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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46. I hope she was able to take her purse with her to heaven. Thanks for all the laughs. I miss you already...

Posted at 1:41PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by learningat50

47. I am very sorry to hear about Estell Getty.I thought she was just wonderful on Golden Girls,but I think she was even better on hotel show.Barbara

Posted at 1:51PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Barbara Eubanks

48. Aw, poor Estelle. She made me laugh so many times!

Posted at 1:45PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by hey

49. "you will always be my sisters, always"

Posted at 1:42PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by sandyduncansglasseye

50. ohmygoshh! im so unbelievably sad. she was my favorite character on the golden girls, ive always said i hoped id be like her when i got to be old. rip

Posted at 1:44PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by casey

51. "Picture This, Sicily 19XX" or "Shady Pines" that lady could make you laugh! She was suffering for awhile, but now she's gone to a better place, I hope she keeps them rolling with laughter up there, as she did down here!

Posted at 1:55PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by ValoHalo

52. #42, didn't Dorothy say that in the final episode as she leaves at the end?

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

53. Sorry to hear this. LOVED her on Golden Girls. She was really fun to watch . My thoughts and prayers to her family. They should be proud she made alot of us smile.

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

54. Ahhh, I have been waiting for this to happen eventually as all the good classic actresses can't last forever!!! One of my all time favorite shows. Estelle Getty as Sophia was one in a million.... Rest in peace......

Posted at 1:48PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by cicco68

55. Dearest Estelle,

You have brought laughter and joy to me for so many years. Thank you for being a friend...

Rest in peace.

Posted at 1:52PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by jojola

56. Picture it Sicily...................

Greatest sitcom ever! RIP sweetheart.

Posted at 1:54PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by prettygirl

57. Thanks for making me laugh all these years Estelle. We need more people like you on this earth. You will be missed but not forgotten! RIP

Posted at 1:53PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Jay

58. I am so sad. One of my favorites, on The Golden Girls and on the stage. Her philosophy on life was wonderful and everyone was a friend. Picture it, Italy, 1944...............We'll miss you Estelle. Rest in peace.

Posted at 4:53PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Pattip1952

59. She is now an angel in heaven...making all the souls laugh....
She will be greatly missed here on Earth..but her wonderful work on the Golden Girls will be around forever...
Love Ya, Estelle...

Posted at 2:01PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by N Rose

60. I am one of the biggest fans of the Golden Girls show and am sad to here of Estelles passing. She was a great actress and will definitely be missed.

Posted at 11:22PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Rachel

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