HOME / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Estelle Harris die? 'Seinfeld' and 'Toy Story' actress passes away aged 93

Outpour of tribute by fans and co-stars as the actress' son Glen Harris confirms that she passed away on April 2 at her home in Palm Desert, California

Estelle Harris, who played George Costanza's mother Estelle on 'Seinfeld' and voiced Mrs Potato Head in the animated film 'Toy Story' has died at the age of 93. According to her son Glen Harris, the actress died of natural causes on Saturday night, April 2 at her home in Palm Desert, California.

The late 'Proud Family' actress was only a few weeks away from her 94th birthday, which would have been on April 22. “It is with the greatest remorse and sadness to announce that Estelle Harris has passed on this evening at 6:25 pm,' Glen revealed to Deadline. He added, “Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy, and love were practically unrivaled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her.”

READ MORE

How did 'Beansie' die? 'The Sopranos' star Paul Herman passes away on his 76th birthday

Cole Sprouse opens up on why his character Ben, Ross' son, disappeared without explanation on 'Friends'

Harris was born in Manhattan in April 1928 to Polish immigrants who managed a sweets business. She was raised in a Pittsburgh suburb before returning to New York City to marry her husband Sy Harris. Eric, Glen, and Taryn are the couple's three children.

Harris began performing at various amateur community theatres while raising her children in 1977 and gradually rose to popularity, appearing in 'The Suite Life of Zach and Cody', 'iCarly', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm', 'The Proud Family', 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch', and several other shows.
 
Although Harris died of natural causes, the actress underwent cancer surgery in 2013. She underwent surgery to remove the malignant cells from her nose and had to wear a small Band-Aid on the tip of her nose. "No, I didn't have a nose job," she joked about the surgery at s Hollywood movie's premiere in 2013. She had assured her supporters that the doctors had "get it all out."

Fans and co-stars paid tribute to the adored actress on social media.
A user wrote, “RIP Estelle Harris AKA Muriel from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.” “We lost an OG tonight. Rest In Peace to Estelle Harris, a woman with spunk!” commented another fan. A user stated, “RIP Estelle Harris…. You brought much joy when we needed a good laugh to escape the pressures of reality.”

Her on-screen son Jason Alexander wrote, “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."

Harris' former co-star Giselle Eisenberg paid tribute to her in writing, “Estelle Harris was funny, beautiful, kind & incredibly talented! We made a commercial together once and she told the director: “I’m not doing another take until you promise to give Giselle this dress to keep!” They gave me the dress. I will cherish knowing Estelle forever.”