Estelle Harris, 'Seinfeld' and 'Toy Story' actor, dies at 93

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By JENNIFER PELTZ

NEW YORK (AP) — Estelle Harris, who hollered her way into TV history as George Costanza’s short-fused mother on “Seinfeld” and voiced Mrs. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” franchise, has died. She was 93.

As middle-class matron Estelle Costanza, Harris put a memorable stamp on her recurring role in the smash 1990s sitcom. With her high-pitched voice and humorously overbearing attitude, she was an archetype of maternal indignation.

Trading insults and absurdities with her on-screen husband, played by Jerry Stiller, Harris helped create a parental pair that would leave even a psychiatrist helpless to do anything but hope they’d move to Florida — as their son, played by Jason Alexander, fruitlessly encouraged them to do.

Harris’ agent Michael Eisenstadt confirmed the actor’s death in Palm Desert, California, on Saturday evening.



FILE - Estelle Harris, at right, and Don Rickles arrive at the world premiere of "Toy Story 3," Sunday, June 13, 2010, at The El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles. Harris, who hollered her way into TV history as George Costanza’s short-fused mother on TV’s “Seinfeld” and voiced Mrs. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” franchise, has died. She was 93. Harris’ agent Michael Eisenstadt confirmed the actor’s death in Palm Desert, Calif., late Saturday, April 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Katy Winn, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-jason-alexander-jerry-stiller-estelle-harris-new-york-d4f9b5bfe3270506c356b8c17191af03

[bucolic_frolic]

1. When did actresses become actors?

Is 'actress' falling from use, or is there some other distinction I'm not aware of?

[Omnipresent]

4. I guess they want a genderless title for their profession?

[OnlinePoker]

5. So, will they then have only a best actor oscar where men and women are both nominated.

It would eliminate two awards (best actress and best supporting actress).

[TwilightZone]

9. Decades ago.

The terms have been in flux for a long time. Here's an article about it from 2011.

https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2011/sep/25/readers-editor-actor-or-actress

And one from the LA Times from 2009.

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jan-18-ca-actress18-story.html

[whistler162]

14. 30 or 40 years ago.

[lamp_shade]

2. She and Jerry Stiller were my favorites. They were a hilarious duo.

Rest now Estelle.

[Auggie]

3. Seinfeld episodes that featured Harris and Stiller were among the series best IMO

Harris was gifted with hilarious situational writing and performed it with perfection. Bravo.

[BumRushDaShow]

6. Heard about this early this morning and what a loss...

She made such an impact with her bombastic style no matter what she appeared in.

R.I.P. and condolences to her family.

Link to tweet

jason alexander
@IJasonAlexander
One of my favorite people has passed - my tv mama, Estelle Harris. The joy of playing with her and relishing her glorious laughter was a treat. I adore you, Estelle. Love to your family. Serenity now and always. #RIPEstelleHarris
2:08 AM · Apr 3, 2022

[MyOwnPeace]

7. Thanks for adding that!

What a great response!

[Evolve Dammit]

8. Serenity now. Indeed. She was great, and as a couple they were fantastic. So were Jerry's. RIP.

You made us all laugh, which is priceless.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

10. Wonderful actress, pass gently Estelle

[greenjar_01]

11. She and Jerry Stiller are all over that shuffleboard court in the Great Del Boca Vista in the sky

[oasis]

12. Enjoyed her role with Jerry Stiller portraying Geo. Costansa's parents.

Those episodes were my favorites.

Rest in peace Estelle.

[twodogsbarking]

13. The Costanza family. Three of the best.

[Initech]

15. Serenity now.... insanity later! RIP!

[Wuddles440]

16. Responsible for many hours of joyful bliss!

RIP

[olddad65]

17. George's 'parents' were perfectly cast in their roles.

Jerry's TV parents were not cast very well. They were duds