50 Facts About The Golden Girls (TV Series)

The Golden Girls: A Timeless Classic

"The Golden Girls" is a beloved American sitcom that has left an indelible mark on television history. Created by Susan Harris, the show aired on NBC from 1985 to 1992. It follows the lives of four older women sharing a house in Miami, Florida. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic series.

1. The show revolves around the lives of four older single women living together in a house in Miami, Florida. The premise is simple yet profound: it explores themes of friendship, love, and aging in a way that was both humorous and heartwarming.

2. "The Golden Girls" was created by Susan Harris, who also served as the show's executive producer. The series was produced by Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions in association with Touchstone Television. Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas, and Harris were the original executive producers.

Meet the Cast

The cast of "The Golden Girls" brought the characters to life with their unique personalities and chemistry. Here's a closer look at the main characters and the talented actresses who portrayed them.

3. Bea Arthur played Dorothy Zbornak, a smart, witty, and sometimes sarcastic woman who often finds herself at the center of the group's conflicts.

4. Betty White portrayed Rose Nylund, a cheerful, naive, and endearing woman from St. Olaf, Minnesota, who often shares stories about her hometown.

5. Rue McClanahan took on the role of Blanche Devereaux, a Southern belle with a rich past and a penchant for romance.

6. Estelle Getty played Sophia Petrillo, Dorothy's mother, who is sharp-witted and often provides comedic relief with her Sicilian sayings and stories.

The Iconic House

The house where the girls live is a central part of the show. It becomes a symbol of their friendship and a place where they can be themselves.

7. The house is Blanche's, and despite their differences, the girls share it. The house becomes a symbol of their friendship and a place where they can be themselves.

8. The exterior shots of the house in the first season were filmed at a real house in the Westgate Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. For later seasons, exterior shots were filmed at Walt Disney World's MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios), where an exact replica of the house was built. This replica was demolished in 2003, but the real house from season one still stands at 245 N. Saltair Avenue in Los Angeles.

Cheesecake and Friendship

Cheesecake is more than just a dessert in "The Golden Girls"; it symbolizes the bond between the characters.

9. Cheesecake is a recurring theme in the show. The girls often eat cheesecake as a way to unwind, and it becomes a symbol of their friendship. Chef George Geary, who made all the cheesecakes for the show, revealed that nearly 100 episodes featured his sweet creations.

10. Despite the show's frequent cheesecake theme, Bea Arthur was not a fan of cheesecake. She never took a bite of it during filming, despite the numerous cheesecakes served on set.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the laughter and camaraderie on screen, there were some interesting dynamics and challenges among the cast and crew.

11. Despite their on-screen chemistry, the actresses had some off-screen issues. Bea Arthur and Betty White were known to have a tense relationship. Bea Arthur found Betty White to be a pain in the neck sometimes, while Betty White noted that Bea Arthur would get furious if she was happy.

12. Estelle Getty had to wear heavy makeup and a wig to play Sophia Petrillo, who is depicted as an 80-year-old woman. This transformation took 45 minutes to complete.

13. Estelle Getty had trouble remembering her lines and had to rely on cue cards in later seasons. She also suffered from osteoporosis and was thought to have Parkinson's disease, although the diagnosis was later changed to Lewy Body Dementia.

Awards and Recognition

"The Golden Girls" received numerous awards and accolades during its run, solidifying its place in television history.

14. Each of the four stars received an Emmy Award, making "The Golden Girls" one of only four sitcoms in Emmy history to achieve this feat. The show won a total of 11 Emmys, including two for Outstanding Comedy Series.

15. The show also won three Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. This recognition further solidified its status as a groundbreaking and influential series.

16. In 2013, TV Guide ranked "The Golden Girls" number 54 on its list of the 60 Best Series of All Time. This ranking further solidifies its place in television history.

Spin-Offs and Guest Stars

"The Golden Girls" inspired several spin-offs and featured a star-studded cast of guest stars.

17. The show had three spin-offs: "The Golden Palace," "Empty Nest," and "Nurses." "The Golden Palace" was a short-lived series that followed the girls to a new hotel, while "Empty Nest" was a huge hit that ran for many seasons. "Nurses" ran for three seasons and sometimes attracted more viewers than its mother series.

18. The show featured a star-studded cast of celebrity guest stars, including George Clooney, Alex Trebek, Debbie Reynolds, Sonny Bono, Dick Van Dyke, Rita Moreno, Quentin Tarantino, Burt Reynolds, and Mario Lopez.

19. Betty White played Rose Nylund on four different shows: "The Golden Girls," "Empty Nest," "Nurses," and "The Golden Palace." Her versatility and talent made her a beloved figure in television.

Memorable Episodes

"The Golden Girls" tackled a variety of themes and storylines, making each episode memorable in its own way.

20. One episode dealt with the theme of HIV/AIDS when Rose learned she might have contracted the virus years before from a blood transfusion. This episode was significant for its portrayal of a serious health issue in a way that was both informative and compassionate.

21. Blanche's openly gay brother, Clayton, appeared in two episodes. The second episode introduced his boyfriend, further highlighting the show's commitment to inclusivity.

22. In season 6, Dorothy found herself in a love triangle with Sony Bono and Lyle Waggoner. She ultimately chose Sony Bono, adding another layer to her complex character.

