King of Queens character actress Norma Michaels dies at 95

Norma Michaels, a beloved character actress best known for her role as Josephine on King of Queens, has died. She was 95.

Michaels died Saturday, and news of her passing was announced in an official obituary published in Palm Springs’ paper Desert Sun.

Though most recognizable for appearing opposite Jerry Stiller in her recurring role on The King of Queens, Michaels was a character actress for six decades whose career spanned film and television. Notable roles include Micah’s (Cam Gigandet) grandmother in Easy A, Sally Field‘s mother in the indie hit Hello, My Name is Doris, and guest roles on sitcoms like Modern Family, 2 Broke Girls, Playing House, and Everybody Loves Raymond. Her final television appearance was in 2016, guest starring as Mildred Lynch on an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Norma Michaels was born and raised in Los Angeles. After several bit parts, she broke out on The Jack Benny Show in 1964. She took a hiatus from acting for a successful career as a therapist, but returned to acting in 1987 with a guest role on Highway to Heaven.

Notable appearances throughout her career include roles on Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, Malcolm in the Middle, Ally McBeal, The Crazy Ones, Suburgatory, Dr. Kildare, Mind of Mencia, Angie Tribeca, and more.

Michaels is survived by her longtime manager and friend Jasper Cole, his husband Dennis Turrone, and several cousins.

Related content:

• Stars we lost in 2020
• Kevin James says Kevin Can Wait isn’t King of Queens reboot
• On the set of King of Queens