Lee Kaufman Dies; LI 'Swiffer Couple' Became Famous In Their 90s

VALLEY STREAM, NY—Lee and Morty Kaufman, of Valley Stream, became unlikely but beloved celebrities after the couple, in their 90s, starred in a series of TV commercials for Swiffer cleaning products. The spots showed the long-married couple in their home, and the Internet embraced them and their wholesome marriage.

Lee died in early December at age 99 from complications from COVID-19 and pneumonia, according to the New York Times.

The Kaufmans were guests on the Ellen Show in 2013, where they were asked the secret to success of a long marriage.

"You have to love each other, and compromise. I give in," Morty joked.

The Swiffer TV commercials, filmed at the couple's home in Valley Stream, was unscripted, and the couple later explained they had never used any of the Swiffer products before.

Viewers appreciated their genuine humor and banter. A famous clip shows them dancing, after being inspired by the Swiffer WetJet. Morty was known for deadpanning that his wife did all the cleaning, but then showed genuine concern for how hard the chores were for his wife.

"America's in love with these two," a Tweet, one of many, read.

Lee Kaufman is survived by her husband, her children Bruce and Myra, four step-children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.