Who Are Steve Carell Parents? Meet Mother Harriet Theresa & Father Edwin A. Carell
Steve Carell is one of the most versatile and popular actors in Hollywood. He has starred in many comedy and drama films, such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Little Miss Sunshine, Foxcatcher, and The Big Short. He is also known for his iconic role as Michael Scott in the hit sitcom The Office.
Steve Carell’s parents, Harriet Theresa and Edwin A. Carell, were remarkable people who had fascinating lives and careers. They were also loving and supportive parents who raised their children with values and virtues. They were proud of Steve’s success and fame, but they also valued his happiness and well-being.
Harriet Theresa Carell: A Psychiatric Nurse with Polish Ancestry
Harriet Theresa Carell ( née Koch) was born on June 15, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Stanley Koch and Mary Zajac, who were both Polish immigrants. She had a brother named Stanley Jr., who worked with scientist Allen B. DuMont to create the cathode ray tubes, which are essential for television and computer screens.
She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in nursing. She worked as a psychiatric nurse at the Westborough State Hospital in Massachusetts. She was passionate about helping people with mental health issues and was described as a compassionate and caring person
Harriet married Edwin A. Carell on August 14, 1954, in Cook County, Illinois. They had four sons: Steven, Gregory, Timothy, and Michael. She was a devoted mother who supported her children’s dreams and talents. She was especially proud of Steve’s achievements in the entertainment industry and often attended his movie premieres and award shows
She passed away on October 7, 2016, at the age of 91. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Steve paid tribute to his mother on Twitter, writing: “Harriet Theresa Carell. October 15, 1925-October 7, 2016. Love You Mom”
| Name | Birth Date | Birth Place | Occupation | Ethnicity | Death Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harriet Theresa Carell | June 15, 1925 | Chicago, Illinois | Psychiatric nurse | Polish | October 7, 2016 |
| Edwin A. Carell | May 10, 1925 | North Tarrytown, New York | Mechanical engineer | Italian and German | January 6, 2021 |
Early Life and Family Background
Steve Carell was born on August 16, 1962, in Concord, Massachusetts, as the youngest of four brothers. His father, Edwin A. Carell, was an electrical engineer, and his mother, Harriet Theresa (née Koch), was a psychiatric nurse. His father was of Italian and German descent, and his mother was of Polish ancestry. His father’s surname was originally Caroselli, but it was changed to Carell in the 1950s.
Steve grew up in a Catholic household and attended Nashoba Brooks School, The Fenn School, and Middlesex School. He graduated from Denison University in 1984, where he majored in history and was a member of an improvisational comedy troupe. He also played ice hockey and lacrosse in college.
Parents’ Careers and Interests
Steve Carell’s parents were both hard-working and supportive of their son’s aspirations. His father, Edwin, worked as an engineer for various companies, including Raytheon and General Electric. He was also interested in photography and woodworking. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 96.
His mother, Harriet, worked as a nurse at Emerson Hospital in Concord, where Steve was born. She was also involved in various community activities, such as volunteering at the local library and serving as a board member of the Concord Art Association. She was also fond of gardening and painting. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 90.
Profile
Influence on His Career and Personality
Steve Carell has often credited his parents for instilling in him a sense of humor, humility, and gratitude. He has said that his parents were very funny and encouraged him to pursue his passion for comedy and acting. He has also said that his parents taught him to be respectful, kind, and generous to others.
Carell has also shared some anecdotes about his parents that show their quirky and humorous side. For instance, he once revealed that his father used to prank call him and pretend to be his agent, offering him ridiculous roles and deals. He also recalled that his mother used to send him newspaper clippings of his reviews and interviews, along with her own comments and critiques.
Steve Carell has also honored his parents in various ways throughout his career. For example, he dedicated his Golden Globe Award for The Office in 2006 to his parents, saying, “They made me feel like I could do anything.” He also named his production company Carousel Productions, after his father’s original surname. He also paid tribute to his mother by wearing her ring on his finger during his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2016.
Edwin A. Carell: A Mechanical Engineer with Italian and German Roots
Edwin A. Carell was born on May 10, 1925, in North Tarrytown, New York. He was the son of Alfred Carell and Rose Caroselli, who were both Italian immigrants. He had a sister named Rosemary. His father was a stonemason who worked on the construction of the Empire State Building. His mother was a seamstress who made clothes for the wealthy.
Edwin graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked as an engineer for various companies, such as Raytheon, Sylvania, and General Electric. He was involved in designing and developing radar systems, missile guidance systems, and satellite communications. He was a brilliant and innovative engineer who contributed to the advancement of technology.
He changed his surname from Caroselli to Carell in the 1950s, to avoid discrimination and prejudice against Italian Americans. He was proud of his heritage and taught his children about their Italian and German roots. He also encouraged them to pursue their education and careers. He was a loving and supportive father who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was fond of gardening, golfing, and traveling.
He passed away on January 6, 2021, at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet, and his son, Gregory. He was survived by his sons, Steve, Timothy, and Michael, and his grandchildren, Elisabeth, John, Annie, and Johnny. Steve honored his father on Instagram, posting a photo of him and writing: “Edwin A. Carell. May 10, 1925-January 6, 2021. Love You Dad”.
