Seinfeld’s Estelle Harris Dies Aged 93

Seinfeld star Estelle Harris, who also voiced Mrs Potato Head in the Toy Story movies, has died aged 93, her family have said. 

Harris’s son Glen announced the sad news, saying she had died of natural causes on 2 April. In a statement to Deadline, he said: “It is with the greatest remorse and sadness to announce that Estelle Harris has passed on this evening at 6:25pm. 

“Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humour, empathy and love were practically unrivalled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her.”

He added: “Her passion was her work, and her work was her passion.”

Harris appeared in 27 episodes of Seinfeld over the years - playing the mother of George Costanza (Jason Alexander). Harris was also a talented voice actor, and voiced Mrs Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise, first appearing in the second movie before returning for the third and fourth. 

Throughout her lengthy career, Harris made appearances in numerous TV shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. 

Tributes have began to pour in for Harris, with on-screen son Alexander posting on Twitter: “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.”

Movie critic Courtney Howard tweeted: “Estelle Harris gave us so many laughs over the years, playing an overbearing mother on Seinfeld and as the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in the Toy Story movies. She was a one of a kind funny lady.”

Meanwhile a fan wrote: “What a wonderful & talented lady Estelle Harris was. Sincere condolences to her family, loved ones & all that knew her personally or from Seinfeld. R.I.P. She will be sadly missed. I think I will spend the rest of the day watching the shows.”

And another commented: “Estelle Harris is such a huge part of the fabric of my sense of humor. A legendary life. Thank you Estelle. Sending so much love to her family and friends.”

Harris is survived by three children, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677 

Topics: Celebrity

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at UNILAD who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats.