Legendary actress Estelle Getty died early Tuesday morning in her Hollywood Boulevard home at the age of 84, according to the AP. Getty, best known as the smart-mouthed Sicilian character Sophia Petrillo on the hit series The Golden Girls, had been suffering for years with dementia. The talented comedic actress struggled to achieve fame for 40 years, but her Golden role, which came in 1985, made Getty and her three co-stars (Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Betty White) household names across the globe.
The Lifetime Network, on Friday starting at noon, will air 10 Golden Girls episodes showcasing Getty's Sophia. Until then, watch the montage below for some of Getty's most memorable moments. — Gina DiNunno
Having had experience with dementia through a family member, I'm guessing that her friends and family have mixed feelings right now; missing Estelle, but thankful that she's not suffering. My condolences to them.
Wow - this is such sad news. My condolences to her girls: Blanche, Rose and her pussycat (aka Dorothy). I loved "The Golden Girls" and still laugh at the reruns on Lifetime Television for Women. The 4 girls were a great comedy team and it was such a treat to enjoy Sophia's acerbic wit, which of course just masked her great love for her daughter and friends.
I was so sorry to hear about her disease and how it robbed her of her memories,,so - thanks for all the memories and laughs, Estelle. You will be missed.
this news sadens me . she was great on the show they all were. golden girls reminds me of one of the few comdies that tradsened all races and classes and was just funny. i hope she is at peace and that her family know that we her fans will always remember her with great joy.
I know the pain of losing someone you love to this awful disease. My mother passed away 3 years ago in September to Alzheimer’s and I miss her every single day. Perhaps you may be moved to make a donation to Alzheimer’s research in Estelle’s name to honor her and others we have lost to dreaded disease.
I was so sadden to hear of Estelle's passing. What a wonderful, funny show filled with so much talent! I am grateful that I was and still today able to see great comedic work on television, and from FOUR TALENTED WOMEN in what some would say their prime. I know that although she is gone, she is at peace, and we can still love her and watch her spicy wit as Golden Girl Sophia Petrillo on Lifetime everyday.
How profoundly sad. Sophia was always my favorite character on GG. My thoughts are with her family, both the real one and the one on tv.