July 22, 2008

Estelle Getty Dead at 84

Posted by ExtraTV Staff on July 22, 2008 10:22 AM

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Sitcom superstar Estelle Getty died early this morning in Los Angeles, after a long illness with Lewy Body Dementia, similar to Alzheimer's.

Getty played the purse-clutching Sophia Spirelli Petrillo-Weinstock on five different series, most memorably for seven seasons on "The Golden Girls," winning an Emmy for it in 1988. She had attracted the attention of producers as the yenta mother in "Torch Song Trilogy," and rocketed to fame at age 62 playing Bea Arthur's mother.

She retired from the entertainment business in 2000, when her health issues were revealed; she had been earlier misdiagnosed with Parkinson's.

Getty is survived by two sons from her 57-year marriage to Arthur Gettleman, who died in 2004.


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Comments (6)

On 25 Jul 2008, Patrick wrote:

I loved ur show and u made me laigh i watch it every day before school and after i loved u RIP! Estelle Getty I love U
 
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On 24 Jul 2008, Myra wrote:

I have watched the Golden Girls for many years and still do,it made me laugh and cry,but most of all it taught me what true friendship is all about!!! RIP Estelle Getty you will always be rememberd!!!
 
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On 23 Jul 2008, pixiechic wrote:

Each and every member of the Golden Girls is an integral part of the show. They had great chemistry…I can watch the shows over and over again….Thanks for all the laughs. May you rest in peace, Estelle.
 
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On 23 Jul 2008, Shaia wrote:

I loved you on the Golden Girls i watch the show everymoring n every evening RIP! u will b well REMEBERED! u kept me lol!

 
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On 23 Jul 2008, Zdanax wrote:

RIP Estelle Getty and thank you for the laughs you gave us! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends!!
 
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On 23 Jul 2008, Christopher Arnold wrote:

RIP dear friend thanks for the laughs!!!My thought and prayers to your family and friends
 
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