Harris, whose distinctive voice has been sought in various roles, memorably played Estelle Costanza on the ’90s sitcom, often quarreling with her on-screen husband Jerry Stiller and her fictional son, Jason Alexander.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Estelle Harris today, leaving a hole in my heart deeper than I can describe,” her son, Glenn Harris, said in a statement provided by her agent Michael Eisenstadt. “Her kindness, affection, sensitivity, sense of humor, sympathy and love were practically unrivaled and would be sorely missed 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 statement. She married and had three children after returning to New York.
Harris began acting in community theaters before moving to regional theaters and producing summer stocks across the country.
She later found success on Madison Street where she appeared in as many as 25 national television commercials in one year, earning her the title of “Queen of Commercials,” the statement said.
Harris voiced the role of Mrs. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” franchise as well as other cartoon characters, including “Tarzan II,” “Brother Bear,” and “Teacher’s Pet.”
“I’ve always loved meeting children of all ages everywhere I’ve gone – and of course making them laugh. Her passion was her work, and her work was her passion,” Eisenstadt’s statement said.
Harris has landed a slew of guest spots on several shows, including “Law and Order,” “Night Court,” “Living Single,” “ER,” and “Mad About You.”
She is survived by her three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
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