Another Disney star has entered eternal rest after immortalizing her voice and personality in beloved movies, and television projects enjoyed every day by millions.
This time, our obituary is in honor of actress Estelle Harris. We at Disney Fantic have learned that she passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the age of 93.
Perhaps best remembered for her role as George Costanza’s mother “Estelle Costanza” in the television show Seinfeld, Harris became the definition of the crazy (grand)mother/wife/old lady character, and she arguably perfected the border-line cliche archetypal character. Her fiery red hair and personality brought joy and laughter to her fellow Cast Members and show crew as much as she did to her audience.
Jason Alexander, the actor who played Estelle’s son George, took to Twitter in the early hours of Sunday morning to say,
“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.”
https://twitter.com/IJasonAlexander/status/1510499343060508673?s=20&t=uP_DqdPdFpXx8p4v2JIdrg
Harris brought several loud yet lovable “crazy” older ladies to life in several Disney animated projects. She appeared as Timon’s mother in The Lion King’s Timon and Pumbaa series, Phil’s mother in Disney’s Hercules series, and Dr. Drakken’s mother in Disney’s Kim Possible. She played the momentary and recurring “crazy old lady” Guest roles in Mickey Mouse Works, House of Mouse, The Proud Family, Emperor’s New School, and Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates. But most notably, Harris was cast as Muriel in Disney’s live-action sitcom The Suite Life of Zach and Cody.
Harris also added some Disney movies to her repertoire, appearing in Brother Bear and Home on the Range, and Tarzan II, but her biggest role would be Mrs. Potato Head in Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story franchise. Mrs. Potato Head first appeared in Toy Story 2, and Harris proved to be the perfect pairing with Don Rickles’ Mr. Potato Head. Harris would reprise the role for every further appearance of Mrs. Potato Head, including Toy Story 3, Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation, Toy Story Toons: Small Fry, Toy Story Toons: Partysaurus Rex, and Toy Story 4. Rickles passed away in 2017.
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Harris’ passing is the passing of a Hollywood icon and the end of an era in TV history. “The crazy old lady” that everybody secretly loved is finally gone. One has to wonder which actress will step up to become the next single personification of the television trope.
All of us here at Disney Fanatic send our prayers and condolences to Estelle’s family and thank her for all of the laughter and memories she has given us throughout our entire lives.