Estelle Scher-Gettleman , better known by her stage name Estelle Getty, was an American actress, who appeared in film, television, and theatre. She is best known for her role as Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992, which won her an Emmy and a Golden Globe, on The Golden Palace from 1992 to 1993 and on Empty Nest from 1993 to 1995. In her later years, after retiring from acting, she battled Lewy body dementia. Getty was born Estelle Scher in New York City, the daughter of Sarah and Charles Scher, Jewish immigrants from Poland who worked in the glass business. She had a sister... Roz and a brother David. Getty got her start in the Yiddish theater and also as a comedienne in the Catskills borscht belt resorts, and among her most notable stage roles was as Harvey Fierstein's mother in Torch Song Trilogy during its original Broadway run. She is best known for her role as Sophia Petrillo on the popular 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls.
more
| Birthdate: | July 25, 1923 |
| Birthplace: | New York City |
| Date of death: | July 22, 2008 |
| Height: | 4' 11" |
| Education: | Seward Park High School |
| Religion: | Judaism |
| Also known as: | Estelle Scher, Estelle Scher-Gettleman |