The Big Bang Theory: Watch ‘A Toast For Mrs. Wolowitz,’ But Grab Some Tissues First [Video]

When Carol Ann Susi from CBS’ The Big Bang Theory passed away in November, the cast and crew of the hit series mourned the loss of the woman who brought to life the character of Mrs. Wolowitz. Mrs. Wolowitz was the mother of Howard Wolowitz, and though she didn’t appear on screen, Susi’s Brooklyn-accented voice work developed a signature “overbearing mother figure” character on the show. According to Deadline, when Susi passed away suddenly from cancer, everyone on the set was devastated.

Executive producers of The Big Bang Theory, CBS, and Warner Bros. Television issued a heartfelt statement of grief over the loss of the actress who played the voice-role of Mrs. Wolowitz.

“Unseen by viewers, the Mrs. Wolowitz character became a bit of a mystery throughout the show’s eight seasons. What was not a mystery, however, was Carol Ann’s immense talent and comedic timing, which were on display during each unforgettable appearance. In addition to her talent, Carol Ann was a constant source of joy and kindness to all. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family during this time, and we will miss her greatly.”

Carol Ann Susi moved to L.A. in the 1970s and appeared in hit shows like Just Shoot Me, Cheers, Seinfeld and Mad About You, according to CNN.

The producers of The Big Bang Theory were completely unprepared to write the character of Mrs. Wolowitz out of the show following Susi’s death. The show has been on the air for going on eight years, and the Big Bang family found it understandably difficult to say good bye to Susi and her on-air character, Mrs. Wolowitz.

Public feedback and media reports suggest that the CBS family’s tribute and toast to Mrs. Wolowitz was so moving that it brought many to tears. On screen, after Howard gets a phone call learning that his mother, Mrs. Wolowitz, died in her sleep, the cast is so visibly upset that it’s apparent there is more than just on-stage grief in the air. The toast, however, was even more emotional. The Big Bang Theory‘s YouTube channel uploaded the video for anyone who have missed it. The scene made it was excruciatingly clear how much the cast is going to miss their friend and Big Bang family member Carol Ann, while the gang raise their glasses to “Mrs. Wolowitz, loving mother… to all of us.”

[Photo via The Big Bang Theory on YouTube]