Logo

Known as “The Love Goddess” and “Aphrodite of the Accordion” to her fans, comedian Judy Tenuta died Thursday at age 72.

The wide-ranging comedian died in her home in Studio City, California, after a battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer, publicist Roger Neal told the Associated Press.

“She was a very funny, amazing performer,” said Neal, sharing that it was always a “happy time to be around her.”

Neal said while Tenuta claimed her birthdate as Nov. 7, 1965, she was really born in 1949.

“She was old school so she would never tell her real age, but now that she’s gone we can tell her real age.”

The two-time Grammy nominee toured with George Carlin as her career took off in the 1980s. The comic found her voice on stages such as the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, Laff Stop in Houston and Caroline’s in New York City.

1 of 7
Judy Tenuta
Tenuta was known as “The Love Goddess” and “Aphrodite of the Accordion” to her fans. Tibrina Hobson/WireImage
Peter Fonda and Judy Tenuta attend the grand opening of the Harley-Davidson Cafe on October 19, 1993 in New York City.
Peter Fonda and Judy Tenuta attend the grand opening of the Harley-Davidson Cafe on October 19, 1993 in New York City.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Advertisement
Judy Tenuta
The comedian died at 72 of ovarian cancer. Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Judy Tenuta
Tenuta’s publicist shared that she had claimed to have a different birth date. Michael Schwartz/WireImage
Judy Tenuta
“The Love Goddess” had been nominated for a Grammy twice. Jerod Harris/Getty Images
Advertisement

In 1987, Tenuta garnered attention with “On Location: Women of the Night,” a HBO special she starred in alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Paula Poundstone and Rita Rudner.

The following year, Tenuta was named best female comedy club performer opposite male winner Jerry Seinfeld in the “American Comedy Awards” TV special.

A Chicago native, Tenuta grew up in the suburb of Maywood, alongside six brothers.

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy