Home : TV, R.I.P. : Estelle Getty: Thank You For Being Alive

Estelle Getty: Thank You For Being Alive

Posted Jul 22nd 2008 1:29PM by TMZ Staff

"Golden Girl" Estelle Getty has gone to the big lanai in the sky and died at the age of 84, just three days shy of her 85th birthday.

Estelle passed away at 5:35 AM this morning at her L.A. home surrounded by her family and caregivers. Getty had been suffering for years with Lewy Body Dementia.

Although one year younger than Bea Arthur, Estelle is best known for playing her wise-cracking Sicilian mother Sophia Petrillo on "The Golden Girls." Co-star Betty White is also one year older than Estelle.

Getty is survived by her two adult sons.

Tags: estelle getty, EstelleGetty

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16. I have been waiting for this to happen. She was the funniest actress on The Golden Girls. So sad....my prayers go out to her family and friends.

Posted at 1:08PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Beth

17. Good Bye Sophia

Posted at 1:37PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Vermont Guy

18. RIP
you will be missed

Posted at 1:09PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by dnm

19. I'm so sorry to hear this! Sophia was the best! GG is one of the greatest shows EVER!!!!

Posted at 1:10PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Amber

20. My deepest condolences to her family. She was a great actress!! I was just watching "Golden Girls" a half hour ago... What a comedic genius...

Posted at 1:14PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Joye

21. She was hysterical as Dorothy's mother on the Golden Girls. That
show was way ahead of its time and still funny (in reruns) today.
May she rest in peace - she had been sick for quite a long time.

Posted at 1:13PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by farbster

22. I grew up watching this show and memories of Sophia and the girls will stay with me always. This was a show for the ages RIP Estelle Thanks for the laugh

Posted at 1:14PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by mammydolphin

23. R.I.P. "Thank you for being a friend..."

Posted at 1:13PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by schrutefarms

24. "Although only a year older than Bea Arthur, "

i think that is wrong, shouldn't it read "younger" not "older" and its actualy 15 months.

Posted at 2:12PM on Aug 3rd 2008 by anonymous

25. in reality, she was one year YOUNGER than bea arthur, who played her daughter at the TV show.

Posted at 1:47PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by brazilian

26. I remember watching Golden Girls growing up and dealing with a grandmother with Alzheimer's, wishing that Sophia was my Grandma. Hearing her diagnosed with dementia was just as devestating. At least her suffering from this horrible disease is finally over.

Posted at 1:17PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Krys

27. this makes me soooo incredibly sad.... RIP Estelle Getty....RIP

Posted at 1:18PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Paula

28. Picture it...A beautiful peasant girl

I am so sad...I watch GG every night before I go to bed. What a huge loss!! One of the funniest women ever on television. Thank you for the laughs and the memories.

God Bless

Posted at 1:19PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Ehrlebird

29. the party in heaven just got a little more fun,say hi to lucy and bob.....thanks for the laughs

Posted at 1:20PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by derby

30. RIP ESTELLE !!! YOU WERE 1 IN A MILLION.

Posted at 1:19PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by GINA

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