Estelle Getty passes away at age 84

Beloved actress Estelle Getty, who created the iconic role of Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls, died today, just three days shy of her 85th birthday.

Aside from bringing to life the feisty, uncompromising, giant-purse-toting Sicilian mother that we all came to love during the show's seven-year run (not to mention one year on the ill-conceived spinoff, Golden Palace, and guest spots on Nurses, Empty Nest, and Blossom, of all shows!), Getty originated the role of Harvey Fierstein's mother in Torch Song Trilogy on Broadway and was throughout her life a tireless supporter of gay rights. She also appeared in Mannequin! and Stop! or My Mom Will Shoot.

Getty had been suffering from Lewy Body Dementia for years, which forced her to retire from acting and miss out on several reunions with the other Girls. It is presumed that this contributed to her death this morning. (Thanks to Brock for the tip.)