Ultimate List Of 117 The Golden Girls Facts For All Classic Sitcom Lovers

The Golden Girls is the beloved American sitcom created by Susan Harris from 14th September 1985 to 9th May 1992. It spanned 180 half-hour episodes spread across seven seasons. The Golden Girls featured a talented ensemble cast including Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty and revolves around the lives of four older women who share a home in Miami, Florida. 

Produced by Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions in association with Touchstone Television, the original executive producers were Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas, and Susan Harris.

Our The Golden Girls facts include which cast member kept all their costumes and needed 13 wardrobes to store them, who actually disliked eating cheesecake on set and what the Golden Girls connection is with the Pixar film UP.

"I was running all over the house grabbing anybody who would listen. I kept reading scenes to them and saying, 'God, this is brilliant... It's a classic." - NBC executive Warren Littlefield about reading The Golden Girls pilot script.

1. The Golden Girls Won Many Awards Including Golden Globes

Throughout its run, The Golden Girls had widespread critical acclaim and received numerous prestigious awards. It was honoured with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series twice and secured three Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy. Each of the four stars also earned an individual Emmy Award, an achievement shared by only four sitcoms in the history of the award. Additionally, the series consistently ranked among the top ten shows in the Nielsen ratings for six out of its seven seasons. 

2. The Golden Girls Was Rated The 54th Best Series of All Time

In 2013, TV Guide recognized The Golden Girls as the 54th best series of all time, and in 2014, the Writers Guild of America ranked it 69th on their list of the "101 Best Written TV Series of All Time." 

Terry Tang of the Associated Press has noted in reviews that the sitcom continues to captivate new audiences in the 21st century, proving its timeless appeal and status as a well-aged classic.

3. The Golden Girls Has One Of The Most Iconic Casts

The Golden Girls centres around an iconic ensemble cast and tells the story of four older single women living together in a Miami house. Blanche Devereaux (McClanahan), a vivacious widow, initially owns the house. She is later joined by Rose Nylund (White), a sweet-natured widow, and Dorothy Zbornak (Arthur), a divorced woman. Both Rose and Dorothy responded to an ad posted on the bulletin board of a local grocery store a year prior to the series' start. The pilot episode introduces Dorothy's 80-year-old widowed mother, Sophia Petrillo (Getty), who moves in with them after her retirement home burns down.

4. Coco (The Cook) Was Fazed Out After The Second Episode

The first episode features a cook/butler named Coco (played by Charles Levin), but the character was phased out before the second episode. The writers noticed that most of the women's interactions occurred in the kitchen, and having a separate cook felt unnecessary and distracting from their camaraderie. 

Levin was suggested by then-NBC president Brandon Tartikoff, as he had previously portrayed a groundbreaking recurring gay character named Eddie Gregg on NBC's Emmy-winning drama Hill Street Blues.

5. Sophia Was Originally A Guest Character

Initially, Sophia was planned as an occasional guest star, but Getty's positive reception with preview audiences led the producers to make her a regular character.

6. The Golden Girls Ended Due To Bea Arthur’s Departure

The Golden Girls eventually concluded when Bea Arthur decided to depart from the series. In the hour-long series finale, aired in May 1992, Dorothy meets and marries Blanche's uncle Lucas (Leslie Nielsen) and relocates to Hollingsworth Manor in Atlanta. Sophia initially plans to join her but ultimately chooses to stay behind with the other women in Miami. 

This conclusion serves as a transition to the spin-off series, The Golden Palace.

7. The Golden Girls Finale Reached 27.7 Million Viewers

The series finale of The Golden Girls attracted 27.2 million viewers and, as of 2016, remains one of the most-watched television finales, ranking 17th overall.

8. The Golden Girls Was Inspired By An NBC Television Special Sketch

The initial concept for a comedy series about older women originated during the production of a television special at NBC Studios in Burbank, California, in August 1984. As part of the special to introduce the network's upcoming season, actresses Selma Diamond from Night Court and Doris Roberts from Remington Steele performed a skit titled “Miami Nice”, a playful parody about elderly individuals living in Miami. Their performance caught the attention of NBC senior vice president Warren Littlefield, who found the geriatric humour intriguing and saw potential for a series based on it.

