Carol Ann Susi, who voiced the never-seen Mrs. Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory, died Tuesday after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer, her agency announced. She was 62.
Born in Brooklyn, Susi studied acting at the HB Studio in New York and moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue an acting career. She played secretary Monique Marmelstein on ABC's The Night Stalker, and also had guest-starring roles on shows including Cheers, Doogie Howser, M.D., Mad About You, Just Shoot Me, Seinfeld, and Six Feet Under.
On The Big Bang Theory, Susi played the mother of Howard (Simon Helberg), whose booming Brooklyn voice was a fixture on the show.
CBS and the producers of The Big Bang Theory released the following statement:
"The Big Bang Theory family has lost a beloved member today with the passing of Carol Ann Susi, who hilariously and memorably voiced the role of Mrs. Wolowitz. Unseen by viewers, the Mrs. Wolowitz character became a bit of a mystery throughout the show's eight seasons. What was not a mystery, however, was Carol Ann's immense talent and comedic timing, which were on display during each unforgettable appearance. In addition to her talent, Carol Ann was a constant source of joy and kindness to all. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family during this time, and we will miss her greatly."
Susi is survived by a brother.
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I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. She brought me a lot of laughs over the years. She died way too young.
Ms. Susi in her... second Kolchak appearance. "They Have Been, They Are, They Will be." Sadly, they dropped her after the 6th episode, and she only appeared in three of those six episodes.
That leaves Jack Grinnage as the only surviving main or recurring star from that series. And he's 83...
Apparently she worked as a waitress and Darren McGavin found her and got her started as an actress.
Rest in peace.
For those of you who know him, Warren Clarke of Dalziel and Pascoe has died, aged 67.
I feel bad to said it.. but.. this is kinda good for the show.. 'cause they can recast and introduce a new actress in that important role. Hope now we can finally see Mrs. Wolowitz on the show (not just hear a voice).
Hope as well that they don't killed off this character.
Killing her off on the show would be in poor taste - at this time anyway. If they do, they need to wait and write a proper episode for it. In the meantime, they can always allude to her character's whereabouts and what-not, such as being on vacation and what-have-you.
Since she has only been a voice, recasting would not be that terrible, but they do need to find the right one. Or, maybe Harvey Fierstein!?
I forgot about this scene and she does appear to be heavier, if it was actually Carol Ann Susi, as she looks taller here.
You had Mr.Bell on Drew Carry
Fran's dad on Nanny
The neighbor on Home Improvement
etc etc
Most of them were seen in either the final episode (or season) of the show or at least in their final appearance of the show (as is the case of Mr.Bell)
Someone that you never ever see like Maris, was actually a lot rarer (assuming the show wasn't canceled prematurely)
That said, there are some never seen characters who could be seen without detracting from the backstory of the character, and there are others who can't. I think any attempt to show Howard's mother on screen - beyond the briefest of glimpses that we've been given - would take away from her, just like if they'd ever shown Al's mother in full on Home Improvement.