The Big Bang Theory has paid tribute to one of its most important - if unseen - characters. On
the first episode following the death of actress Carol Ann Susi, the
hit comedy aired a goodbye card dedicated to the woman behind Mrs.
Wolowitz. Carol
Ann, who died of cancer on Tuesday at the age of 62, was never seen on
the show, but her voice had been heard from off-screen since The Big
Bang Theory began in 2007.
The tribute, featuring a photo of Carol Ann as its backdrop, read in part, 'Every time you spoke, we laughed.'
It ended by saying, 'You're in our hearts forever.'
Mrs. Debbie Wolowitz was the overbearing mother of one of the main characters, Howard (played by Simon Helberg).
She lived with her son and regularly called him for a wide variety of reasons.
Even after Howard married his beloved Bernadette (Melissa Rauch), Mrs. Wolowitz maintained her invisible presence.'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,' read a statement released by
the show's producers.
Although
she was never seen during her eight-season run on The Big Bang Theory,
Carol Ann's face was familiar to television audiences.
Her TV career began in 1974, with a recurring role on the thriller series, Kolchak: The Night Stalker.
Carol Ann
then worked steadily in television over the next few decades,
guest-starring in everything from Growing Pains to ER to Ugly Betty.
Some
of her more notable roles came during this time as well, playing Carrie
on two episodes of Seinfeld and Frannie on three episodes of Married...
With Chidren.
Her
film work was impressive, if not as extensive, and included a prominent
role as Michael J. Fox's secretary (who constantly walks in on her boss
as he is changing clothes) in the 1987 film, The Secret Of My Success. But it was as the disembodied voice of Mrs. Wolowitz that Carol Ann ended up finding her greatest fame.
