(CNN) — Estelle Harris, the actress known for playing George Costanza’s mother on the series “Seinfeld,” died Saturday, her agent told CNN. She was 93.
Harris, whose distinctive voice led her to other roles, unforgettably played Estelle Costanza in the ’90s sitcom, often arguing with her on-screen husband, Jerry Stiller, and their fictional son, Jason Alexander.
Estelle Harris, the actress known for playing George Costanza’s mother on the series “Seinfeld,” died on April 2, her agent told CNN. She was 93. (Credit: Tibrina Hobson/FilmMagic)
“It is with the utmost remorse and sadness that we announce that Estelle Harris passed away today, leaving a hole in my heart too deep to describe,” her son Glen Harris said in a statement provided by the actress’s agent Michael Eisenstadt. “Her kindness of hers, passion of hers, sensitivity of hers, humor, empathy and love of hers were virtually unrivaled by her. And she will be missed terribly by all who knew her.”
Harris was born in New York City and raised in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania, according to the release. He married and had three children after returning to New York.
Harris began performing in community theaters before moving on to regional theaters and summer productions across the country.
She subsequently found success on Madison Avenue when she appeared in 25 national television commercials in a single year, earning her the nickname “Commercial Queen,” according to the release.
Harris was the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” movies and other animated characters, including “Tarzan II,” “Brother Bear” and “Teacher’s Pet.”
“She always loved meeting and greeting children of all ages wherever she went and, of course, making them laugh. Her passion was her job and her job was her passion,” Eisenstadt’s statement said.
Harris appeared as a guest on numerous shows, including “Law and Order,” “Night Court,” “Living Single,” “ER,” and “Mad About You.”
He is survived by his three children, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Andy Rose and Tina Burnside, both of CNN, contributed to this report.
