R.I.P. Mrs. Wolowitz…We Hardly Knew Ya.

A particular comic foil on TV is he "Unseen" character. Sometimes this person--mostly female, sometimes a wife or a mother--is heard from, sometimes they are merely eluded to. And always gets laughs.

I can think of 4 right off the bat. Vera, Norm's wife on Cheers, Maris, Niles's wife on Frasier. (Both shows written and created by the same team--coincidence?) Jennie Piccolo, Joanie's boy crazy friend from Happy Days (who, after the show "Jumped the Shark" actually appeared) and The Big Bang Theory's Mrs. Wolowitz (Howard's Mom) She was heard from many times. The lady who played Mrs. Wolowitz, Carol Ann Susi, passed away yesterday after a short stint with cancer. She was 62.

"Warner Bros. TV, CBS and the show’s executive producers — Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro and Bill Prady — have released the following statement:
“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.”

The studio also announced no one will take over the role, leading to the belief the character will die on the show as well. The way it should be.

When Coach died on Cheers, they didn't hire a new actor to play him. Again, smart creative team.