Estelle Getty has passed away after a long battle with dementia.
Estelle Getty was best known by many kids of my generation as Sophia Petrillo, the stubborn, hard nosed, gigantic purse toting, loving mother-to-everyone on The Golden Girls. I remember watching the very first episode in 1985. I was eight and seeing four ‘grandmas’ living their lives like they were teenagers tickled me. It also gave me a healthy dose of reality. From that moment on, I’ve never been afraid of aging.
It was only as I grew older and more addicted to the show that I began to learn about her life and her unfaltering support of the gay community. Her early role as the mother in Torchsong Trilogy on Broadway normally slips under the radar of folks my age or of most of the American public. It would define, at least from what I’ve learned of her life, much of how hard she fought for us.
I’ve met Bea Arthur and seen both Rue McClanahan and Betty White at different times. But I never had the chance to meet Estelle Getty. All are strong supporters of my community, and all should be praised continuously. But I really wanted to meet Estelle, if only to sip coffee, eat cheesecake, and laugh. I’m certain she tells good stories, just as I’m certain whenever she is right now, she’s making people laugh.
I’ll be eating cheesecake and watching Golden Girls reruns tonight.
I’m right there with you, Estelle was a lady of class and humor. She will be missed greatly by those who enjoyed the characters she brought to life. I wonder if she knew how many gay boys she nurtured through tough times with all the laughs she gave us. “Picture it, New York 1945…”, thank you Estelle.