Estelle Reiner
Character actress; iconic scene in "When Harry Met Sally..."
Estelle Reiner (June 21, 1914 – October 14, 2008) was an American actress and comedian with a long career in television, film, and theater. Born in New York, Reiner moved to Los Angeles where she worked as an actress and voice performer. She became known to generations of television audiences through her appearances on the sitcom "All in the Family," where she played Edith Bunker's cousin. Reiner is perhaps best remembered for her appearance in the romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally..." (1989), where she performed an iconic scene that became one of cinema's most famous moments. That scene, in which her character demonstrates pleasure at a restaurant, has become a cultural touchstone of comedy and cinema history. Beyond acting, Reiner provided voice work for animated television shows and appeared in various other television productions and films. She was married to renowned director Carl Reiner, and the couple were pillars of Hollywood's entertainment community. Reiner's career exemplified the character actress tradition, bringing warmth, humor, and authenticity to supporting roles. She worked steadily throughout her career and is remembered with affection by audiences who encountered her work across multiple generations.
Estelle Parsons
Academy Award-winning actress; acclaimed in film, television, and theater
Estelle Getty
Iconic role as Sophia Petrillo on "The Golden Girls"; Emmy Award-winning actress
Estelle Winwood
Actress with 70-year career; known for character roles in classic Hollywood
Entertainment
American
1914
2008
Thinking about the name
Estelle
French origin
“The French form of Estella, derived from Latin 'stella' meaning 'star.' Estelle gained prominence in 19th-century America and has maintained steady popularity, particularly among parents appreciating French elegance combined with celestial symbolism. The name has a graceful, refined quality.”