Post | 07/23/2008 11:00 am

Estelle Getty Dies at Age 84

By The Staff at wowOwow.com
© AP

Actress Estelle Getty, whose portrayal of crabby-yet-charming mother hen Sophia Petrillo on the television sitcom “The Golden Girls” gave new prominence to elderly characters in prime time, died Tuesday at the age of 84.

Getty, who was born in Manhattan in 1923, the daughter of Polish immigrants, was suffering from Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disease. She died at her Hollywood Boulevard home in Los Angeles.

Getty, who was nominated seven years in a row for an Emmy for best supporting actress in a comedy series – winning in 1988 – for “Golden Girls,” had always played maternal types on the stage during her career. 

“I’ve played mothers to heroes and mothers to zeroes,” Getty wrote in her autobiography, If I Knew Then What I Know Now … So What. “I’ve played Irish mothers, Jewish mothers, Italian mothers, southern mothers, mothers in plays by Neil Simon and Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams. I’ve played mother to everyone but Attila the Hun.”

Getty appeared in two “Golden Girls” spinoffs, “Empty Nest” and “The Golden Palace,” and acted in guest spots on other shows. She played Sylvester Stallone’s mother in the 1992 comedy “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.”

"Our mother-daughter relationship was one of the greatest comic duos ever, and I will miss her," said Bea Arthur, who played Sophia’s daughter on “Golden Girls.”

In addition to her son Carl Gettleman, Getty is survived by son Barry Gettleman, of Miami; a brother, David Scher of London; and a sister, Rosilyn Howard of Las Vegas.

Read more about: Estelle Getty, Golden Girls, News, Television
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12 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Jeannot Kensinger

I doubt that I missed any episode of the Golden Girls. Estelle you made me laugh. You will be remembered!

By Jeannot Kensinger on 07/23/2008 11:26 am
theCHEROKEErose

a real loss…the ‘oldies but goodies’ are being lost to us one at a time…just dont make ‘em like that any more…’actors’ of today sure arent ‘stars’..(altho people like brangelina like to pretend they are…..)

By theCHEROKEErose on 07/23/2008 11:41 am
Jane Cougar Melonhat

I love the Golden Girls. RIP Estelle.

By Jane Cougar Melonhat on 07/23/2008 12:44 pm
Lily Of The Valley

Thank you Estelle Getty.

The legacy of your great talent will be long remembered.

You will be missed.

By Lily Of The Valley on 07/23/2008 1:10 pm
Sandbee 54

One of a kind. She didn’t mind age and even played being older than she was. An intelligent and funny woman.

By Sandbee 54 on 07/23/2008 1:33 pm
Serena

I absolutely loved Estelle in the Golden Girls! I have a lot of fond memories from watching that show. She was fabulous and had impeccable timing. Lady, you will be missed.

By Serena on 07/23/2008 3:22 pm
beth willis

Sophia helped us learn to laugh when our aging mothers blurted out inappropriate remarks, “Do you actually live in this house? And the dust, do you own a vacuum?” This at the house of my son’s future mother-in-law. We knew then she’d lost that mystical brain enzyme that keeps people from brutal honesty. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Thank you and “Fasten your seatbelt: it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” God bless you, Estelle…glad we inhabited this earth at the same time.
Peace and grace

By beth willis on 07/23/2008 7:24 pm
Josie Sullivan

Ahhhh, she was priceless…so quick and on it with her acting! She will be missed but while she is gone from us physically, I bet she will be watched for years to come. As a raise my glass, here’s one to ya Estelle!

By Josie Sullivan on 07/23/2008 10:10 pm
Serena

Hear Hear! To you Estelle!

By Serena on 07/24/2008 8:26 am
Dona Howlett

I Tevo the Golden girls…………I watch just before going to sleep.
So funny. I loved Estelle………..
Farewell my dear. You gave so much joy to the World. Thank YOU!

By Dona Howlett on 07/24/2008 3:14 am
KIM HENDERSON-DANIELS

ESTELLA TOOK THE FEAR OUT OF AGING AND PUT FUN INTO GRAZING. R.I.P.

By KIM HENDERSON-DANIELS on 07/24/2008 5:02 am
Maggi D

Estelle - Thanks! Can’t say more than that.

By Maggi D on 07/24/2008 5:45 am
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