9. The Golden Girls Was Originally Pitched As “Miami Nice” With 40yr Olds

Following the special, Littlefield met with producers Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas, who were pitching a show centred around a female lawyer. While Littlefield wasn't interested in their idea, he proposed the possibility of developing a pilot script for “Miami Nice” instead. 

The writers declined, prompting Witt to approach his wife, Susan Harris. Harris, who had been semi-retired since the conclusion of their ABC series Soap, found the concept unique as it addressed an untapped demographic. She eagerly began working on the script, even though her vision focused on women in their 60s, deviating from NBC's original request for a comedy about women in their 40s. However, Littlefield was impressed with Harris' pilot script and gave the green light for production. 

Jay Sandrich, a director known for his work on The Cosby Show and previous collaborations with Harris, Witt, and Thomas on Soap, agreed to direct the pilot episode.

10. A Copyright Lawsuit Was Filed Against The Golden Girls

A copyright infringement lawsuit was filed against The Walt Disney Company, NBC Studios, and the creators by Nancy Bretzfield, alleging that the show was based on a script that NBC had rejected in 1980. The lawsuit was eventually settled.

11. Estelle Getty Was The First To Be Cast

The role of Sophia Petrillo was the first to be cast among the four main characters. Estelle Getty auditioned and successfully secured the role as Dorothy Zbornak's spirited mother, partly due to the positive reviews she received for her reprisal of the character in the 1984 Los Angeles run of Torch Song Trilogy. Afterward, Getty had returned to New York but obtained permission from her manager to come back to California in early 1985, viewing it as her last opportunity to find television or film work. If unsuccessful, she planned to return home to New York.

12. Estelle Getty Was Always In The Running For The Golden Girls

Casting director Judith Weiner had seen Getty's performance in Torch Song Trilogy and was highly impressed. She had also been struck by Getty's audition for the role of Steven Keaton's mother on Family Ties, although the show's producers ultimately chose another actress. However, Getty immediately came to Weiner's mind when it was time to cast The Golden Girls.

13. Getty Was In Make Up For 3 Hours To Become Sophia

Getty underwent a three-hour transformation to embody the character of Sophia, complete with heavy makeup, thick glasses, and a white wig. The creators believed that Sophia's presence would emphasise the idea that three women of retirement age could be youthful. 

Michael Eisner of Disney explained in interviews that, "Estelle Getty made our three women into girls. And that was, to me, what made it seem like it could be a contemporary, young show." 

14. Estelle Getty Battled Stage Fright In The Golden Girls

Throughout her time on the show, Getty constantly battled stage fright. In a 1988 interview, she discussed her phobia and how working with esteemed stars like Bea Arthur and Betty White made her even more nervous, sometimes causing her to freeze on camera during filming.

15. McClanahan Nearly Played Rose, And White Nearly Played Blanche

Director Jay Sandrich, hired to shoot the pilot, played a crucial role in the casting of Blanche Devereaux and Rose Nylund. Rue McClanahan and Betty White were both considered, as their previous series, Mama's Family, had been cancelled by NBC. Initially, the producers intended to cast McClanahan as Rose and White as Blanche based on their previous roles. White had portrayed the man-hungry Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, while McClanahan had played the sweet but scatter-brained Vivian Harmon in Maude. However, in an effort to avoid typecasting, they took Sandrich's suggestion and switched roles at the last minute.

16. Rue McClanahan Was Asked Not To Have A Strong Southern Accent

During the filming of the pilot, director Sandrich asked Rue McClanahan, who played Blanche, to refrain from using the strong Southern accent she had developed for the character. Instead, he wanted her to use her natural Oklahoma accent, which initially puzzled McClanahan. However, when the show was picked up for its first season, director Paul Bogart had the opposite opinion and insisted that McClanahan adopt a Southern accent. 

To comply, McClanahan deliberately exaggerated the accent, believing that Blanche saw it as sexy, strong, and attractive to men. She aimed to portray Blanche as a Southern heroine akin to Vivien Leigh's iconic characters.

