Carol Ann Susi, who first shocked, then captured the hearts of millions, playing with her loud and gravely voice Howard Wolowitz’s ultimate Jewish mother of all times on the long-running TV series “The Big Bang Theory, ” has died of cancer at the age of 62, the Associated Press reports.
As TV Guide put it, Susi played “one of television’s great unseen characters, ” Mrs. Wolowitz, who is frequently heard yelling at her rocket-scientist son. Susi wasn’t seen on camera as the mother of Simon Helberg’s character, Howard, but her character’s loud voice with a Brooklyn accent was instantly recognizable.
Will you offer us a hand? Every gift, regardless of size, fuels our future.
Your critical contribution enables us to maintain our independence from shareholders or wealthy owners, allowing us to keep up reporting without bias. It means we can continue to make Jewish Business News available to everyone.
You can support us for as little as $1 via PayPal at [email protected].
Thank you.
“The Mrs. Wolowitz character became a bit of mystery throughout the show’s eight seasons, ” the show’s executive producer Chuck Lorre told TMZ. “What was not a mystery, however, was Carol Ann’s immense talent and comedic timing.”
Carol Ann Susi’s agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, said the actress died in Los Angeles on Tuesday after a brief battle with cancer. She has made many appearances on TV shows since the 1970s.
The executive producers of the CBS sitcom say Susi was a beloved member of the “Big Bang Theory” family.
Susi is survived by her brother, Michael Susi, and his wife, Connie.
The Washington Post’s Fred Barbash cited the following exchanges between Howard and his mom:
Mrs. Wolowitz: Howard! What are you doing in there?
Howard: I’m taking a bath!
Mrs. Wolowitz: I hope that’s all you’re doing! We share that tub!
Howard: Don’t remind me!Mrs. Wolowitz: Who’s there? Are you a sex criminal?
Howard: Sex criminals don’t have keys, Ma!Mrs. Wolowitz: Howard, help! My hand is caught in the garbage disposal!
Howard: Just let go of whatever food you’re holding!
Mrs. Wolowitz: Are you kidding? It’s a perfectly good chicken leg!Howard: Sheldon’s sick!
Mrs. Wolowitz: Were you playing with him?
Howard: For God’s sake, Ma, I’m 26 years old!
Mrs. Wolowitz: Excuse me, Mr. Grownup! What do you want for breakfast?
Howard: Chocolate milk and Eggos, please!