Thank you for being a friend: R.I.P., Estelle Getty

I'm not sure why I, as a toddler, elected to watch the debut of "The Golden Girls," a show about senior citizens (a generation I never related to, having already lost most of my grandparents) on NBC back in 1985. Maybe because it was on after "The Facts of Life," during that unforgettable phase when the four girls hit college -- a much sexier proposition than Dorothy Zbornak, Rose Nylund, Blanche Devereaux (OK, maybe not Blanche) and Sophia Petrillo.

But from the pilot episode's first line of comical, witty and (most of all) topical dialogue -- some of the best writing that the small screen has ever seen, to this day -- I was hooked on the series through its finale in 1992. These four characters became the grandparents I never had, and raised me, in a sense, to understand many issues that women, particularly seniors, were forced to face in a youth- and beauty-driven culture.

Each Saturday night, nothing comforted me as much as an entertaining episode of "The Golden Girls", where I was invited into the Miami home they shared, filled with floral-print wicker furniture, cheesecake and plenty of coffee talk. I never grew tired of the show, even in reruns on Lifetime, and am convinced that it's still as relevant as ever today. It's the "Sex and the City" for the retirement set. (And, by the way, which Golden Girl are you?)

While the success of the show was dependent on the superb talents of all four actresses, Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Estelle Getty, the latter was a true standout, although she stood under five feet tall.

Sophia's razor-sharp wit, particularly when trading insults with her daughter Dorothy, earned her the love of legions of fans -- many of them gay, who were already familiar with Getty's onstage role as the nagging Jewish mother in the Harvey Fierstein play "Torch Song Trilogy."

Getty gays may also remember her from '80s silver screen classics "Tootsie", "Mask" and "Mannequin," and Barry Manilow's made-for-TV film "Copacabana." Or, more important, her real-life role as tireless AIDS activist.

It seems ironic that the disease that would take her, just four days shy of her 85th birthday, would be dementia, as her character Sophia was so well-known for her quick-wittedness. But it's in this character that Getty lives on -- and for the tremendous skill with which she played this memorable role, I, as a longtime fan, thank her.

Image courtesy Lifetime.

A few great (and some poignant) Sophia clips:

Picasso

Clip highlights

Sophia in heaven

Play it again, Sam

Comments

[Rick Ramirez]

i love sofia in golden girl i will miss her dearly. she the one touch my heart too stand on my two feet for my self..

[Danny]

I was wondering where we can send flowers? I love this lady and the roles she played...from Michigan and want to send flowers for her passing....

[Gustavo]

Since the first chapter to the last we had the opportunity to enjoy her to the limit.!!!
I used myself to be "her" on our Miami raining night plays, between my close gay South American group.My family during Florida's time.
One of us, who play as "Blanche" has already passed away for AIDS in 1993, he was Juan Carlos at this is my little memorial for both Ladies, Mrs. Sophia and my Blanche, Juan Carlos.
From my heart.
Gus.

[Marc]

Those were some beautiful sentiments, Ms. Getty was a true entertainer and a wonderful person, she will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. RIP and walk with the angles.
Marc

[Jeremy]

Though I am barely in early thirties, I have long been a fan of "The Golden Girls." While there was a hug gap between their generation and mine, I have always accepted that there is a bit of each of the girls in me: Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia. "The Golden Girls" tackled many important and relevant social problems -- gay-related issues, ageism, and ethnic-related issues, among others -- during its years. Estelle Getty may have passed on, but she live long and strong in the memories of those that so loved Sophia and all that she offered us. Estelle, Sophia, may you rest in peace now, knowing that your fans will allow you to live on. Thank you for all of your work on television, bust most especially, thank you for your work as an AIDS activist.

[MARIAN.G.MCGILL]

big things come n small packages. and golden came from you. you made us laugh. your work here is done. your reward is peace. rest n it well. and thank you for being our friend. MGM.(marian)

[chris turner]

To Estelle, From what i hear and read about you, you lived a wonderful life, im glad that any suffering that this physical world caused you is over and your in a better place. Thank you for all that you have given all of us, the laughter is priceless.

thanks for being a friend,
Chris Turner

[AJ Beedie]

Picture it, Los Angeles 2008...you were an amazing actress, comedienne and person Estele Getty. Your comedy is timeless and always brings a smile to my face. R.I.P., Thank you for being a friend.

[Michael]

may the Lord allow re-runs for everyone up there......
Thnx for the laughs.... and there were many.
Michael Salomon

[Taylor]

I don't think I' ve missed any episode
of the golden girls and have every DVD. Sopia was (and still is) my favorite! Her stories her ry humor her passion I know it flowed through to her personal life as well! I' m sure I speak for millions I wish she would have been my Grandma! Rest in Peace sophia! Heaven is Blessed to have you! :(

[Lin]

Strange, how someone we've never met can be almost like family, and leave a lasting impression upon us. This was the case with Estelle Getty. She brought biting wit, risque humor & peerless sarcasm to whole new art form.

Her talent was only surpassed by her remarkably kind and compassionate spirit.

She will be solely missed.

But... Picture it: Heaven. 2008. Estelle/Sophia is there and she's making the angels guffaw!

One Love.

Lin

[Michelle]

If ever anyone could make me laugh it was sweet Estelle Getty, Even today with the re-runs I laugh at them. Estellel/sophia you have left a lasting impression on the world, myself and all those that workd with you... I will miss the wit, but know that I can find you and the shows only feet away from my t.v and on line and in re-runs..RIP and Thank-you for being a friend.

[Gus Dominguez]

I never watched THE GOLDEN GIRLS before, I have been in the U.S. since late 90's, that's why I have seen only re-runs of this fantastic show, I own all 7 seasons in dvd and I watch now at least 2 or 3 shows everyday, I love all of them, and I am touched for Estelle leaving, now she is in a better place, we will remember you always and you are in my life Estelle. Thank you for being a friend my dear!!!!!!

[Guefy N.]

THANKS 2 GOD 4 GIVING US ESTELLE GETTY! May GOD give US someone born 2 help the pain 4 OUR loss. Amen!

[RHM]

I watched the Golden Girls and loved the way they blended so well together. Estelle Getty was priceless as Sophia, And no one could of played the part any better. Even though we still fill the loss of her passing, we are lucky that her talents filled our lives with joy, laughter,and her serious side. She was a blessing from above.

[GoldenOne]

I've been a fan since the show first aired. Well maybe fan isn't the word...ok, ADDICT! :) This is the BEST show in tv history! I can't get enough of Golden Girls! I not only have the dvd boxed sets, have the shows recorded on BOTH my TiVos, but I have to watch them every night before falling asleep. :) The problem is, I can't ever get to sleep cause I'm too busy laughing at the show. :) Btw, I love the fact that BLANCHE is on Sordid Lives: the series. Still "ho-ing" that role. :) You go, Golden Girl!