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Helen Siff, Prolific Character Actress of The Karate Kid and Hail, Caesar!, Dies at 88

Family tributes emphasize professionalism, kindness, a gift for making small roles memorable.

Overview

  • Siff died Dec. 18 in Los Angeles due to complications following surgery for a long, painful illness, her family announced.
  • Her career spanned more than five decades with over 70 credits across film, television, and stage.
  • Notable screen work included The Karate Kid, You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, and Hail, Caesar!, along with guest roles on Modern Family and Will & Grace.
  • She originated the role of Helga in the 1993 Off-Broadway production Grandma Sylvia’s Funeral.
  • Survivors include five children and seven grandchildren, and her daughter Victoria Russell shared an Instagram tribute; her final screen role was a 2023 appearance on Apple TV+'s High Desert.