Estelle Getty Passes Away At 84
Very, very sad news to report … Estelle Getty, one of the stars of the hit TV series The Golden Girls, passed away this morning at the age of 84 years old:
This from her official website:
To all of Estelle’s Fans,
Sadly, today July 22, 2008 at 5:35 a.m. Pacific Time, we said our last good-byes to our little friend Estelle, who passed away and made her journey to the great beyond. Although it was a trip that she never wanted to take, she went gracefully, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her family and her very loving care-givers.
Estelle’s legacy will live on and on through the comedy and laughter she gave to us all, which will forever keep us laughing out loud.
For us here, who have known and cared for her for so many years, we’ve lost our dear little friend who always kept us entertained by filling our days with joyful laughter. Estelle’s fans across the globe have lost the feisty little lady known as Sophia Petrillo, whose quick wit, cutting remarks, and outrageous punch lines will forever be quoted and remembered.
Estelle was a fighter. She always stood up for the underdogs, fought for equality for all, and always pictured a world filled with “Love and Laughter” –her most favorite catch phrase.
Estelle, we love you and will miss you dearly. We pray that you are met at the Pearly Gate with open arms and a warm welcome by all who have passed before you. If there’s a stage over there, I know you’ll be on it. If there’s a thrift shop, I know you’ll be shopping, and if there’s a deli, I know you’ll be eating there holding court with Rhoda and Sylvia … and the laughter will be heard throughout the heavens.
Goodbye, dear friend. Thank you for all the talent and love that you’ve shared with us during your time here on Earth. You have touched my life, and the lives of so many others who will never forget you.
Until we meet again…
Sadly, Estelle had been suffering from Lewy Body Dementia in her final years and, as I understand it, had no recollection at all of her fame as Sophia Petrillo or of her co-stars on The Golden Girls. Even still, I am very, very saddened by this news. No lie, David and I were rewatching an episode of GGs (where Sophia accidentally steals the Pope’s ring which aired on Lifetime this morning) when we heard the news. I wish her eternal love and peace … she will be sorely missed :(
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July 22nd, 2008 at 10:16 am
I was watching that episode too. It’s so strange it would air today. She will be missed, but I’m sure she’s in a better place now. RIP Estelle<3
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 am
Oh I just want to cry a little…thank you for being a friend, Estelle. Love you.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 am
She will live forever as the witty and wise Sophia. RIP!!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 am
“Picture it – Sicily, 1931…” She will be missed…
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:34 am
I think it is kinda rude that you wrote peace out on her photo, I don’t know, just seems a bit inconsiderate …
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:36 am
Awwwww. *Tear* :(
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:38 am
I don’t even know what to say. I loved me some GG and watched it religiously with my younger brother when we were in our early teens. (I know.)
I now have to call him and break the news that Sophia is dead. She will be sorely missed.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:50 am
I’m sure we will remember her as one of the funny ladies of TV.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
Truly very sad. I was watching that episode of GG this morning as well. What a life though…think about how much happiness she brought into the world! We should all hope to do the same.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
RIP Estelle <3
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 am
I’m such a Golden Girl junkie, so this is especially sad! It’s like losing my grandma again…so sad!
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
Wow…so sad…I loved watching the Golden Girls when I was a kid. She and Betty White were my favorites.
Carlin and her…my childhood is dying…
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:50 am
Having cared for patients with that particular condition…my heart goes out to the family…I really hope they find solace in knowing that her days of suffering are over. The world was so fortunate to remember such a bundle of joy and she will surely live on in our memories.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I was watching that episode this morning, too. As I was watching it, I wondered to myself, “I wonder how much longer Estelle has in this world.” Who knew I would log on and find this. Very sad.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:32 pm
WE WILL MISS YOU ESTELLE!!!!!!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
so sad! my dad and i were big fans, don’t think i have ever heard him laugh as much as when we would watch that show. she was always good for her one liners!! she will forever live on on lifetime and in our hearts.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Very nice … much nicer than that peace the spork out stuff you usually do when some one dies.. this should mark a new way of saying goodbye to people on your blog
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
i love the GGs! I watch it every morning when im getting ready for work! im super sad that estelle died. my favorite episode was when she needed to go shopping for shoes and dorothy didnt want to take her cuz sophia always made the sales person cry! at least she will live on in her show! so in traditional PITNB fashion:
PEACE THE FORK OUR ESTELLE GETTY!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
This is such sad news! I have tears in my eyes….i too have been re-watching the Golden Girls (almost done season 3). She was a comedic genius. RIP Estelle!
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
[...] PITNB: RIP Estelle Getty [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
omg, i heard the news earlier, and knew trent would have a touching post, but when i read his line at the top of the page, thank you for being a friend estelle getty…., it made me cry. you got it just right, trent.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
[...] PITNB: RIP Estelle Getty [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I just shed a little tear. I grew up watching GG’s and Sophia was always my fav…reminded me of my grandma. RIP.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
wow. i couldnt even help but cry as soon as i saw her picture and read the article. as a huge golden girls fan, im deeply saddened by this loss .. but i will continue to watch my dvds and laugh at her brilliant one-liners. thank you for being a friend, Estelle <33
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
[...] :: Estelle Getty aka Sophia Petrillo in the Golden Girls Passes Away At 84Pink Is The New Blog [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
so sad…
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 am
aww how sad! :(
July 25th, 2008 at 10:17 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohUfqL2ZJLo
Touching, although a bit TOO heart wrenching???