Estelle Getty

Person Score

 
9.6 Superb
82 votes

Your Score

Biography

Recent Role:
Herself/Archive Footage on Intimate Portrait
Gender:
Female
Born:
7-25-1923
Died:
7-22-2008 (Lewy Body Dementia - a progressive brain disease)
Birthplace:
New York City, New York
Birth Name:
Estelle Scher
AKA:
Estelle Gettleman, Stella Getty, Estelle Scher
For over 6 years Estelle Getty made the world laugh as "Sophia Petrillo" on the much talked about comedy series The Golden Girls, where she played one of televisions best known mothers.

Getty married husband Arthur Gettleman on December 21, 1947 and put off trying to start her acting career to raise their two sons, Barry and Carl.

In the 1970s, Estelle began acting in several stage productions, but it wasn't until 1981, when she landed a role in Torch Song Trilogy, that her career began to take off. After that she took small parts in several movies,



More but in 1985 she finally achieved fame as "Sophia," and became a house hold name.

In 2000, Estelle was forced to retire from show business due to an illness and in 2004, Arthur died leaving behind Estelle and their two sons.

From the Forums

More Topics
  • Is she still alive?

    I know Estelle has been very sick for a few years now, and I've looked for information on her health to see if she was still alive. I can't find anything. I hope she is still alive, because I love her so much. She's one of my favourite actresses. I watch her all the time on TheMore Golden Girls . I've even taped a few episodes. She always puts a smile on my face, especially when I'm feeling down. Does anyone know if she's still alive? If she is, I hope she's alright. Poor thing.

    12 comments, last one Aug 5, 2008
  • Welcome to the TV.com Forums for Estelle Getty

    Welcome to the TV.com Forums for Estelle Getty. Here is your area to discuss, dissect and debate all things about this person.

    1 comments, last one Apr 9, 2007
More Topics

Estelle Getty News

More
  •  
    10 Perfect
    July 25, 1923 - July 22, 2008. hide show

    Estelle Getty was an excellent actress. Estelle really shined on screen. She was probably one of the funniest, if not the funniest, Golden Girl out of the four. She was so funny and I loved her for it. She is one of the main reasons I watch The Golden Girls. She wonderfully portrays the old Sicilian Sophia Petrillo. She brings Sophia to life. Sophia wouldn't be the same if anyone else were played her. Estelle Getty was definitely very, very talented. She was a personal favorite, and always will be for me. She is definitely a television icon and legend. May you R.I.P., Estelle Getty.

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
  •  
    10 Perfect
    She is so awesome!!! hide show

    I love her a lot!!! She played Sophia in The Golden Girls, as well as other shows like Empty Nest and Golden Palace. She is sooo funny as Sophia. I love her sass and the accent she uses in the show. Sophia is very sassy but sooo sweet!!! I mean it!!!

    I am just like sooo sad that she's sick. I heard she can't even remember anything anymore. One night, I was watching The Golden Girls, and when Sophia appeared, I saw her face and almost cried. I wish there were cures for all her sicknesses. In my opinion, 84 is waaay too young to die.

    Estelle, if you end up leaving this world and going to heaven, will you please watch over me? You're a great person, and I look up to you. You're awesome!!!

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
  •  
    10 Perfect
    Married Arthur Gettlemen and is the best Golden Girl. hide show

    Estelle Getty is such an amazing actress. I love her work. Estelle really shines on screen. She is probably one of the funniest, if not the funniest, Golden Girl out of the four. She is so hilarious and I love her for it. She is one of the main reasons I watch The Golden Girls. She wonderfully portrays the old Sicilian Sophia Petrillo. She brings Sophia to life. Sophia wouldn't be the same if anyone else were played her. Estelle Getty is definately talented. She is definately above average. She is a personal favorite. She is definately a television icon and legend.

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
  •  
    10 Perfect
    Picture It..... hide show

    She is my all time favorite Golden Girl, always quick with an insult. I love her. She adds spunk, creativity, and she just steels the show. No other character out there like her. Its my favorite show. I wish it went on for longer, the Golden Palace didn't do her justice like the Golden Girls.

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
  •  
    10 Perfect
    the best hide show

    The only role I know her from is the Role of Sofia Petrilo on the great show of Golden Girls, I need to seek out her other roles, but this one was pure genius, no ne could of played it better, I hope for her all the best in her battlle with alzhiemers, and I will always remember her as quip master.. on GG

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
 

Top Contributors

What is a TV.com Contributor?