Estelle Getty

Estelle Gettleman, known professionally as Estelle Getty, was an American actress and comedienne best known for her portrayal of Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls (1985–1992), for she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She reprised the role for appearances on Empty Nest (1993–1995), The Golden Palace (1992–1993), Blossom (1990–1995), and Nurses (1991–1994). Notable films in which she appeared include Mask (1985), a semi-biographical film in which she played the grandmother of Roy L. Dennis, and Stuart Little (1999). She retired from acting in 2001 due to health issues and died in 2008.