[8] After graduating from Seward Park High School, she continued to live at home with her parents, her father doubtful she would be able to forge a successful career in acting, and worked as a secretary, as the hours allowed for her to attend auditions in the late afternoon and evening while having an income.

[10][11] For years, Getty won roles in the New York theater circuit, while simultaneously holding a job and raising her two sons, but she struggled to gain notice for her talent.

Finally, in 1982, nearing 60 years old, she found her breakthrough role as Mrs. Beckoff in the Broadway production of Torch Song Trilogy, a character that playwright Harvey Fierstein had created specifically with her in mind.

[12][13] She received widespread praise for her appearance in the play—including a Drama Desk Award nomination[14]—and went on to reprise the role in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions for four years.

[21] Getty died in the early morning hours of July 22, 2008, at her home in Los Angeles, three days shy of her 85th birthday, the result of Lewy body dementia, according to her family.

She was buried in Hollywood Forever Cemetery, her headstone inscribed with the words "With Love and Laughter" and a Star of David to indicate her Jewish faith.

[22][23] Bea Arthur, Betty White, and Rue McClanahan, her co-stars from The Golden Girls were saddened by her loss, and in an interview, said that her disease had progressed to the point where she was not able to hold conversations with them or recognize them.