Why The Golden Girls Was So Special
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, folks. It’s been an incredible 35 years since The Golden Girls first lit up our screens in September 1985. Rue McClanahan’s son, Mark Bish, opened up to Closer Weekly about what made the show so magical. He told the magazine, “Their abilities were extraordinary. They could have tackled anything.” Mark went on to share how the cast was so much more than just sitcom actors—they were trained for a wide range of performances, bringing depth and authenticity to every scene.
Betty White: The Heart of the Show
Now, here’s a fun fact: Betty White, the last surviving member of the iconic cast, originally auditioned for Rue’s character, Blanche. But guess what? She ended up as the lovable Rose, and honestly, who could imagine anyone else in that role? At 98 years old, Betty brought her unique charm to the character, making her unforgettable. And let me tell you, there were no hurt feelings about the casting switch because Betty absolutely nailed it.
Betty was truly the heart and soul of the show, according to The Golden Girls creator Susan Harris. “She was the glue that held it all together,” Susan revealed to Closer. “Betty’s just one of those people you’ll never meet a more outgoing, friendly, and genuinely lovely woman. She always had a positive attitude and kept everyone’s spirits high.”
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Working Together: A Family on and Off Screen
For Betty, the joy of working on The Golden Girls was the camaraderie with her fellow cast members—Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty, and Bea Arthur. “I can’t believe I’m the only one left because I was the oldest,” Betty once remarked. “Every episode was pure fun to shoot, and I truly miss everyone involved.”
The show ran for seven glorious seasons until its final episode aired in May 1992. While NBC would have loved to see another season, Bea Arthur felt it was time to move on. “Over six years, the ideas had started to run out,” Bea’s son Matthew Saks explained to Closer. “She wasn’t unhappy, but she was getting older and wanted to explore other opportunities, like relaxing and enjoying life.”
Legacy and Achievements
When the curtain fell on The Golden Girls, all four ladies walked away with well-deserved Emmy Awards for their incredible performances. Bea continued to shine in roles like Malcolm in the Middle and Futurama. Rue and Estelle also kept busy with various projects until their final days in Hollywood.
“We all had such incredible fun together!” Betty reminisced. “You can’t work that closely for so long and not become a family. It was a special bond that lasted long after the cameras stopped rolling.”
For more heartwarming stories and insights about The Golden Girls, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for even more exclusive updates!
