What Ever Happened to the Cast of Mad About You?

Cynthia Harris played Sylvia Buchman, Paul’s opinionated, guilt-tripping mother who had a knack for showing up unannounced. With her sharp one-liners and loving but overbearing nature, Sylvia embodied every classic New York mom stereotype — and made it hilarious. Her scenes with Paul were some of the show’s funniest.

Before Mad About You, Harris was an accomplished actress with credits in Edward & Mrs. Simpson and numerous stage productions. Her elegance and comic precision gave Sylvia depth beyond the jokes, making her both exasperating and endearing at once.