Actress Helen Siff, known for roles in The Karate Kid (1984), Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008), and Hail, Caesar! (2016), has died at the age of 88. Her family confirmed she passed away in Los Angeles on December 18 after a long, painful illness.
In a statement, her family remembered her as a talented performer who brought professionalism, dedication, and kindness to every role, no matter how small.
Born in Woodmere, New York, in 1937, Siff had more than 70 film and TV credits over five decades, working alongside stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Sylvester Stallone. Her work included films like Rocky, Pee-wee’s Big Top, and Earth Girls Are Easy, as well as TV shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Modern Family, and S.W.A.T.
Her daughter, Victoria Russell, described her as a “dynamic, one-of-a-kind” mother and grandmother, calling those roles her greatest.