Did you ever wonder about the magic behind the sharp wit and endearing presence of Sophia Petrillo, the beloved matriarch from "The Golden Girls"? The woman who brought her to life, Estelle Getty, was a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the screen.

Estelle Getty, born Estelle Gettleman, graced the world with her presence on July 25, 1923, in New York City. Her journey to stardom was far from an overnight success; it was a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the craft. For four decades, she honed her skills in theater and stand-up comedy, building a foundation that would eventually support her iconic role. It wasn't until 1985, at the age of 62, that she landed the role of Sophia Petrillo on NBC's "The Golden Girls," a part that would forever change her life and the landscape of television. Getty's portrayal of Sophia, the sarcastic and quick-witted mother of Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), resonated with audiences of all ages. Her character, despite being an octogenarian, was vibrant, opinionated, and unapologetically herself. This refreshing depiction of an elderly woman challenged stereotypes and brought a new level of prominence to older characters in prime time.

Category	Information
Full Name	Estelle Gettleman (ne Scher)
Birth Date	July 25, 1923
Birth Place	New York City, United States
Death Date	July 22, 2008
Death Place	Los Angeles, California, United States
Age at Death	84
Cause of Death	Lewy Body Dementia
Occupation	Actress
Years Active	1950s-2001
Notable Role	Sophia Petrillo on "The Golden Girls"
Awards	Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (1988) Golden Globe Award for Best Actress Television Series Musical or Comedy (1986)
Spouse	Arthur Gettleman (m. 1947-2004)
Children	Carl Gettleman, Barry Gettleman
Burial Location	Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles
Reference Link	Estelle Getty - IMDb