 1924 in Detroit, Michigan, Randolph’s journey to stardom began in local theater. She moved to New York City to pursue her acting career, marking her Broadway debut in 1950 with the comedy “Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath.” Her talent caught the attention of Jackie Gleason, who discovered her while she was doing a commercial for Clorets. Gleason subsequently cast her in his DuMont network variety show “Cavalcade of Stars,” which premiered in 1951. This show featured the initial sketches of what would become “The Honeymooners.”

Randolph continued her portrayal of Trixie on CBS’ “The Jackie Gleason Show” and eventually on “The Honeymooners,” when it spun off in 1955-56 as a half-hour sitcom recorded in front of a live audience. This particular season produced what are known as the “classic 39” episodes, which are most often seen in syndication. 

Despite the limited scope of her character, who often had fewer lines compared to her co-stars, Randolph’s performance as Trixie resonated with audiences. She once told Larry King in 2002 that she cherished any episode where she had more than a few lines, particularly highlighting a sleepwalking episode as a favorite. Her approach to the role was straightforward, as she explained to The New York Times in 2012, stating that the cast was directed to “learn those lines and go on” without much characterization guidance.

“The Honeymooners” showcased the lives of two New York City couples living in a Bensonhurst apartment building. Ralph Kramden, a Brooklyn bus driver played by Jackie Gleason, and Ed Norton, a sewer worker portrayed by Art Carney, were the central characters. Audrey Meadows played Ralph’s level-headed wife, Alice, while Randolph’s Trixie was the patient wife of Norton. The show humorously depicted the couples’ everyday life, struggles, and get-rich-quick schemes, with the wives often serving as the voice of reason.

After “The Honeymooners,” Randolph’s career included various roles, though she remained strongly associated with the character of Trixie. She reprised the role in the 1991-92 ABC sitcom “Hi Honey, I’m Home.” In 2017, she made a public appearance at the red carpet premiere of “The Honeymooners: The Musical” at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey.

Joyce Randolph’s personal life was marked by her marriage to marketing executive Richard Charles, whom she married in 1955. The couple remained together until his death in 1997 at the age of 74.

The legacy of “The Honeymooners” and Joyce Randolph’s role in it endures in American culture. The sitcom, while short-lived in its original run, became a staple in television history through syndication. Randolph’s Trixie, alongside the other three main characters, captured the essence of American life in the 1950s and 60s with humor and relatability.

Randolph’s portrayal of Trixie Norton brought a unique charm and wit to “The Honeymooners.” Her chemistry with Art Carney’s character, Ed Norton, created memorable on-screen moments. The show’s depiction of everyday struggles and dreams resonated with audiences, making it a beloved classic.

Throughout her career, Randolph faced challenges typical for actors strongly identified with a single character. Despite these challenges, she remained active in theater and occasional television appearances. Her work in summer stock productions and commercials kept her connected to her acting roots.

Randolph’s death marks the end of an era for “The Honeymooners” as she was the last surviving member of the original cast.