Culture

'Golden Girls' Estelle Getty Passes Away at age 84

by Rob Walker | July 22, 2008 at 11:29 am

1073 views | 2 Recommendations | 2 comments

Estelle Getty, the feisty mother hen to the famous Golden Girls series that ran throughout the 80's (and continues in reruns today) died today at the age of 84.

Getty was long a supporter of gay rights and had a successful (though lesser-known) series of roles on broadway.

While she played the oldest of the four Golden Girls, Getty was actually younger than two of her co-stars.

Beloved actress Estelle Getty, who created the iconic role of Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls, died today, just three days shy of her 85th birthday.
Aside from bringing to life the feisty, uncompromising, giant-purse-toting Sicilian mother that we all came to love during the show's seven-year run (not to mention one year on the ill-conceived spinoff, Golden Palace, and guest spots on Nurses, Empty Nest, and Blossom, of all shows!), Getty originated the role of Harvey Fierstein's mother in Torch Song Trilogy on Broadway and was throughout her life a tireless supporter of gay rights. She also appeared in Mannequin! and Stop! or My Mom Will Shoot.

I'm so sad. Golden Girl, Estelle Getty, passed away this morning. She was 84-years-old and just three days shy of being 85. She had been suffering with Lewy Body Dementia (a progressive brain disease similar to Alzheimer's disease). We'll miss you Ma. R.I.P.

Estelle Getty, who played Bea Arthur's mother (even though Arthur was a year older in real life) on the NBC hit comedy Golden Girls (which also starred Betty White and Rue McClanahan), passed away this morning in Los Angeles. Getty was 84 years old and had been suffering from a disease known as Lewy Body Dementia for a number of years.

6 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

PEP

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 11:42 on July 22nd, 2008

Rob Walker, I like this story. It's good stuff. Darn, I enjoyed her role so much.

Brian Hamilton_

at 20:42 on July 23rd, 2008

E.G. was one of the most talented comedic actresses who ever lived & I was so fortunate to know her. She was smart, subtle and clever most of the time--not big and loud like the character Sophia. We had some hilarious moments together. We would laugh ourselves silly telling stories; shopping at thrift stores, Marshall's, going to the movies and lunch... even the grocery store. She looked like a little-old-lady doll next to me. So physically tiny, but such a grand, impressive persona. My memories of Estelle will continue to inspire and delight me until we meet again on the other side... but not 'till I turn 84 at least .. just like her!

Brian Hamilton_ has contributed a photo to this story.