17. Elaine Stritch Was Considered For The Role Of Dorothy

Although creator Susan Harris had envisioned a "Bea Arthur type" for the character of Dorothy, NBC executive Littlefield and the producers initially considered actress Elaine Stritch for the role. However, Stritch's audition did not go well, and under the impression that Arthur was not interested, Harris asked McClanahan, who had previously worked with Arthur on Maude, to persuade her to take the part. Arthur initially hesitated, as she didn't want to recreate their previous characters, but changed her mind after learning that McClanahan and Betty White had switched roles.

18. Bea Arthur And Betty White Were Not Friends

Bea Arthur and White had a professional working relationship built on mutual respect, but they did not form a personal friendship outside of The Golden Girls set. Arthur's son, Matthew Saks, later revealed that there was tension between the two actors, with his mother sometimes seeing White as someone she could be annoyed with. 

Saks mentioned their different acting backgrounds and training, noting that Arthur found White's habit of breaking the fourth wall to engage with the audience during breaks between filming as unprofessional. 

In 2011, White mentioned that she believed her "positive attitude" and cheerful demeanour might have irked Arthur. However, Arthur preferred that all four cast members, including herself, have lunch together on workdays.

19. Golden Girls Was The Second Show To Be Produced By Touchstone Television

The Golden Girls was the second television series produced by the Walt Disney Company under the Touchstone Television label and distributed by Buena Vista International, Inc. Disney Channel Southeast Asia, now known as Disney–ABC Television Group, holds ownership stakes in Buena Vista International, Inc.

20. Susan Harris Was Less Involved With The Golden Girls As It Went On

Creator Susan Harris contributed an additional four episodes to the first season but became less involved with the sitcom as it progressed. She continued to read all the scripts and remained familiar with most of the storylines. Kathy Speer and Terry Grossman served as the head writers for the show's first four seasons. They, along with Mort Nathan and Barry Fanaro, who won an Emmy Award for outstanding writing in the first season, provided general ideas to the lower staff writers and personally wrote a few scripts each season.

21. The Golden Girls Had A String Of Talented Writers

In 1989, Marc Sotkin, previously a writer on Laverne & Shirley and a producer on another Witt/Thomas series, It's a Living, took on the role of head writer and guided the show to varying degrees during its final three seasons. 

Richard Vaczy and Tracy Gamble, former writers on 227 and My Two Dads, also became producers and head writers. 

Starting in 1990, Marc Cherry joined as a writer and producer, years before creating Desperate Housewives, which aired on ABC from 2004 to 2012.

Mitchell Hurwitz, who later created Arrested Development for Fox and Netflix, also served as a writer for the show's last two seasons.

22. The Golden Girls Was Meant To Have A Very Competitive Writer’s Room

Marc Cherry mentioned that during read-throughs of The Golden Girls scripts, the cast, particularly the women, had a remarkable ability to make the jokes work on the very first try. If the women didn't nail it initially, then the joke needed to be replaced. 

Cherry described the writers' room as a competitive atmosphere, with a lot of competition to have one's words included in the script. 

Christopher Lloyd, a writer on the show, explained that typically, all the junior writers were assigned the same scene to write, and the best version would be chosen, creating stress and competitiveness among those not in the inner sanctum.

23. Bea Arthur Didn’t Like Jokes About Her Physical Appearance

After the third season of The Golden Girls, Bea Arthur expressed her growing dissatisfaction with the disparaging jokes made about her physical appearance in the scripts. She made it clear that she would not continue with the show unless changes were made. 

The producers took her concerns seriously and reduced the jokes about Dorothy's physique in subsequent episodes. Christopher Lloyd later acknowledged that they had been insensitive to Arthur's sensitivity and had pushed the jokes too far. Arthur let it be known that she didn't appreciate them.

24. Estelle Getty’s Anxiety Grew As The Series Progressed

Estelle Getty's stage fright, which had been present since the beginning of the show, became worse as the series progressed. By the end of the third season, Getty's anxiety had become a serious problem, and she struggled more and more to memorise her lines.

