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Estelle Harris, George Costanza's mother in Seinfeld and Mrs Potato Head in Toy Story franchise, dies aged 93

Estelle Harris's iconic voice played an important part in her two biggest roles. (AFP: David Livingston)

Actress Estelle Harris, best known for her roles in Seinfeld and Toy Story, has died aged 93.

Harris's agent Michael Eisenstadt confirmed the actor's death in Palm Desert, California, on Saturday (local time).

As middle-class matron Estelle Costanza, Harris put a memorable stamp on her recurring role in the smash 1990s sitcom Seinfeld.

With her high-pitched voice and humorously overbearing attitude, she was an archetype of maternal indignation.

Viewers of all backgrounds would tell her she was just like their own mothers, Harris often said.

"She is the mother that everybody loves, even though she's a pain in the neck," she told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 1998.

Despite only appearing in 27 episodes throughout the show's nine seasons, Harris's performance made Mrs Costanza a memorable character.

Harris saw a sympathetic undertone to her character, often saying Mrs Costanza fumed out frustration at her bumbling mate and scheming slacker of a son.

Viewers, she told an interviewer in 1998, "just look at her as being funny, cute and a loudmouth. But it's not how I play her. I play her with misery underneath."

Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza, paid tribute to Harris on Twitter.

"One of my favourite people has passed — my TV mama, Estelle Harris," he wrote.

"The joy of playing with her and relishing her glorious laughter was a treat.

"I adore you, Estelle."

Harris voiced Mrs Potato Head in the 1999 animated blockbuster Toy Story 2 and played the recurring character Muriel in the popular Disney Channel sitcom The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, among other roles.

She reprised the role of Mrs Potato Head for Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4 — her last credited role.

AP

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