Golden girl Estelle Getty dies, 84

Golden Girl Estelle Getty, pictured left, passed away early this morning, the AP reports. She was 84. The comic actress is known most famously for the hit 1980s sitcom "The Golden Girls," which has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity thanks to constant repeats on the cable channel Lifetime.

Getty, who suffered from advanced dementia, died at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday at her Hollywood Boulevard home, said her son, Carl Gettleman of Santa Monica.

"She was loved throughout the world in six continents, and if they loved sitcoms in Antarctica she would have been loved on seven continents," her son said. "She was one of the most talented comedic actresses who ever lived."

"The Golden Girls," featuring four female retirees sharing a house in Miami, grew out of NBC programming chief Brandon Tartikoff's belief that television was ignoring its older viewers.

Three of its stars had already appeared in previous series: Bea Arthur in "Maude," Betty White in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and Rue McClanahan in "Mama's Family." The last character to be cast was Sophia Petrillo, the feisty 80-something mother of Arthur's character.

Sharon Kennedy Wynne

Comments

I'm deeply saden by the passing of Sophia...its like a personal friend had passed. The show (especially Sophia) always brightend up my spirits...not matter my current emotional state. Sophia will DEFINITELY be missed, but at least we have to re-runs to keep her memory and comic relief alive. I'll miss you Sophia and may you find eternal peace!

[Betty]

Sophia: You made us laugh and you taught us many lessons that have helped us along in our journey through life. Rest in peace, dear lady. You have run the good race, and now may you receive your reward.

Good night, Ma...

[Grace]

Sofia ( Estelle) was a very outstanding comedian and very funny...I had watched The Golden Girls for a long time...Sofia was well loved by all kinds...Estelle rest in peace as you will be remembered for years to come....We all loved you so much...We all miss you..

[John]

SOFIA: Picture it...Heaven, 2008. A old sicilian lady has passed to the great beyond and met up with her late husband. For all eternity they laugh, the love, they share fond memories....that woman was me, and that husband....was CHARLEMAGNE!!!!

SAL PETROLLO: Sofia, you made that up!

SOFIA: Who cares? We're in heaven now! We've got eternity to meet him anyway!

[Boots]

An Icon....

Over there, Over there. A Scandanavian lullaby for an amazing actress ... Any true GG's fan knows what that means.

[Dr_Dug]

Estelle will be greatly missed. As time passes for all of us, a small piece of history will always pass and die. This piece of passing hurts, but it reminds us all that life is precious and to enjoy every moment......
And an angel was called to Heaven...we'll miss you Estelle...

[John]

I thought the Golden Girls was a classic and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I stll watch the reruns and still enjoy the shows even though I've see the skits many times. Sophia(Estelle) was very funny and I believe made the show what it was. May you rest in peace Estelle.

[Sarah]

The Golden Girls is one of the funniest sitcoms of all time. They don't make them like they used to that's for sure. I grew up watching that show with my Mom and Grandma and although it was created to cater to an older demographic I loved it then and still do (I'm 28) Sophia was the glue that held the group together and she was my fave! Rest in peace, Estelle. You brightened many peoples' lives with your humor and sarcasm. I hope you are taking your wicker handbag with you through the pearly gates! You will be missed!

[Samantha]

I love that show even though I'm young! All of the women are comedic geniuses, especially Bea Arthur with her dead-pan style in Golden Girls. I watch it every morning before work and when I get home at 4 and 4:30 on Lifetime.

[Marjorie]

"Picture it, Italy 1934...."

You'll be missed Estelle/Sofia!

[Dave]

RIP, "Ma".