Remembering Georgia Engel

With unforgettable roles on classic sitcoms like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Everybody Loves and Raymond, Georgia Engel established herself as one of the funniest and most distinctive actresses on television. Her nearly fifty-year career sadly came to an end when she passed away this past Friday. Here, I provide a brief overview of her illustrious career and recount a charming personal encounter with the actress I had a few years ago.

Amidst the tragic burning of Notre Dame, the surprise comeback of Tiger Woods, and the premiere of the final season of Game of Thrones, the death of a veteran sitcom actress is bound to get lost in the media shuffle.

But it shouldn’t.

When Georgia Engel passed away on Friday at the age of 70, Hollywood lost one of its most underrated actresses.

Her nearly 50-year-career involved countless memorable television appearances. She had a distinct look with her wide eyes, blonde locks, and cherubic face that were the perfect match for her even more distinct voice. She spoke with a sweet and gentle innocence that provided a brilliant contrast whenever the words coming out of her mouth involved a cunning one-liner or a profound insight (which was often). She was such a gifted actress that she was never reduced to the one-note characters actresses with such a distinct look and sound typically are.