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Estelle Getty R.I.P.

by celebuzz on Jul. 22, 2008 03:18 PM / 1 Comment
Estelle Getty R.I.P.

Her most famous character once declared that she had lived through "two world wars, 15 vendettas, four operations and two Darrins on Bewitched."

But sooner or later the Grim Reaper taps everyone and insists on having the next dance.

Estelle Getty, best known as dagger-tongued mother Sophia Petrillo on mid-'80s sitcom The Golden Girls, passed away at approximately 5:30 a.m. today in her Los Angeles home, according to her son, Carl Gettleman.

Getty was 84 and had been suffering from advanced dementia.

Born Estelle Scher on July 25, 1923, in New York City, Getty garnered an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for her TV portrayal of Bea Arthur's mother. The character proved so popular that Getty reprised the role on four other series: The Golden Palace, Nurses, Empty Nest and Blossom. 

Other memorable Getty roles included Sylvester Stallone's mother in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.

Getty is survived by her two sons, Carl and Barry Gettleman, as well as former Barney Miller actor Abe Vigoda, who wasn't related to Getty but is surely relieved that death has passed him over for another day.

Quotables /
“The Golden Girls star Estelle Getty has reportedly died of dementia, just three days before her 85th birthday. Estelle passed away in the early Tuesday morning at home in L.A.

How sad - I loved her character in The Golden Girls!

Rest in peace Sophia Petrillo!”
Gabby Babble
“Actress Estelle Getty, most famous for playing the feisty-yet-old 'Sophia' on '80s sitcom The Golden Girls, has died at the age of 84.

She had been battling dementia and passed away early Tuesday morning in her Hollywood home.”
“Former Golden Girl star Estelle Getty has died at the age of 84, just three days shy of her 85th birthday.

Getty had been suffering for years with Lewy Body Dementia, reports TMZ.

Her official website, EstelleGetty.com, also had an official announcement:

“To all of Estelle’s Fans,

“Sadly, today July 22, 2008 at 5:35 a.m. Pacific Time, we said our last good-byes to our little friend Estelle, who passed away and made her journey to the great beyond. Although it was a trip that she never wanted to take, she went gracefully, in the comfort of her own home (in Los Angeles), surrounded by her family and her very loving care-givers.

“Estelle’s legacy will live on and on through the comedy and laughter she gave to us all, which will forever keep us laughing out loud.”

Estelle is best known for playing sarcastic, wise-cracking Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls.

RIP.”
Just Jared
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