Friends, Costars Mourn 'Big Bang Theory' Star Carol Ann Susi

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — After a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer, veteran character star Carol Ann Susi has died.

Susi, who was best known for voicing the role of Howard's mom on CBS' "The Big Bang Theory," was 62.

Throughout the show's eight seasons, Susi as Mrs. Wolowitz was unseen by viewers.

Warner Brothers Television, in conjunction with CBS, and "The Big Bang Theory" executive producers Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro and Bill Prady released a statement Tuesday confirming her death.

"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," the statement read in part.

The statement continued, "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."

In Burbank, the show was taping Tuesday night when the news broke.

Cast-members Mayim Bialik and Kunal Nayyar also expressed their grief via Twitter.

Meanwhile, friends gathered at Canter's in the Fairfax District to celebrate her life.

"She just had that uniqueness and that Brooklyn verve that just shot through everything. She's the quintessential character actor," Tom Lavagnino, a friend of Susi's, told CBS2's Andrea Fujii.

Ronnie Krusel, another friend, said: "The Big Bang. It's not going to be the same without her. It just won't be the same. Howard's mother was the best even though you didn't see her on screen, you knew her and you loved her."

Susi was born in Brooklyn and studied acting in New York. She made guest appearances in a number of hit shows, including: "Cheers," "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "Mad About You," "Just Shoot Me," "Seinfeld" and "Six Feet Under."

Susi is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, according to the Associated Press.