She tried hypnosis and had an assistant run lines with her before taping, but these methods didn't work. Getty resorted to writing her lines on props, like the wicker purse Sophia always carried, as a way to help her remember. The cast often had to redo scenes after the audience had left because Getty had flubbed her lines. Initially, the producers resisted this, but eventually, cue cards were introduced to assist her.

Rue McClanahan, who shared a dressing room with Getty, described the severity of her stage fright, noting the visible change in her demeanour leading up to tape day. Getty would become unreachable and extremely uptight, making it difficult for her to remember her lines.

25. Sadly Estelle Getty Passed Away With Lewy Body Dementia

Getty passed away in 2008 due to dementia with Lewy bodies. In the later stages of her illness, she was unable to hold conversations or recognize her co-stars. Signs of dementia were reportedly evident during the filming of the series, as she began to struggle with her lines despite her extensive theatre experience and relied on cue cards in later seasons.

26. Debbie Reynolds Was Bought In For Chemistry Testing

During the sixth season of The Golden Girls, there was uncertainty about whether Bea Arthur would commit to future seasons or leave the show once her contract expired to pursue other projects. Arthur felt that the characters had been through every possible scenario and believed it was best to end the series while it was still successful.

Debbie Reynolds was brought on as a guest star in the sixth season episode "There Goes the Bride: Part 2" to test her chemistry with the other actors as a potential replacement for Arthur. However, the producers ultimately decided that no one could replicate the chemistry of the four original actresses. In the end, Arthur chose to commit to a seventh and final season.

27. The Golden Girls House Is 6151 Richmond Street, Miami

The address of The Golden Girls house in the show was mentioned as 6151 Richmond Street, Miami. The exterior shots of the house, which were used from the third season until the end of the series, were of a model located at Disney's Hollywood Studios as part of the backstage studio tour ride. 

28. The Golden Girls House Was Demolished To Make Way For Disney Attractions

Both the Golden Girls house and the Empty Nest house suffered damage during a hurricane. As a result, Disney made the decision in 2003 to demolish the houses on "Residential Street" and replace them with attractions such as Lights, Motors, Action!: Extreme Stunt Show and later Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. 

29. The Real The Golden Girls House Went On Sale For $3Million

The façade of the Golden Girls house was based on a real house located at 245 North Saltair Avenue in the Westgate Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. This house was used for exterior shots during the first two seasons. In 2020, the property was listed for sale with an asking price of $3 million.

30. The Golden Girls Has A Distinct “Florida Look”

The Golden Girls’ designer, Ed Stephenson, drew inspiration from his time living in Florida to create a distinct "Florida look" for the Golden Girls house set. The wooden accents, columns, and doors were painted to resemble bald cypress wood, a popular feature in South Florida homes. Rattan furniture and upholstery with tropical prints were chosen to complete the furniture ensemble, adding to the overall aesthetic.

31. The Golden Girls Kitchen Was Featured In “It Takes Two”

The kitchen set seen in The Golden Girls was originally used on another Witt/Thomas/Harris series called It Takes Two, which aired on ABC from 1982 to 1983. However, the backdrop visible through the kitchen window was changed from a view of Chicago high-rises to palm trees and bushes to match the Miami setting. 

Due to limited space on the soundstage, the kitchen set was often detached from the rest of the set and repurposed when not in use. The doorway leading from the living room, along with the alcove and baker's shelf just inside, was designed to create the illusion that the characters were entering and exiting the kitchen.

32. Each Golden Girl Had Their Own Unique Style

The Golden Girls costume designer Judy Evans skilfully crafted distinct looks for each of the four actors, perfectly capturing their characters' personalities and the Florida setting. Evans aimed for a sexy, soft, and flowing style for Rue, a tailored and polished appearance for Bea, a down-home and comfortable look for Betty, and an emphasis on comfort for Estelle. She redefined the concept of "dressing your age" by creating vibrant outfits that showcased the maturity of the lead characters.

