MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Pat Carroll die? Emmy-winner who voiced Ursula in ‘The Little Mermaid’ dies at 95

Pat Carroll won an Emmy Award for her work on 'Sid Caesar's House' in 1956

Actress Pat Carroll, famous for voicing Ursula in Disney's 'The Little Mermaid,' died on Saturday, July 30, at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She was 95 years old.  

Derek Maki, Carroll's representative, told Variety that the actress died while recovering from pneumonia. According to Maki, she died with her best friend by her side. Carroll is survived by her children, Kerry Karsian and Tara Karsian, and granddaughter, Evan Karsian-McCormick. She also won an Emmy Award for her work on 'Sid Caesar's House' in 1956.

READ MORE

How did Mary Alice die? Veteran actress, 85, won Tony Award for her performance in August Wilson's 'Fences'

How did Jane Withers die? Former child actor who worked with Shirley Temple dies at 95

Carroll's daughter Tara Karsian wrote on Instagram, "It is with a heavy heart that I write that my mother, Pat Carroll, has passed away at the grand old age of 95. We ask that you honor her by having a raucous laugh at absolutely anything today (and every day forward) because besides her brilliant talent and love, she leaves my sister Kerry and I with the greatest gift of all, imbuing us with humor and the ability to laugh…even in the saddest of times. Someone (apologies as I’ve forgotten who) sent me this meme a while ago. Truer words were never written and this is how we'll always remember her." 

Many celebrities expressed their condolences through heartfelt messages. Gregory Zarian wrote, "Medz bacheeg djana!! Sending my love to you and Your sister Kerry! Was actually laughing my ass off w @mindycohn last nite... NOW dedicated to you both & your Mom". Tom Lenk commented, "sending lots of love your way Tara." Molly Hagan wrote, "Sending much love to you and Kerry. I hear your Mom’s laughter. Truly nothing like it or more beautiful."

Philip Lewis on Twitter wrote, "Pat Carroll, Emmy-winning actress and voice of Ursula in ‘The Little Mermaid,’ dies at 95." "Pat Carroll spent Many years doing Ursula for fans at Conventions & She was always, absolutely AMAZING. She'll live forever in that Iconic Witch's laugh," wrote Mikey Walsh.

Carroll's early years and career

Patricia Ann Carroll was born on May 5, 1927, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and her family moved to Los Angeles when she was five years old. She began acting in local shows at an early age before attending the Catholic University of America and then enlisted in the United States Army during World War II.

Carroll's career as an entertainer spanned seven decades. Carroll's debut performance was in the 1947 picture 'Hometown Girl.' In addition to the Emmy award, she showed her comedy skills as a regular performer on 'Make Room for Daddy,' 'The Jimmy Durante Show,' 'The Danny Thomas Show,' 'Too Close for Comfort,' and 'She's the Sheriff.' Other famous appearances include 'Laverne & Shirley,' 'The Love Boat,' 'Designing Women,' and 'ER.' Carroll also appeared on 'To Tell the Truth,' 'The Match Game,' 'I've Got a Secret,' 'Password All-Stars,' 'You Don't Say,' and 'The $10,000 Pyramid.'

Carroll gave her voice to Ursula in Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' in 1989, performing the film's show-stopping number 'Poor Unfortunate Souls.' Carroll regarded Ursula as a career highlight, reprising the character in a variety of media.