Early Life and Career
Carol Ann Susi was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 2, 1952. She studied acting at HB Studio in New York City. Her career began in the 1970s, with her first credited role being in the 1974 television series Kolchak: The Night Stalker.
Throughout her career, Susi appeared in numerous television shows and films, often in comedic supporting roles. Her distinctive voice and versatile acting made her a memorable character actress.
Notable Roles
Susi's extensive filmography includes appearances in:
- Television:
- Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974)
- Cheers (1990)
- Seinfeld (1992) as Mandy
- Mad About You (1996)
- Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1997)
- Just Shoot Me! (1999)
- That '70s Show (2001)
- Six Feet Under (2001)
- Ugly Betty (2007)
- The Big Bang Theory (2007–2014) as the voice of Mrs. Wolowitz
- Film:
- Death Becomes Her (1992)
- Cats & Dogs (2001)
- Becker (2004)
Her most famous role was undoubtedly as Mrs. Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory. Despite never being seen on screen (except for brief glimpses), her loud, Brooklyn-accented voice became a beloved and iconic part of the show from its premiere in 2007 until her death in 2014. Her character's off-screen presence and interactions with her son Howard were a running gag and a fan favorite.
Death
Carol Ann Susi died on November 11, 2014, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 62, after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Following her death, The Big Bang Theory producers honored her by writing her character's death into the series, with the episode "The Comic Book Store Regeneration" (Season 8, Episode 15) dedicated to her memory.