33. Each Episode Required 7-10 Costume Changes

Although many of the characters' outfits were custom-made by Judy Evans, the show required seven to ten costume changes per episode, leading to a mix of custom-made and off-the-rack pieces. 

Despite the characters' financial struggles, Evans opted for expensive garments and high-quality fabrics, as the primary goal was to make them look good and avoid portraying them as dowdy ladies.

34. Bea Arthur Preferred Loose Fitting Clothes

Bea Arthur had a preference for loose-fitting clothing such as slacks and long sweaters, along with sandals, as she disliked wearing shoes. This signature look, established during her time playing Maude, was honoured by Evans in her designs for Dorothy. Arthur's wardrobe mostly consisted of custom-made pieces, as finding off-the-rack clothing that flattered her taller frame was challenging at the time.

35. Rue McClanahan Was Allowed To Keep Her Costumes

Rue McClanahan had a special clause in her contract allowing her to keep her costumes, which were predominantly custom-made using luxurious fabrics. She amassed an impressive collection of designer wardrobe, filling 13 closets in her Sutton Place co-op in Manhattan.

36. Rue McClanahan Created Her Own QVC Clothing Line

Inspired by her character Blanche, McClanahan went on to create a clothing line for QVC called "A Touch of Rue." This collection featured affordable fabrics and practical designs, allowing fans to emulate Blanche's style.

37. Each The Golden Girls Episode Had The Same Format

The Golden Girls was filmed in front of a live studio audience using videotape technology. Many episodes followed a similar format or theme, often revolving around one or more of the women encountering problems with family members, men, or ethical dilemmas. These issues were usually discussed around the kitchen table, often late at night and accompanied by indulging in cheesecake, ice cream, or other desserts. During these conversations, one of the girls would share a personal story that related to the problem at hand, while Rose occasionally told nonsensical tales and Sophia shared outrageous made-up stories. Flashbacks to previous episodes or events before the series began were occasionally featured. Despite the predominantly comical writing, the show also incorporated dramatic moments and sentimental endings. 

38. The Golden Girls Has 82/100 On Metacritic

The series received high praise from critics, earning an overall score of 82 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim" based on six reviews.

39. The Golden Girls Received A Standing Ovation At The NBC Upfronts

During the NBC upfronts, the preview screening of the show received a standing ovation, leading to a full order of 12 episodes.

40. The Golden Girls Boosted NBC’s Ratings Exponentially

The Golden Girls became a ratings hit and a Saturday night staple for NBC. It consistently won its time slot, outperforming competing shows on ABC and CBS. The series played a significant role in ending NBC's ratings slump and was part of a line-up that included other successful shows like The Cosby Show, 227, Night Court, Miami Vice, and L.A. Law.

41. The Golden Girls Tackled Taboo Topics

The Golden Girls fearlessly tackled numerous controversial issues, including LGBTQ+ themes such as coming out and same-sex marriage, as well as elder care, homelessness, poverty, HIV/AIDS and discrimination, US immigration policy, sexual harassment, teen pregnancy, artificial insemination, adultery, healthcare problems, sexism, interracial relationships, antisemitism, age discrimination, environmentalism, addiction, gambling, nuclear war, death, and assisted suicide.

42. Designing Women Was Created On CBS In Competition With The Golden Girls

Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, a writer and producer, created the sitcom Designing Women on CBS as a response to The Golden Girls, with a similar focus on a group of women. The two shows became competitors.

43. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Was A Fan Of The Golden Girls

The cast of The Golden Girls performed skits in character at the 1988 Royal Variety Performance in London, at the request of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who was reportedly a big fan.

44. Each Lead actor Won An Emmy For Their Performance

Each of the lead actors received an Emmy award for their outstanding performances on the show. This achievement places The Golden Girls among a select group of live-action series, including All in the Family, Will & Grace, and Schitt's Creek, where all the principal actors have won at least one Emmy.

45. All The The Golden Girls Are Disney Legends

To honour the tremendous success of The Golden Girls, all four actors were bestowed with the prestigious title of Disney Legends as part of the class of 2009.

