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Estelle Getty

  • Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
  • Birthday: July 25, 1923

The petite, wisecracking embodiment of the “44-year overnight sensation,” stage veteran Estelle Getty became a television star at an age when most performers were contemplating retirement. Playing the sharp-tongued, hilariously blunt octogenarian Sophia Petrillo on “The Golden Girls” (NBC, 1985-1992), Getty easily stole scenes from co-stars Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White in this groundbreaking hit sitcom, which cheerfully upended viewers’ perceptions of senior citizens. For Getty, a television newcomer then little-known o…more

Career Milestones

  • 2003

    Was unable to appear at the Golden Girls reunion (Lifetime television) due to her failing health

  • 2002

    Revealed to the media that she was also suffering from Alzheimer's Disease (also proved to be false)

  • 2000

    Stopped making public appearances after revealing that she had Parkinson's Disease (later proved false)

  • 1999

    Appeared in the live-action film, "Stuart Little" as Grandma Estelle

  • 1997

    Played Paul's (Paul Reiser) Aunt in an episode of NBC's "Mad About You"

Awards

  • 1988

    Emmy Award: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

  • 1986

    Golden Globe Award: Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Comedy/Musical

Upcoming Appearances

In Golden Girls

Tomorrow at 05:00 pm WE

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