Biography
Estelle Getty was an American actress best known for playing Sophia Petrillo on the television series The Golden Girls (1985–1992). Born Estelle Scher in New York City, she began her career in theatre and gained attention for her role as Harvey Fierstein’s mother in the Broadway production of Torch Song Trilogy.
Getty received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1988 and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 1986 for her performance as Sophia. She reprised the role in the spin-off series The Golden Palace (1992–1993) and Empty Nest (1993–1995). Her film credits include Tootsie (1982), Mask (1985), Mannequin (1987) and Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992).
Getty retired from acting in 2001 and died in Los Angeles in 2008.
