A diminutive, endearing character actress Estelle Getty, after working for decades off-Broadway, in the Yiddish Theater, and on the "Borscht Belt" circuit, gained recognition and acclaim for her role as the traditional Jewish mother who discovers that her son is gay in Harvey Fierstein's "Torch Song Trilogy" (1979, 1981-83). Shortly after that play's road tour and a stint playing Cher's mother in the feature "Mask" (1984), Getty donned a white wig to create her best-known role, that of the feisty, wisecracking mother to Beatrice Arthur (who is less than a year younger than Getty) in the acclaimed TV sitcom "The Golden Girls" (NBC, 1985-92). She later reprised the role on two other series, the short-lived CBS spinoff "Golden Palace" (1992-93) and on the Richard Mulligan vehicle "Empty Nest" (NBC, 1993-95). Getty also played the lead as Sylvester Stallone's meddling parent in the unsuccessful screen comedy "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot" (1992).
- Also Credited As:
Estelle Scher
- Born:
July 25, 1923 in New York, New York
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Job Titles:
Actor, Acting coach, Comedian, Secretary
Family
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Son: Barry Gettleman.
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Son: Carl Gettleman.
Education
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Herbert Berghof Studio, New York, New York
Milestones
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1971 Made off-Broadway debut in "The Divorce of Judy and Jane"
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1981 Breakthrough stage role as Mrs. Beckoff in "Torch Song Trilogy"
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1982 Played first notable film role in "Tootsie" (billed as "a middle-aged woman")
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1983 Accompanied successful U.S. touring company of "Torch Song Trilogy"
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1984 Played Cher's mother in "Mask"
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1985 Achieved greatest fame as octagenarian Sophia Petrillo on NBC's long-running comedy series, "The Golden Girls"
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1992 First leading role in features, as Sylvester Stallone's mother in "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot"
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1999 Appeared in the children's feature "Stuart Little" as Grandma Estelle
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2000 Announced she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
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2004 Announced that she is suffering from Dementia
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Again played Sophia on NBC sitcom "Empty Nest"
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Reprised role of Sophia on "The Golden Palace" (CBS)
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Worked for years in the Yiddish Theatre, in various experimental theater groups and as a comedienne on the "Borscht Belt" circuit