Estelle Getty

[The Murph]

MSN.Ca

By Chloe Tse


2008-07-22

‘Golden Girls’ star Estelle Getty dies at age 84
The petite, wise-cracking, hilarious Golden Girl Estelle Getty died in her Los Angeles home at 5:35 a.m. PT while surrounded by family and caregivers.

Famous for her role as the snarky Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls, the actress died three days shy of her 85th birthday.

Paul Chapdelaine, her longtime caregiver, wrote the following on her website: "Sadly, today July 22, 2008 at 5:35 a.m. Pacific Time, we said our last goodbyes 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 punchlines 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’ â€" her most favorite catchphrase.

"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."

In recent reports, Getty had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia but she has been suffering from poor health over the years.

In 1988 Getty won an Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her work in Golden Girls.

Getty has left behind two sons, Barry and Carl.

Thank you for being our friend.

I hated Golden Girls but when forced to watch it the one person I really found funny was Estelle Getty. She never seemed to age since it was on as she always looked like the old elderly lady, but she always managed to make people laugh. She was definitely someone who will be missed.

[Tim-Æ]

STOP OR MY MOM WILL SHOOT!

[Ian "Wolfie" Trumps]

I am pretty sure she was also younger than Bea Arthur here daughter in the program.

[TheNthDegree]

Actually, I believe she was only a year older than Bea Arthur

[Dave Johnson]

Sad to see her pass.