Beloved actor Helen Siff, who had memorable roles in the hit shows Modern Family and Will & Grace during her six decade career, died on Thursday December 18 at the age of 88. Her family confirmed she had passed away in Los Angeles due to complications following a surgery for a “long, painful illness”. They wrote: “Those who worked with Helen knew her not just as a talented performer, but as someone who brought professionalism, dedication and genuine kindness to every set,” they told The Hollywood Reporter. She understood that every role, no matter how large or small, was an opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the story being told, She had the rare gift of making even the smallest part memorable,” they said.
Her daughter Victoria paid a separate tribute on Facebook. Alongside a slideshow of images of her mother throughout the years she penned: “I’m heartbroken to share that my mother (my mommy) Helen Siff has passed away.
“My dynamic, charismatic, one-of-a-kind, mom was a stage, television and film actress. She loved her craft deeply, but her greatest role was being a mother and grandmother. You’ve taken your final bow mommy. I will love you forever.” She accompanied the post with several broken heart emojis.
Helen was well known to audiences thanks to her extensive CV. Her TV work alone included some of the most beloved shows of the past several decades.
She had roles in Lou Grant, Cagney & Lacey, Silver Spoons, L.A. Law, Knots Landing, Ellen, Married … With Children, Dharma & Greg, Scrubs, My Name Is Earl, S.W.AT., Mom, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Good Trouble.
On the big screen she was known for starring opposite Adam Sandler playing Mrs. Skitzer in 2008’s action comedy You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.
Other cinema outings included appearances in Rocky (1976), Big Top Pee-wee (1988), Earth Girls Are Easy (1988), City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold (1994) and The Disappearance of Mrs. Wu (2021).
Her final role came two years ago in 2023, playing a Saloon Waitress in the limited series High Desert.
Her husband of 41 years, Marshall, died in 2007 from complications of Alzheimer’s and their son Bruce also died in 1999.
She is survived by her sisters Carol and Janet, a son Matt, daughters Susie, Karen, Vicki and Jenny, and grandchildren Chelsea, Zach, Robert, Josh, Spencer, Megan and Dean.