Estelle Getty’s Husband Proposed on Their First Meeting — They Shared 57 Years of Marriage and Two Children

Estelle Getty: The Untold Story of a Hollywood Icon and Her Lifelong Love

Estelle Getty, a name synonymous with the wise-cracking Sophia Petrillo from The Golden Girls, was much more than just a beloved TV character. Her life was a tale of perseverance, passion, and unwavering commitment to family. From a young girl with a dream in Manhattan’s Lower East Side to a household name in Hollywood, Getty’s journey to fame came with its fair share of struggles and triumphs. Along the way, she found lasting love in an unexpected way — at a party where her future husband proposed the moment they met.

A Chance Meeting That Sparked a Lifetime of Love

In 1949, Estelle Getty attended a friend’s party without knowing her life would change forever. At that same party, Arthur Gettleman, a reserved and thoughtful man, saw her for the first time and immediately proposed. It wasn’t a joke; it was love at first sight.

“I walked over to him when I was introduced, and he said, ‘Hello, would you marry me?’ And I said, ‘I’ll call my beautician, and I’ll be right out.’ We laughed, and nine months later, we got married,” Getty once recounted with a smile.

Arthur’s boldness stood out to Estelle, and it marked the beginning of a love story that lasted for nearly six decades.

While Getty was outgoing and witty, Arthur was more introverted, a dynamic that worked perfectly for them. Their son, Barry Gettleman, once revealed that his father believed marrying someone more extroverted would help balance his reserved nature. Estelle, with her charisma and sharp humor, was exactly who he needed by his side.

From a Young Dreamer to a Determined Actress

Born Estelle Scher on July 25, 1923, in New York City’s Lower East Side, Getty was the daughter of Polish Jewish immigrants, Sarah Lacher and Charles Scher. Her father, a glass installer, introduced her to the world of entertainment when he took her to a vaudeville show at the New York Academy of Music. That moment sparked her dream of becoming a performer.

“I saw all these wonderful people coming up, singing and dancing, and I thought, ‘That’s it. That’s where I belong,’” she once recalled.

However, pursuing acting wasn’t easy for a young woman in the mid-20th century, especially one who believed she wasn’t traditionally attractive enough for leading roles. After graduating from Seward Park High School, Getty began her journey in Yiddish theater and tried stand-up comedy, despite her insecurities.

Her parents, like many at the time, thought her desire to act was a phase that would pass. But Getty was determined. She took secretarial jobs that allowed her to leave work early for auditions and performed in small plays throughout New York City.

Balancing Family and Career

While working tirelessly to break into the entertainment industry, Getty married Arthur in 1949. The couple settled in the Bronx, where Arthur worked in the family glass business. They welcomed their first son, Carl, followed by Barry two years later.

Life wasn’t easy for Getty. Balancing her career aspirations with motherhood required immense dedication. She would wake up early to prepare her kids for school, attend auditions during her lunch breaks, and return to her secretarial job before heading home to cook dinner and put her children to bed.

Despite this hectic schedule, Getty never saw her workload as overwhelming. “Somebody said, ‘Do you realize you were working four jobs?’ But I didn’t notice it at all, and it was worth it,” she said.

Her sons, Carl and Barry, admitted that they didn’t fully understand the extent of their mother’s sacrifices until they were older. “In retrospect, it was incredible what she was doing,” Barry shared.

The Breakthrough That Changed Everything

After years of small roles and unrecognized performances, Getty’s big break came when she was cast as Sophia Petrillo in NBC’s The Golden Girls at the age of 62. Her character, the sharp-tongued matriarch with a heart of gold, became a fan favorite and earned her an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her portrayal of Sophia was iconic, bringing laughter and heartfelt moments to audiences across the globe. But what many don’t know is that Getty almost didn’t get the role. The producers initially thought she was too young for the part, but after a remarkable audition and impressive makeup work to age her appearance, she secured her spot in television history.

A Marriage That Defied the Odds

While Getty’s fame skyrocketed, Arthur preferred a quieter life, running the family business in Florida. The couple lived in separate cities, with Getty in Hollywood and Arthur in Florida, but their bond remained unbreakable.

Arthur never fully adjusted to the media attention Getty received. Yet, he continued to support her dreams from afar, always encouraging her to chase success. When asked about their unconventional living arrangement, Getty once remarked, “Just because people live together doesn’t make it a good marriage. Just because they don’t doesn’t make it a bad marriage.”

Their relationship stood the test of time, rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Even as Getty’s fame grew, Arthur remained her biggest supporter behind the scenes.

An Advocate for Social Causes

Getty wasn’t just a comedic actress; she was also a passionate advocate for social issues, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Her role in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy, where she played the mother of a gay son, opened her eyes to the struggles faced by the gay community.

She became a prominent advocate for AIDS awareness, raising funds and speaking out on behalf of those affected. Having lost many friends to the disease, Getty made it her mission to support AIDS research and education.

Her activism was deeply personal and stemmed from genuine compassion. Her popularity within the LGBTQ+ community only grew, making her a beloved ally.

A Bittersweet Farewell

In September 2004, after nearly 57 years of marriage, Arthur Gettleman passed away. Getty continued to honor his memory while dealing with her own health challenges.

On July 22, 2008, just days before her 85th birthday, Getty passed away from Lewy body dementia, a form of Alzheimer’s disease. She died peacefully at her Hollywood Hills home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Her death marked the end of an era, but her legacy lives on. She left behind a lasting impact through her groundbreaking role in The Golden Girls, her advocacy work, and her inspiring story of perseverance and love.

Remembering Estelle Getty’s Legacy

Estelle Getty’s life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of love. From humble beginnings to becoming a cultural icon, she proved that dreams can come true at any age.

Her son Barry once said, “People loved her as Estelle Getty, the actress. But to me, she was always just Mom.”

Indeed, despite her fame, Getty remained grounded, never forgetting the importance of family. Her journey continues to inspire actors, dreamers, and advocates, proving that it’s never too late to achieve success — and that love, when nurtured with respect and humor, can last a lifetime.

Her iconic portrayal of Sophia Petrillo will forever be cherished, and her story will continue to resonate with generations to come. Estelle Getty wasn’t just a star; she was a beacon of hope and determination.