Estelle Harris, the actress most known for her roles as Estelle Costanza on Seinfeld and the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in the last three installments of the Toy Story movies, died Saturday evening of natural causes in Palm Desert, California, according to her son, Glen Harris, via Deadline. Harris was 93.
Harris released a statement on his mother’s death to Deadline.
“It is with the greatest remorse and sadness to announce that Estelle Harris has passed on this evening at 6:25pm,” Harris said. “Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy and love were practically unrivaled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her.”
Harris added, “Her passion was her work and her work was her passion.”
Harris was born Estelle Nussbaum in New York City on April 22nd, 1928. She got her start in acting by performing in community amateur theaters, according to Deadline. Her success on stage led to many on-screen roles on many popular TV shows other than Seinfeld including Futurama, The Looney Tunes Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, iCarly, ER, Mind of Mencia, Phil of the Future, Dave the Barbarian, Kim Possible, The Proud Family, House of Mouse, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Godzilla: The Series, The Wild Thornberrys, Hercules, Cybill, Living Single, Moesha, The Mask, Night Stand, Star Trek: Voyager, The Tick, Aladdin, Good Advice, Mad About You, Married… with Children and Night Court.
In terms of movie roles outside of the second, third, and fourth installments of the Toy Story franchise, Harris has appeared in Promoted, CBGB, Playing Mona Lisa, Dancing in September, What’s Cooking?, Lost & Found, My Giant, The Odd Couple II, Chairman of the Board, Out to Sea, Downhill Willie, Perfect Alibi, This Is My Life, Stand and Deliver, Once Upon a Time in America, Summerdog and Looking Up. She has a total of 102 credits as an actress since 1977.
Jason Alexander, who played Estelle’s son, George, on Seinfeld, paid tribute to Harris 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. #RIPEstelleHarris
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 3, 2022
Harris is survived by her three children, three grandsons, and one great-grandson. The Harris family has not yet released details for a memorial.