Actress Estelle Getty passed away this morning at the age of 84 after a long battle with dementia, reports the Associated Press. Getty was best known for her role on NBC's The Golden Girls.
When it debuted in 1985, The Golden Girls bucked television trends obsessed with the young and gorgeous by focusing instead on a group of senior women shacked up in Miami, Florida. But instead of just talking about moth balls, the weather, and hard candy, the ladies in the show tackled the sort of subjects everyone discusses, making it all the more funny.
Beatrice Arthur, Betty White, and Rue McClanahan headlined the comedy, having had previous fame on other projects, but the real show-stealer was Getty. The quick-talking actress played the wisecracking Sophia Petrillo, the 80-year-old mother of Arthur's Dorothy, getting nominated for seven Emmys and winning one in the process. She also won a Razzie award for her supporting role in Sly Stallone's Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.
She allegedly was turned down for the role of Sophia after being told she looked to young to play the role, but eventually had a make-up artist help her transform a few decades older than she actually was.
Getty was surrounded by friends and family at the time of her passing.
Comments (69)
She was an awesome woman. RIP
RIP... I'm soooo sorry you had to go.:( I pray for you from heavon.
Getty will be sadly missed by family friends people who were close to her rest in pease
whos next the spongbob or chowder voice actors
It's time for all the good ones to go now :(
RIP Sophia. may your talents continue in the kingdom of Angels. just one question - why does everyone keep dying???
RIP im really sad shes gone shes always been there for me in the morning on lifetime and now shes gone.
R.I.P Estelle!!! You are missed and loved very much :(
R.I.P, she was such a sweetie! Im glad that she was surrounded by her loved ones
:[ She was always my favorite on Golden Girls. Rest In Peace.
This lady ROCKED... and there will never be another like her. RIP estelle
We will really miss her. And let's don't forget her roles in Mannequin, Tootsie, Mask and Stuart Little. She hoped for a world filled with "Love and Laughter", her favorite catch phrase. A great little lady. And a fighter for the equality of all. Good-bye Estelle. We love you.
Rest in peace Estelle Getty. Thanks for the great laughs.
Rest in Peace Estelle Getty
I grew up on the Golden Girls -- reruns are always playing in my house. Sophia was always my favorite character. It won't be the same watching the Golden Girls knowing Estelle Getty is goneR.I.P.
The Golden Girls will continue to be a popular show because of Estelle Getty. My thoughts to her family and friends...I know Estelle is making them laugh in Summerland.
I knew she wasn't as old as the character she portrayed, which is what made her such a great asset to the show. I loved Sophia.
I even saw the movie she did with Sylvster Stallone, extremely funny.
While she will be missed, she managed to lead a great life, which included a husband and kids. :)
RIP Estelle
Only saw her in The Golden Girls, and I loved her in it.
My thoughts go to her friends and family
Rest In Peace :(R.I.P
R.I.P Estelle, you were always my favorite Golden Girl, we will never forget you :(
Golden Girls was and is my favorite show on Television.. Estelle will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace
Rest in peace.
If I could have a third grandmother, Sophia would be it. Good bye Ms Getty
This is really sad. I didn't realize she was only 84 though, when you look at the tv show she seemed she was already near that age. I had no idea that was makeup to make her look that old.
RIP Estelle Getty.
she will be miss so much
She brought so much joy and happiness to my family and I. She will definitely be missed by us.
Im sorry about this. I love the Golden Girls especially Sophia. Her Storys and... Estelle Getty was a great actor. Thanks for laughs and all the funny moments. RIP We'll miss you :(
R.I.P.
very sad we will miss you
R.I.P Estelle Getty. I watch The Golden Girls everyday on Lifetime. The show would never have been the same without her and she is such a pleasure to watch. You will be greatly missed but will definitely live on through the show.
sad :(R.I.P. lady Getty
RIP Estelle Getty.
At least she is resting now, she deserves it.
She was a great actress, she will be missed.
one of my past memories lost.
R.I.P Estelle Getty i love you.
RIP
I was very sad to hear of this news yesterday. Many years of watching and loving the Golden Girls has led me to consider this dear lady like one of my own family. She will be greatly missed. Long live Sophia on DVD and reruns for many generations to come.
Estelle, the original Golden Girl. Will be sorely missed by fans world wide. Karl, UK
Sympathies with friends and family.R.I.P. Estelle. Thanks for all the laughs.
i must say she was my favourite golden girl! she used to make me laugh so much! RIP
RIP
Great actresses will always live forever for their fans and through their work
My thoughts are with her family and close friends at this sorrowful time. Estelle left behind a legacy of laughter for millions of people throughout the world, something millions could do with today. Rest In Peace Estelle, you were one classy lady.
I know, I'll miss you Estelle
it sucks that she died not knowing who she was or what she had achieved
I will always be a big fan of 'Golden Girls' (one of the few shows that I actually tune in for the repeats) She will live on in my heart through her fantastic portrayal 'Sophia'. Condolences to her family and friends for the loss of a wonderful lady.
how trully sad
She was 85?
rest in peace estelle.you will be missed.thank you for bringing humor and joy into our lives.
R.I.P