46. One The Golden Girls Episode Was Temporarily Removed For “Blackface”

One episode of particular note is "Mixed Blessings" from The Golden Girls Season 3, which sparked controversy. In this episode, Michael Zbornak, played by Scott Jacoby, planned to marry a black woman named Lorraine, portrayed by Rosalind Cash. A scene featuring Blanche and Rose wearing mud masks prompted the line, "We're not black." While Hulu temporarily removed the episode in 2020 due to concerns about blackface, an article in Vulture clarified that it was not an example of blackface, as the characters were simply wearing mud masks. As of 2023, the episode is once again available for streaming on Hulu.

47. The Golden Girls Has Been Shown Daily On NBC Since 1989

Starting from July 3, 1989, NBC introduced daytime reruns of The Golden Girls, taking over the time slot previously occupied by the long-running Wheel of Fortune, which had moved to CBS. These reruns aired at 11:00 am (EST) until September 1990. 

Simultaneously, syndicated reruns distributed by Buena Vista Television (now Disney–ABC Domestic Television), the syndication arm of Disney, began airing. Buena Vista Television, a division of Disney's Touchstone Television, was responsible for producing the series.

In March 1997, the Lifetime cable network acquired exclusive rights to repeat episodes of The Golden Girls in the United States until March 1, 2009. During this period, many episodes underwent editing to accommodate additional commercial breaks and adjust the content.

Following Lifetime, both the Hallmark Channel and WE tv obtained the rights to air reruns of the show in March 2009. However, WE tv's rights expired in February 2013, and Viacom networks' TV Land, home to Betty White's subsequent series Hot in Cleveland, acquired the rights, along with Logo TV. In 2020, CMT purchased the rights to broadcast the series.

48. Forever Golden: A Celebration of The Golden Girls Premiered In Cinemas

Forever Golden: A Celebration of The Golden Girls premiered in select movie theatres across North America through Fathom Events on September 14, 2021, in commemoration of the show's 36th anniversary. The film showcased five beloved episodes: "The Pilot," "The Flu," "The Way We Met," "Ladies of the Evening," and "Grab That Dough."

49. The Golden Girls DVD Box Set Is Shaped Like Sophia’s Purse

Buena Vista Home Entertainment has released all seven seasons of The Golden Girls on DVD in Region 1 and Region 4, with the first four seasons also available in Region 2. On November 9, 2010, the studio unveiled a comprehensive box set titled The Golden Girls: 25th Anniversary Complete Collection, containing all 180 episodes of the series along with special features included in the previously released season sets. 

This 21-disc collection comes encased in a special collectible packaging designed as a replica of Sophia's purse. 

50. The Characters Were Reprised In The Golden Palace

Following the conclusion of the original series, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty reprised their characters in the CBS spin-off series, The Golden Palace. The show depicted Rose, Blanche, and Sophia selling their house to purchase and manage a hotel in Miami. Airing from September 1992 to May 1993, the series also starred Cheech Marin and Don Cheadle. Bea Arthur, although not part of the main cast, made a guest appearance in a double episode, reprising her iconic role as Dorothy.

51. The Golden Palace Was Quickly Cancelled

The Golden Palace did not achieve the same level of popularity or critical acclaim as the original series and ranked 57th in the annual ratings. Despite a second season initially being approved, the show was ultimately cancelled the day before the network announced its 1993–94 schedule.

Lifetime, the rights holder of The Golden Girls at the time, aired reruns of The Golden Palace during the summer of 2005 and again in December of that year. This marked the first time since 1993 that The Golden Palace was seen on American television. Until April 2006, Lifetime treated the series as a virtual eighth season, airing it between the conclusion of the final season and the syndicated roll-over to season one.

52. The Golden Palace Was Shown On Hulu For Betty White’s 100th Birthday

To celebrate Betty White's 100th birthday on January 10th, 2022, The Golden Palace began streaming on Hulu, allowing viewers to revisit the spin-off series.

