She was the sole remaining survivor among the sitcom’s renowned quartet.
Joyce Randolph, an iconic actress celebrated for her role as Trixie on the timeless sitcom “The Honeymooners,” bid farewell to the world at the age of 99. As the last surviving member of the illustrious quartet, which included Jackie Gleason, Audrey Meadows, and Art Carney, her legacy as a comedic gem endures.
Randolph’s journey into the limelight began when Gleason spotted her in a Clorets commercial and recruited her for his DuMont network variety show, “Cavalcade of Stars,” in 1951. This marked the inception of the dynamic chemistry between the Kramdens and the Nortons, two neighboring couples residing in a rundown Bensonhurst apartment building. As Trixie, the wife of Ed Norton, Carney’s goofy sewer worker character, Randolph’s performance became an integral part of the show’s success.
Transitioning seamlessly to CBS’ “The Jackie Gleason Show,” Randolph continued her portrayal of Trixie, and when “The Honeymooners” evolved into a standalone half-hour sitcom in 1955-56, she embraced the role with aplomb. The season, known for its “classic 39” episodes, recorded in front of a live audience, remains a testament to the enduring charm of the characters and the actors who brought them to life.
Her partnership with Meadows, who played Alice, was solidified in a summer-stock production of “No, No, Nanette” before Randolph assumed the role of Trixie. Gleason’s distinctive style, eschewing rehearsals, added an element of unpredictability to the performances. In a 2012 interview with The New York Times, Randolph reflected on the experience, stating, “We just played ourselves. Nobody told us to characterize in any way. It was learn those lines and go on.”
Among the quartet, Randolph’s Trixie had the least substantial role, earning $500 per episode for the 39 classic installments. When asked by Larry King in 2002 about her favorite episode, she fondly recalled the sleepwalking one, where Norton wandered downstairs while snoozing. She humorously added, “And oh, any show in which I had more than six or seven lines I really loved.”
A native of Detroit, Randolph’s journey into the entertainment world began in local theater before she moved to New York to pursue her passion. Her Broadway debut in the comedy “Ladies Night in a Turkish Bath” in 1950 paved the way for her entry into television, with early appearances for the General Electric Co. It was her association with Gleason’s troupe that propelled her into the spotlight.
As “The Honeymooners” continued its legacy in various forms over the years, Randolph did not reprise her role as Trixie for Gleason after the conclusion of the classic 39 episodes. However, she did resurrect the character on the unconventional 1991-92 ABC sitcom “Hi Honey, I’m Home,” reuniting with Meadows as Alice for a distinctive portrayal.
In 2017, Randolph graced the red carpet for the premiere of “The Honeymooners: The Musical” at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey, showcasing the enduring popularity of the beloved sitcom.
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Randolph’s personal life was intertwined with her career. She was married to marketing executive Richard Charles from 1955 until his passing in 1997 at the age of 74. Their enduring partnership mirrored the lasting impact of Randolph’s contributions to the world of entertainment.
Joyce Randolph’s legacy extends beyond the screen, leaving an indelible mark on the history of television comedy. Her portrayal of Trixie, while perhaps having the least lines among the main characters, contributed significantly to the overall charm and success of “The Honeymooners.” As fans reflect on the timeless humor and camaraderie of the quartet, Randolph’s memory lives on as a testament to the enduring power of laughter and the indomitable spirit of classic television.
