Estelle Getty

Playing the sharp-tongued, hilariously blunt octogenarian Sophia Petrillo on "The Golden Girls" (NBC, 1985-1992), Getty easily stole scenes from co-stars Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White in this groundbreaking hit sitcom, which cheerfully upended viewers' perceptions of senior citizens. For Getty, a television newcomer then little-known outside theatrical circles, becoming a series regular on "The Golden Girls" established her as …