Estelle Getty: The Life and Legacy of a Golden Girl
Estelle Getty was one of the most beloved and hilarious stars of television and film.
She rose to fame in her 60s as the sharp-tongued Sophia Petrillo, the mother of Bea Arthur’s character on the hit sitcom The Golden Girls.
For her performance, she won an Emmy and a Golden Globe, and became a household name.
But who was Estelle Getty before and after her iconic role?
In this article, we will explore her early life, career, personal life, and death, and celebrate her lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the fans.
Estelle Getty Cause of Death
Estelle Getty died on July 22, 2008, three days before her 85th birthday, at her Hollywood Hills home.
She was surrounded by her family and passed away peacefully in her sleep of natural causes.
Estelle had been suffering from Lewy body dementia, a type of Alzheimer’s disease, for many years, which affected her memory and ability to speak.
She had retired from acting in 2001 due to her failing health.
Estelle Getty Young
Estelle Getty was born Estelle Scher on July 25, 1923, in New York City, to Charles and Sarah Scher, Jewish immigrants from Poland.
She had a sister, Roz, and a brother, David. She grew up in the Lower East Side, where her father ran a glass business.
Estelle was fascinated by movies and theater from a young age, and decided to pursue an acting career.
She took lessons and worked as a secretary to support herself while auditioning for roles.
Estelle married Arthur Gettleman, a retail-glass businessman, in 1947, and took his name as her stage name.
They had two sons, Carl and Barry.
Estelle Getty Age
Estelle Getty was 62 years old when she landed her breakthrough role as Mrs. Beckoff in the Broadway play Torch Song Trilogy, written by and starring Harvey Fierstein.
Fierstein had created the role specifically for her, after seeing her in a small part in his earlier play, The International Stud.
She received rave reviews and a Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance, and went on to reprise the role in off-Broadway and national tour productions for four years.
Estelle Getty Net Worth
Estelle Getty’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $8 million.
She earned most of her wealth from her successful acting career, especially from her role on The Golden Girls.
It ran for seven seasons from 1985 to 1992, and spawned two spin-offs, The Golden Palace and Empty Nest, in which she also appeared.
She also starred in several movies, such as:
Mask
Her Height and Weight
Estelle Getty was known for her petite stature and feisty personality.
She was 4 feet 10 and a half inches tall, and weighed around 100 pounds.
She often joked about her height, saying that she was “vertically challenged” or that she had to stand on a box to reach the microphone.
Estelle had a distinctive voice, which she described as “a cross between a frog and a chicken”.
How Old Was Estelle Getty When She Died
Estelle Getty was 84 years old when she died, just three days shy of her 85th birthday.
She had lived a long and fruitful life, full of achievements and accolades.
Estelle won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and an American Comedy Award for her role on The Golden Girls, and had been nominated for several other awards.
She had also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995, and had been inducted into the National Museum of American Jewish History in 2006.
Estelle Getty Funeral
Estelle Getty’s funeral was held on July 24, 2008, at the Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles.
It was a private ceremony, attended by her family and close friends, including her co-stars from The Golden Girls, Betty White and Rue McClanahan.
Her son, Carl Gettleman, delivered a eulogy, in which he praised his mother’s talent, courage, and generosity.
He also shared some of her humorous quotes, such as “Age is not important unless you’re a cheese” or “I’ve been playing old ladies since I was in my 20s”.
Conclusion
Estelle Getty was a remarkable woman who made millions of people laugh and cry with her witty and heartfelt portrayal of Sophia Petrillo
She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who touched many lives with her kindness and compassion.
She was a trailblazer for older actresses, proving that age was no barrier to success and happiness.
Estelle left behind a legacy of laughter and love, and will always be remembered as a golden girl.
If you found this article impressive follow more on our blog as sampled below:
Don Lemon Vivek Ramaswamy: Lemon and Ramaswamy’s Impactful Clash on CNN
Annie Murphy: Exploring Her Personal and Professional Journey
Billy Miller: Unveiling the Journey of a Versatile Actor
Julia Stiles husband: Meet Preston J. Cook
Keisha Morris Ex-spouse of 2Pac: Biography, Age, Career, Personal life, and Net worth
