Estelle Harris Bio
Estelle Harris, born Estelle Nussbaum on April 22, 1928, in New York City, was a renowned American actress and comedian known for her unique, high-pitched voice. She achieved widespread recognition for her role as Estelle Costanza on the hit sitcom Seinfeld. Additionally, Harris contributed her voice to Mrs. Potato Head in the beloved Toy Story series, portrayed Muriel in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and voiced Mama Gunda in Tarzan II. Her dynamic presence extended to television commercials, earning her the moniker “Queen of Commercials” for her lively endorsements, including the memorable Handi-Wrap II commercial. Despite her fame, Harris led a reclusive life. She continued to charm audiences with her talent until her passing on April 2, 2022.
Estelle Harris’s birthdate and deathdate
She was born Estelle Nussbaum on April 22, 1928 in New York City, and passed on April 2, 2022.
Estelle Harris’s Cause of death
Harris passed away at 93 years old due to natural causes at her residence in Palm Desert, California, on April 2, 2022, only 20 days before her 94th birthday.
Estelle Harris educational background
At the age of seven, Estelle Harris’s family moved to Tarentum, Pennsylvania, where she later graduated from Tarentum High School. She initially started her career in amateur productions, dinner theater, and regional theaters before gaining recognition on Madison Avenue through her roles in various national television commercials. Her vibrant promotion of Handi-Wrap II led to her being dubbed the “Queen of Commercials.”
Estelle Harris spouse and children
Upon returning to New York in 1952, Estelle Harris met Sy Harris, a window treatment salesman, at a dance. Their marriage followed six months later. They were blessed with two sons, Eric (born in 1957) and Glen (born in 1961), along with a daughter named Taryn (born in 1964).
Estelle Harris parents and siblings
Harris was born Estelle Nussbaum on April 22, 1928, in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen area, New York. She was the younger of two daughters in her family, her parents being Polish Jewish immigrants named Isaac (‘Ira’) and Anna Nussbaum, who ran a candy store and soda shop. Her older sister is named Minnie Harris. Estelle Harris is most famous for portraying Estelle Costanza on the renowned TV series Seinfeld, and she also voiced Mrs. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise while playing Mama Gunda in Tarzan II.
Estelle Harris Characters & Career
Harris Estelle has made a lasting impact on both television and animation throughout her remarkable career. Perhaps her most renowned role is that of Estelle Costanza in the iconic sitcom Seinfeld. Portraying the hilariously overbearing and opinionated mother of George Costanza, Harris’s distinctive voice and memorable catchphrases made her character a beloved and unforgettable part of the show’s ensemble. Despite her character’s quirks, Estelle Costanza was affectionately known as the “mother that everybody loves, even though she’s a pain in the neck.”
In addition to her live-action roles, Estelle Harris also made significant contributions to the world of animation. She lent her distinctive voice to the character of Mrs. Potato Head in the beloved Toy Story film series, adding humor and heart to the iconic character. Her portrayal of Mrs. Potato Head became a fan favorite, and she continued to voice the character throughout the franchise, leaving behind a lasting legacy in animation.
Harris’s talent extended beyond sitcoms and animation into the realm of family-friendly entertainment. She had a recurring role as Muriel in the popular Disney sitcom The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, where her unique humor resonated with a younger generation of viewers. This demonstrated her versatility as an actress, engaging audiences of all ages with her comedic prowess.
Beyond her well-known roles, Estelle Harris also contributed to animated films, voicing Mama Gunda in Tarzan II. Before her acting career soared, she gained recognition in the world of television commercials, earning the nickname “Queen of Commercials” for her energetic endorsements, including the memorable Handi-Wrap II commercial.
Overall, Estelle Harris’s talent, versatility, and unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her legacy lives on through her iconic roles, memorable characters, and enduring contributions to comedy and animation.
Estelle Harris’s net worth and salary
She had a net worth of $5 million by her date of passing.