Carol Ann Susi
Her unseen voice as Mrs. Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory became one of television's most beloved and hilarious maternal presences.
1952–2014 (age 62)·American actress·Birthday: February 2·Baby Boomers
Biography
Carol Ann Susi carved out a four-decade career defined by sharp character work and a distinctive, gravelly voice that made her instantly memorable. A New York native, she began acting in the 1970s, landing a notable early role on the cult series 'Kolchak: The Night Stalker.' She became a fixture in Hollywood's character actor ecosystem, appearing in dozens of TV shows and films, often playing brash, street-smart New Yorkers. Her career took an unexpected turn in 2007 when she was cast solely as a voice for the never-seen, hilariously overbearing mother of Howard Wolowitz on 'The Big Bang Theory.' With just her vocal performance, she created an iconic character that earned her widespread affection. Susi worked steadily until her death from cancer in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and a voice that fans still quote with fondness.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Carol was born in 1952, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Carol Was Born
The biggest hits of 1952
#1 Movie
The Greatest Show on Earth
Best Picture
The Greatest Show on Earth
#1 TV Show
I Love Lucy
Carol's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1952Born
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1957Started school
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1965Became a teenager
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1968Could drive
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1970Could vote
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1973Turned 21
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1982Turned 30
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 40
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 50
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 60
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Died at 62
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the voice of the unseen but pivotal character Mrs. Wolowitz for seven seasons on the global hit series 'The Big Bang Theory.'
- Built a sustained acting career spanning over 40 years with roles in series like 'Kolchak: The Night Stalker' and 'Seinfeld.'
- Her vocal performance became so iconic it was featured in the show's final episode as a touching tribute after her passing.
Did You Know?
She was a native of Brooklyn, New York, and often played characters with similar tough, metropolitan accents.
Despite her character's Jewish portrayal, Susi was of Italian descent.
She never appeared on-screen as Mrs. Wolowitz, making her one of the most famous unseen characters in sitcom history.
“That voice you hear? It's all me, honey, no filter.”
