Veteran character actress Helen Siff has died at the age of 88, her family confirmed. Siff passed away on December 18, 2025, in Los Angeles due to complications following surgery related to a long, painful illness, ending a prolific career that spanned more than 50 years in film, television, and stage.
Born in Woodmere, New York, in 1937, Siff became known as a familiar and reliable presence on screen, with over 70 credited roles bringing memorable life to even small parts.
Her early work included television appearances, with her first on-screen credit in the drama Lou Grant in the early 1980s.
Siff’s film career featured roles in classics and cult favorites such as The Karate Kid, Earth Girls Are Easy, City Slickers II, You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, and the Coen brothers’ Hail, Caesar!.
On television, she appeared in an array of beloved series across genres, including Will & Grace, Modern Family, Married… With Children, Scrubs, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and many more.
In addition to her on-screen work, she was also an accomplished stage performer, with credits in productions like Grandma Sylvia’s Funeral, Lilies of the Field, and Lost in Yonkers.
Siff’s family celebrated her legacy not only as a consummate professional beloved by colleagues but also as a dedicated mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her sisters, five children, and several grandchildren; her husband and one son predeceased her.
Her talent for bringing depth and nuance to each role, no matter how small, made her a respected figure in Hollywood and endeared her to audiences worldwide.
