Death anniversary of Estelle Getty

When one thinks of Estelle Getty, the image of a woman who won over her audience with her razor-sharp wit and seemingly effortless naturalness inevitably comes to mind. Her role as Sophia Petrillo in “The Golden Girls” was just the visible culmination of a long journey. Growing up in an immigrant family on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, she initially eked out a living with part-time jobs before resolutely pursuing her desire to become an actress. But while others enjoyed early success, she first had to prove herself on smaller stages and was often overlooked. It was precisely these early days that shaped her character. She learned to take setbacks with humor, to face every audition with unbroken energy and to shine even in small roles with her fine sense of punchlines.

It is well known that her breakthrough did not come until she was over 60, but she used this late limelight to leave behind more than just a few legendary lines of dialog. Away from the cameras, she became involved in various charity projects, especially in areas that often received too little attention. She was not interested in grand speeches, but in concrete support, for example through charity appearances or fundraising campaigns. It was precisely this drive that revealed another facet of her character. Although she was a sharp-tongued comedian, she was also a woman who took empathy for granted. This combination of humor and human warmth made her a trusted contact for colleagues. Anyone who was unsure could always count on a spontaneous remark or encouraging advice.

On the anniversary of her death today, it is not just the many funny scenes that Estelle Getty gave her audience that are coming to the fore. People are also thinking of the woman who proved that perseverance and true dedication pay off regardless of age. It is precisely this belief in her own strength that is part of her legacy. Not only did she inspire with trenchant sayings and perfect timing, but above all with the conviction that passion and commitment are more important than any prefabricated scheme. Estelle Getty remains an inspiration for all those who do not want to believe that the right moment for success is limited. In a world that is often fixated on youth and speed, her life story and her success shine all the brighter.