Estelle Harris Biography: Children, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Husband, Movies

Estelle Harris was a beloved American actress and comedian, instantly recognizable for her shrill, high-pitched voice and unforgettable roles in television and film.

Best known for playing the sharp-tongued Estelle Costanza, George’s mother, on the iconic sitcom Seinfeld, she also charmed audiences as the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise.

Her comedic timing and distinctive voice made her a standout in shows like The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and animated series such as Kim Possible and Dave the Barbarian.

Profile

• Full Name: Estelle Nussbaum
• Stage Name: Estelle Harris
• Born: April 22, 1928
• Died: April 2, 2022 (Age: 93 years old)
• Birthplace: Manhattan, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Voice Actress
• Height: 157 cm (5 feet 2 inches)
• Religion: Judaism
• Parents: Isaac Nussbaum ,Anna Nussbaum
• Siblings: Minnie Harris
• Spouse: Sy Harris (M. 1953–2021)
• Children: Eric Harris, Glen Harris, Taryn Harris
• Relationship: Widowed
• Net Worth: $3,000,000 to $5,000,000

Early Life & Education

Estelle Harris was born Estelle Nussbaum on April 22, 1928, in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, New York.

Her parents, Isaac (Ira) and Anna Nussbaum, were Polish Jewish immigrants who owned and operated a candy store and soda shop.

She grew up with her older sister, Minnie Harris, in a tight-knit Jewish family, embracing her Jewish ethnicity and faith. At age seven, the family moved to Tarentum, Pennsylvania, to work in her aunt and uncle’s candy store.

Estelle’s early years were shaped by her vibrant personality and love for performing, which she explored through community theater as a young adult.

Her upbringing in a hardworking immigrant family instilled a strong sense of determination that carried her through her acting career.

Estelle attended Tarentum High School in Pennsylvania, where she graduated. She didn’t share much about her further education, focusing instead on raising her family before pursuing acting.

Career

Estelle Harris began acting later in life, starting with community theater and summer stock productions across the U.S. after her children were grown.

In the 1970s, she achieved success in commercials, appearing in over 25 national ads, including a memorable spot for Handi-Wrap II, which earned her the nickname “Queen of Commercials.”

Her film debut came in 1977 with Looking Up, a drama about a Jewish family in New York. She secured minor roles in films such as Once Upon a Time in America (1984) and Stand and Deliver (1988).

Her big break came in 1992 when she joined Seinfeld as Estelle Costanza, George’s overbearing mother, appearing in 27 episodes through 1998.

Her sharp comedic delivery made her a fan favorite. She also played Muriel in 14 episodes of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005–2008).

As a voice actress, Estelle brought Mrs. Potato Head to life in Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010), Toy Story 4 (2019), and shorts like Hawaiian Vacation (2011) and Partysaurus Rex (2012).

Other voice roles included Mama Gunda in Tarzan II (2005), Lula in Dave the Barbarian (2004–2005), and characters in Kim Possible (2004), Family Guy (2001), and Jake and the Never Land Pirates (2014–2015).

She guest-starred on shows such as Night Court (1985–1986), Married… with Children (1987), Law & Order (1992), Curb Your Enthusiasm (2009), and iCarly (2007).

Her final role was in Toy Story 4 (2019). Estelle’s career, with over 100 credits, showcased her comedic talent and distinctive voice.

Social Media

• TikTok handle: Not publicly active
• Facebook: @estelle.harris.75

Personal Life

Estelle Harris was married to Sy Harris, a window treatment salesman, from 1953 until his death in January 2021.

They met at a dance in 1952 and married six months later. The couple had three children: twin sons Eric (born 1957) and Glen (born 1957), and daughter Taryn (born 1964).

They also had three grandchildren, Alex, Josh, and Jake. Estelle stood at 157 cm (5 feet 2 inches) tall and lived in West Hollywood, California, and later Palm Desert, California. In 2001, she and Sy survived a car accident when their vehicle flipped twice after a tire blowout.

Estelle was known for her love of garage sales, art collecting, and cooking, as shared by her daughter Taryn on social media after her passing.

Her Jewish faith and close family ties were central to her life, and she remained private but warm with fans.

Net Worth

Estelle Harris’s net worth was estimated at $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 at the time of her death in 2022.

Her wealth stemmed from her acting career, which included roles in Seinfeld, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and the Toy Story franchise, as well as numerous commercials and voice acting gigs.

Some sources cite $5 million specifically, but estimates vary slightly.

Filmography

• Looking Up (1977) – Supporting Role
• Once Upon a Time in America (1984) – Peggy’s Mother
• Stand and Deliver (1988) – Secretary
• Seinfeld (1992–1998) – Estelle Costanza (27 episodes)
• Toy Story 2 (1999) – Mrs. Potato Head (Voice)
• What’s Cooking? (2000) – Aunt Bea
• The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005–2008) – Muriel (14 episodes)
• Tarzan II (2005) – Mama Gunda (Voice)
• Toy Story 3 (2010) – Mrs. Potato Head (Voice)
• Hawaiian Vacation (2011) – Mrs. Potato Head (Voice)
• Partysaurus Rex (2012) – Mrs. Potato Head (Voice)
• CBGB (2013) – Bertha Kristal
• Toy Story 4 (2019) – Mrs. Potato Head (Voice)