- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Carol Ann Susi, best known for voicing Mrs. Wolowitz on CBS’ The Big Bang Theory, died early Tuesday morning in Los Angeles of cancer. She was 62.
See more Hollywood’s Notable Deaths of 2014
“The Big Bang Theory family has Chuck Lorre, Steve Molaro and Bill Prady. “Unseen by viewers, the Mrs. Wolowitz character became a bit of a mystery throughout the show’s eight seasons. What was not a mystery, however, was Carol Ann’s immense talent and comedic timing, which were on display during each unforgettable appearance. In addition to her talent, Carol Ann was a constant source of joy and kindness to all. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family during this time, and we will miss her greatly.”
Her co-stars mourned her on social media.
See more ‘The Big Bang Theory’s’ Nerdiest Guest Stars
Mrs. Wolowitz was rarely seen on-screen — though eagle-eyed viewers caught a glimpse of the pink-clad parent at Howard’s (Simon Helberg) wedding in the fifth season finale.
Watch more Carol Ann Susi’s Funniest Scenes as Mrs. Wolowitz on ‘Big Bang Theory’
“The glimpse on the rooftop is all you’re going to get for now!” showrunner Molaro told The Hollywood Reporter at the time. “Isn’t she better left to the imagination? There are no plans to actually see her on camera, and I think it’s probably better that way.”
See more Behind the Scenes of ‘The Big Bang Theory’
It is unclear how Susi’s passing will impact the show, though it is worth noting Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) does a spot-on impression of her character. Mrs. Wolowitz has had a central storyline this season, in which the gang’s friend Stuart (Kevin Sussman) moves in with Mrs. Wolowitz to nurse her through her declining health. Howard becomes jealous, thinking Stuart has replaced him in his mother’s heart.
Read more Carol Ann Susi Mourned By Costars
Susi grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s. Shortly after, she earned a spot as Kolchak’s secretary, Monique Marmelstein, on ABC’s The Night Stalker. Other credits include guest appearances on Cheers, Doogie Howser, M.D., Mad About You, Just Shoot Me, Seinfeld and Six Feet Under.
See more Inside THR’s Comedy Showrunners Roundtable With Chuck Lorre
On the 1992 Seinfeld episode “The Boyfriend” (which famously features a guest-starring stint by New York Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez), Susi’s character, the daughter of an unemployment officer, goes out on a horrible date with George (Jason Alexander).
Susi also appeared in several Los Angeles theatrical productions, including Justin Tanner’s Heartbreak Help and Coyote Women, and she was in the original cast (with Lisa Kudrow) of Robin Schiff’s Ladies’ Room.
Susi is survived by her brother, Michael Susi, and his wife Connie, and many friends she considered to be family.
Mike Barnes contributed to this report.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day