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'The Big Bang Theory' actress Carol Ann Susi was best known as an offscreen voice

Carol Ann Susi, who died on Nov. 11, portrayed Mrs. Wolowitz, the mother of character Howard (Simon Helberg), who was often heard shouting at her son from offscreen. Susi also appeared on many other sitcoms, including 'Cheers' and 'Seinfeld.'

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Warner Bros. Television/AP
Carol Ann Susi starred on 'The Big Bang Theory.'
  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

Actress Carol Ann Susi, best known for her role as the mother of Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) on the high-rated CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” has died.

Susi’s character of Mrs. Wolowitz was often heard offscreen shouting at her son Howard. 

Susi appeared on many other TV shows such as “Who’s the Boss?,” “Growing Pains,” “Cheers,” and “Seinfeld.” Recently she appeared in the 2011 film “Just Go With It” and in the 2008 movie “Red Velvet.”

Cast members Kunal Nayyar, who portrays Howard’s friend Raj Koothrappali; Mayim Bialik, who plays Howard’s friend Amy Farrah Fowler; and Melissa Rauch, who portrayed Mrs. Wolowitz’s daughter-in-law Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, all took to Twitter to give tribute.

According to USA Today, the “Bang” producers, CBS, and series producer Warner Bros. Television issued a statement about Susi.

“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,” the statement reads. “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.”

Susi’s character Mrs. Wolowitz was one of the most recent people on a TV show whose faces remained hidden. On the sitcom “Frasier,” Maris Crane, the wife of Frasier’s brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce), never appeared onscreen, nor did Lars Lindstrom, the husband of Mary’s friend Phyllis (Cloris Leachman) on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” though both were often mentioned. On “Seinfeld,” fans will recall Kramer (Michael Richards) often discussing his friend Bob Sacamano, though the audience never met Bob, either.

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