53. Susan Harris Made A Golden Girls Spin Off Named “Empty Nests”

Susan Harris, the creator of The Golden Girls, initially developed a spin-off focusing on the empty nest syndrome. The concept was introduced in the 1987 Golden Girls episode titled "Empty Nest," featuring Paul Dooley and Rita Moreno as George and Renee Corliss, a married couple living next to the Golden Girls who experience the empty nest syndrome when their teenage daughter leaves for college. However, this idea did not receive a favourable response, leading Harris to rework the series as a vehicle for Richard Mulligan. The following year, Empty Nest premiered with Mulligan starring as paediatrician Harry Weston, a widower whose two adult daughters move back home.

54. There Were The Golden Girls And Empty Nest Crossovers

Both shows occasionally featured crossover guest appearances, with the Golden Girls characters appearing on Empty Nest and Richard Mulligan, Dinah Manoff, Kristy McNichol, David Leisure, and Park Overall making appearances on The Golden Girls in their Empty Nest roles. Following the conclusion of The Golden Palace, Estelle Getty joined the cast of Empty Nest, making frequent appearances as Sophia during the show's final two seasons. Mulligan and Manoff were previously part of Susan Harris' earlier show, Soap.

55. Empty Nests Had Its Own Spin Off Too!

Empty Nest itself launched a spin-off in 1991, set in Miami and taking place in the same hospital where Dr. Weston worked. The series starred Stephanie Hodge and a group of other young nurses. This unique situation allowed the three shows to occasionally intertwine storylines, creating a cohesive narrative across all three series, such as the "Hurricane Saturday" storyline.

After two seasons, Stephanie Hodge departed the show, and David Rasche joined the cast at the beginning of the second season. In the third season, Loni Anderson joined as the new hospital administrator. This lineup change brought new dynamics to the series.

56. The Golden Girls: Live! Theatre Show Exists

The Golden Girls: Live! was a theatrical production that premiered in the summer of 2003 at Rose's Turn theater in New York City's West Village. The show, featuring an all-male cast in drag, ran until November of that year. Unfortunately, the production had to end prematurely due to the producers' failure to secure the rights and a subsequent cease-and-desist order from the creators of the original television series. 

The Golden Girls: Live! showcased two back-to-back episodes of the sitcom: "Break-In" (season one, episode eight) and "Isn't It Romantic?" (season two, episode five).

57. There Are Golden Girls Puppet Shows

The beloved characters of Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose have also been immortalised in puppet parody shows. Thank You For Being A Friend and That Golden Girls Show: A Puppet Parody, both created by Australian screenwriter Thomas Duncan-Watt and producer Jonathan Rockefeller, pay homage to The Golden Girls using puppetry.

58. There Is An Animated Version Of The Golden Girls

Another creative adaptation is Golden Girls 3033, an animated pilot by Mike Hollingsworth. The pilot takes audio clips from the original sitcom and sets them against a futuristic backdrop inspired by The Jetsons.

59. A UK Version Of The Golden Girls Named “Brighton Belles” Was A Flop

In the United Kingdom, a British version of the American sitcom titled Brighton Belles premiered on ITV in 1993. Starring Sheila Hancock, Wendy Craig, Sheila Gish, and Jean Boht, the show closely mirrored Girls with only character name changes and different portrayals by the actors. However, due to low ratings, the 10-episode series was cancelled after six weeks, with the final four episodes airing over a year later.

60. A The Golden Girls Themed Cafe Exists In Manhattan

In 2017, a Golden Girls-themed cafe called Rue la Rue Cafe opened in the Washington Heights neighbourhood of Manhattan, New York City. Owned by Michael La Rue, a close friend of Rue McClanahan who inherited many of the star's personal belongings, the cafe was adorned with these items as decorations. Unfortunately, the eatery closed its doors in November 2017 after less than a year of operation.

61. There Are Several International The Golden Girls Remakes

There are several The Golden Girls remakes from across the world, these are as follows:

Chile: Los años dorados [es]: In 2015, UCVTV and Disney collaborated to produce a Chilean remake called Los Años Dorados (The Golden Years). The series starred Gloria Münchmeyer, Carmen Barros, Ana Reeves, and Consuelo Holzapfel as retired women living in Viña del Mar. It achieved success on the channel, leading to plans for a second season in 2016.