23. The episode "The Days and Nights of Sophia Petrillo" featured the girls going on a road trip to a wedding in St. Olaf. This episode showcased their camaraderie and willingness to support each other through various adventures.

24. The episode "Isn't It Romantic?" featured the girls accidentally killing a man and trying to cover it up. This episode was a classic example of the show's ability to balance humor with serious themes.

25. In one episode, Blanche accidentally became a nun and took the name Sister Rose. This episode highlighted Blanche's quirky nature and the girls' ability to find humor in even the most unexpected situations.

26. In the episode "The Bloom Is Off the Rose," Dorothy's ex-husband Stan revealed he was marrying a younger woman named Chrissy. This episode added another layer to Dorothy's character, showcasing her complex relationships and personal growth.

27. The episode "Sisters and Other Strangers" featured a visit from Rose's sister, Holly, who had an affair with Blanche's father. This episode highlighted the intricate web of relationships among the characters and their families.

28. In the last episode, Dorothy married Lucas Hollingsworth. This conclusion to Dorothy's storyline provided a sense of closure and completion for her character arc.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

"The Golden Girls" has had a lasting impact on television and pop culture, continuing to attract new fans even decades after its original run.

29. The show was influential in portraying mature women as funny and feisty. Its decision to center on female friendship rather than romantic relationships was groundbreaking and highly influential.

30. The show has lived on in reruns and internet memes. It continues to attract new fans in the 21st century, and its legacy as one of the greatest television shows of all time remains unchallenged.

31. The series finale was watched by 27.2 million viewers, a testament to the show's enduring popularity. The finale provided a sense of closure for the characters and their relationships.

32. The show launched the acting career of Mario Lopez, who appeared as a child guest star. This highlights the show's impact on launching careers and providing opportunities for new talent.

33. The show had a strong following among the LGBT community. It included openly gay characters and addressed themes like HIV/AIDS in a way that was both informative and compassionate. This inclusivity made the show a beloved part of many viewers' lives.

34. The makeup artists had to age Estelle Getty significantly to play Sophia Petrillo. This transformation involved heavy makeup and a wig, which took 45 minutes to complete.

35. "The Golden Girls" influenced many future shows by setting a precedent for portraying older women in a positive light. Its focus on female friendship and its progressive themes paved the way for future sitcoms.

36. The show is culturally significant because it tackled serious themes like aging, love, and loss in a way that was both humorous and heartwarming. It provided a platform for older women to be seen as more than just their age, but as vibrant and dynamic individuals.

37. The show’s characters are iconic because they were well-developed and relatable. Each character had their own unique personality, which made them stand out and connect with audiences on a deep level.

38. The show explored various themes such as friendship, love, aging, and identity. These themes were woven throughout the series, making it a rich and engaging watch.

39. "The Golden Girls" has had a lasting impact on television history. It paved the way for future sitcoms and set a precedent for portraying older women in a positive light. Its influence can still be seen in many modern TV shows.

40. The show received numerous awards and recognition during its run. It won 11 Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards, solidifying its place as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

41. The show has left a lasting legacy in pop culture. It has been referenced in countless memes, parodies, and other forms of media. Its impact can still be felt today, making it a beloved part of many people’s lives.

42. Despite ending its original run over three decades ago, "The Golden Girls" continues to attract new fans. Its timeless themes and relatable characters ensure that it remains a favorite among audiences of all ages.

43. Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, was a big fan of the show. In 1988, the actresses performed a live sketch for her during the "Royal Variety Performance." They recreated various moments from previous episodes, including a scene where the girls visit London and interact with host Ronnie Corbett.

44. Blanche Devereaux's Southern accent was initially toned down in the first few episodes. However, when a new director came in, Rue McClanahan was encouraged to use the accent, which became a staple of the show.

45. The pilot episode featured the girls' openly gay personal chef, Coco. This inclusion of openly gay characters was groundbreaking for its time and added to the show's progressive and inclusive nature.

46. The show's famous kitchen table always had only three chairs. This was due to the limitations of filming, as having four chairs would have meant the fourth wall would be squeezed, making it difficult to film.

47. Bea Arthur was always given the center chair because of her height and to catch her priceless facial expressions. This placement was crucial for capturing her reactions to various scenes.

48. The show’s decision to center on female friendship rather than romantic relationships was groundbreaking and highly influential. It provided a platform for older women to be seen as more than just their age, but as vibrant and dynamic individuals.

49. The show’s characters are iconic because they were well-developed and relatable. Each character had their own unique personality, which made them stand out and connect with audiences on a deep level.

50. The show explored various themes such as friendship, love, aging, and identity. These themes were woven throughout the series, making it a rich and engaging watch.

The Golden Girls' Lasting Impact

"The Golden Girls" isn't just a TV show; it's a cultural icon. With its sharp humor, relatable characters, and progressive themes, it broke new ground in television. The series tackled issues like aging, friendship, and even HIV/AIDS with grace and wit. Each character brought something unique, making the show a rich tapestry of personalities and stories.

From its Emmy wins to its enduring popularity, "The Golden Girls" has left a lasting legacy. It continues to attract new fans, proving that good storytelling never goes out of style. Whether you're watching for the first time or the hundredth, the show offers something special every time. Its impact on television and culture is undeniable, making it a timeless classic that will be cherished for generations to come.