Birthdate/Place: July 25, 1924--New York City, New York
Estelle Getty , best known for her role as Sophia on The Golden Girls has been one of the funniest, most caring people I have ever heard of. Estelle was born in Manhattan, New York City in 1924. Her parents were both Jewish. Estelle loved the world of theatre since she was born. Estelle saw her first Vaudeville act when she was just 4 years old and loved every bit of it. When Estelle was in her teens, she would audition for just about every play she came across. She then married Arthur Gettleman, and moved to Queens NY. They had two sons, Carl and Barry. In the early 70's, Estelle approached a man named Harvey Fierstein, who has written a play she had attended, and asked him to write her a part. She then portrayed the mother of an aging drag queen in the play he wrote, "Torch Song Triology" , which became a total Broadway hit. She then joined the National Tour of the play and had impressed the people for NBC's newest show, The Golden Girls that they asked her to audition. So then, in 1985, Estelle began what is very well the most famous role she has ever played, the role of the feisty, fiery, sassy Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls . She was only supposed to be guest-starring, but then her role became a permanent role and quickly became alot of people's favorite Golden Girl. When the show was canceled, she continued her role on TGG's spinoff, The Golden Palace , and when it was canceled, she still continued her role as Sophia on Empty Nest . Estelle Getty played the role of Sophia for a total of 10 years. In the year 2000, the beloved Golden Girl announced that she had Parkinson's Disease. She is no longer able to reply to the request of hundreds and hundreds of fans wanting her autograph. All in all, Estelle Getty is definitely a true Golden Girl, and will always be loved by her many, many, fans. (For more Estelle info, please view the following websites below.)
Estelle Websites
Estelle Getty: Genuine Golden Girl | Lifetime TV Online: The Golden Girls | Lifetime TV Online: Intimate Portraits: Estelle Getty
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