Estelle Getty

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

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

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

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

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

First leading role in features, playing Sylvester Stallone's mother in "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot"

Reprised role of Sophia on "The Golden Palace" (CBS)

Again played Sophia on the NBC sitcom "Empty Nest"

Achieved greatest fame as octagenarian Sophia Petrillo on NBC's long-running comedy series, "The Golden Girls"

Played Cher's mother in "Mask"

Accompanied successful U.S. touring company of "Torch Song Trilogy"

Played first notable film role in "Tootsie" (billed as 'a middle-aged woman')

Breakthrough stage role as Harvey Fierstein's mother in the Broadway play "Torch Song Trilogy"

Made off-Broadway debut in "The Divorce of Judy and Jane"

Began acting in the Yiddish theater and as a comedienne on the 'Borscht Belt' circuit

It was later revealed that she actually had Lewy Body Dementia