Estelle Getty

Estelle Getty (1923–2008) was an American actress and comedian best known for her portrayal of Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls. She won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role. Getty also appeared on other TV shows like Empty Nest, The Golden Palace, Blossom, and Nurses. In film, she appeared in Mask, Mannequin, and Stuart Little. Getty retired from acting in 2001 due to failing health and passed away in 2008 from dementia with Lewy bodies. She was born Estelle Scher in New York City to Polish Jewish immigrants.