``Seinfeld'' Actress Estelle Harris Has Died in Palm Desert at Age 93

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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Actress Estelle Harris, who played the mother of Jason Alexander's character George Costanza on ``Seinfeld,'' has died at her home in Palm Desert, according to multiple media reports. She was 93 and three weeks away from her 94th birthday.  

Harris, who was also known for her extensive voice work -- most notably as Mrs. Potato Head in the ``Toy Story'' series -- died Saturday of natural causes her representative, Michael Eisenstadt, told Variety.  

Her son, Glen, later released a statement to Deadline, confirming his mother's death.  

``It is with the greatest remorse and sadness to announce that Estelle Harris has passed on this evening at 6:25 p.m.,'' the statement said. ``Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy and love were practically unrivaled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her.''  

On ``Seinfeld,'' Harris and the late Jerry Stiller played the bickering Costanza parents, who often exasperated their son George.  

In one episode, titled ``Serenity Now''  the phrase becomes a punch line after George's father, Frank, learns it from self-help recording and uses it to calm down his wife, Estelle. Alexander repeated it on Twitter late Saturday where he shared his condolences.  

``One of my favorite people has passed - my tv mama, Estelle Harris,'' Alexander wrote. ``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.''  

The New York City native was born on April 22, 1928. She married actor Sy Harris in 1953 but did not begin acting herself until she was in her late 40s, and after raising three children.  

She initially appeared primarily in TV commercials, once famously being featured in 23 national ads in a single year. On advertising's Madison Avenue, she was dubbed the ``Queen of Commercials.''  

Harris later moved on to guest appearances on TV shows including ``Mad About You,''' and ``Married With Children,'' with recurring roles on ``Night Court'' and ``The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.''  

She also had several small roles in movies including director Sergio Leone's 1984 film ``Once Upon a Time in America,'' which starred Robert DeNiro, and 1988's ``Stand and Deliver.''  

Overall, Harris had more than 100 acting credits.  

She is survived by two sons. Glen and Eric, a daughter, Taryn, three grandsons and a great-grandson. Her  husband of 68 years, Sy, died on January 11, 2021.


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