VETERAN Hollywood actress Carol Ann Susi, known to viewers of Big
Bang Theory as Howard Wolowitz’s never seen, often heard mother, has
died. She was 62.
The actress, whose other screen credits include roles in Coyote Ugly, Seinfeld, Death Becomes Her and Grey’s Anatomy, died after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer.While Susi never appeared on screen in the show, her passing means the hit sitcom has lost one of its most distinctive voices.
As Mrs Wolowitz, Susi became one of the sitcom’s signature characters, playing an overbearing Brooklyn-accented mother who kept her son under the thumb.
In a statement reported on Deadline.com, CBS, Warner Bros. Television, and The Big Bang Theory executive producers Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro and Bill Prady said:
“The Big Bang Theory family has lost a beloved member today with the passing of Carol Ann Susi, who hilariously and memorably voiced the role of Mrs. Wolowitz.”
“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.”
It’s not yet known how Big Bang Theory producers are going to deal with Susi’s death on the program.