Estelle Getty (July 25, 1923 - July 22, 2008)

Oh my goodness...I never thought I would be writing a memoriam for Estelle Getty. Why can't some people live forever? This fiesty little bundle of energy appeared in eight films between 1978 and 2000. She guest starred on such shows as "Cagney & Lacey", "Hotel", "Newhart", "City", "Touched by an Angel", "Brotherly Love", "The John Larroquette Show", "The Crew", "The Rosie O'Donnell Show", "The Nanny", "Mad About You" and "Ladies Man." Prior to her film role, she was well known on the Broadway stage. In 1985 she stepped into television history. It was on September 14, 1985 that America got its first glimpse of Sophia Petrillo. Following that date she would play Sophia on not only "The Golden Girls" but also its follow-up series "The Golden Palace" and its spin-off "Empty Nest." She also appeared as Sophia on "Nurses" and "Blossom." Estelle played Sophia for ten consecutive years and became a part of everyone's life. Her catchphrase was simple... "Picture it...Sicily 19??" Her relationship with the other women was brilliant. She was alway ready to brow beat daughter Dorothy Zbornak (Beatrice Arthur), insult landlady Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan) and confuse roommate Rose Nylund (Betty White). In one memorable episode Dorothy and Sophia are playing Scrabble and Sophia insists that "disdam" is a word. Dorothy asks her to use it in a sentence so she does... "You're no good at disdam game!" Sophia also had some hard times as well...in the pilot we learn that she had suffered a massive stroke which destroyed the part of her brain that controlled what she said. Later she shows early signs of senilty. She managed to talk her friend Martha out of committing suicide. Sophia suffered a devistating blow when her son Phil passed away before she could make amends for years of seperation. As Sophia Petrillo she entertained us and educated us. It's horrible that she is the first member of that fabulous foursome to leave us....they should all be with us forever. They are a part of our extended family. Thank you Estelle, your antics as Sophia cheered me up on some of my darkest days. Picture it, a town in upstate New York, 2008....a sad fan pays tribute to a great lady... Rest in Peace Estelle...I love you! I'll miss you....you and Sophia will always be a part of me.

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