Egypt: سكر زيادة [ar]: In 2020, Dubai TV, MBC Masr, MBC Masr 2 [ar], and MBC 5 [fr] premiered a show called سكر زيادة (Extra Sugar) as an Arabic remake. Produced by Cedars Art Production in collaboration with Disney, it became a hit for the channel. The show was an exclusive 30-episode series aired during Ramadan, running from April 24 to May 24, 2020.

Israel: Bnot HaZahav aired from 2011 to 2016.

Greece: In 2008, ET1, a Greek broadcaster, introduced a Greek remake titled Chrysa Koritsia (Golden Girls). The series featured the four women living in Greece with slightly modified names to suit the culture and modern setting. The characters were called Sophia, Bela (Blanche), Dora (Dorothy), Fifi (Rose), and Panos (Stan). The Greek edition, which aired from mid-January, mirrored many of the original show's plots. ET1 reran the series during the summer of 2008, and it achieved a spot in the top-10 ratings chart by AGB Nielsen Media Research. Mirka Papakonstantinou portrayed Dora, Dina Konsta played Sofia, Eleni Gerasimidou took on the role of Fifi, and Ivonni Maltezou portrayed Bela.

Netherlands: Golden Girls [nl]: RTL 4 aired a Dutch remake of The Golden Girls, starring Loes Luca as Barbara (Blanche), Beppie Melissen as Els (Dorothy), Cecile Heuer as Milly (Rose), and Pleuni Touw as Toos (Sophia). The show premiered in the fall of 2012 and used similar plots to the U.S. version. It also featured a Dutch-language version of the original theme song, "Thank You for Being a Friend."

The Philippines: 50 Carats, O Di Ba? was a Philippine version of The Golden Girls that aired on IBC 13 during the early 1990s. The show starred Nida Blanca, Charito Solis, and Gloria Romero.

Russia: Bolshie Devochki: Channel One broadcasted a Russian remake in 2006, titled Bolshie Devochki (Grown Girls). The series featured renowned Russian actresses Galina Petrova as Irina (Dorothy), Olga Ostroumova as Nadejda (Blanche), Valentina Telechkina as Margarita (Rose), and Elena Millioti as Sofya (Sophia). However, the concept failed to resonate with Russian viewers, leading to the show's cancellation after only 32 episodes.

Spain: Juntas, pero no revueltas [es]/Las chicas de oro [es]: In 1996, TVE launched a Spanish remake titled Juntas pero no revueltas (Together, but not Mixed), featuring Mercedes Sampietro as Julia (Dorothy), Mónica Randall as Nuri (Blanche), Kiti Manver as Rosa (Rose), and Amparo Baró as Benigna (Sophia). Due to low ratings, the show disappeared after one season. In 2010, TVE announced another remake titled Las chicas de oro (The Golden Girls), produced by José Luis Moreno. The cast included Concha Velasco as Doroti (Dorothy), Carmen Maura as Rosa (Rose), Lola Herrera as Blanca (Blanche), and Alicia Hermida as Sofía (Sophia). The series premiered on September 13, 2010, and initially achieved success. However, after 26 episodes, the series was discontinued due to negative reviews and declining ratings.

Portugal: Queridas e Maduras: In July 1995, RTP premiered Queridas e Maduras (Dear Mature Girls), a Portuguese version of the American sitcom. The show featured renowned Portuguese actresses Catarina Avelar as Edite (Dorothy), Amélia Videira as Inês (Rose), Lia Gama as Salomé (Blanche), and veteran actress Luísa Barbosa as Aparecida (Sophia). The Portuguese version ran for two seasons, the first in 1995 and the second in 1996, adapting plots from the first two seasons of the original series.

Turkey: Altın Kızlar [tr]. In 2009, ATV aired Altın Kızlar (The Golden Girls) in Turkey. Produced by Play Prodüksiyon, the series depicted the women sharing a condo in the residential area of Beyoğlu instead of Miami. The show featured well-known local actresses, with Fatma Girik as Safıye (the 'Sophia' character), Hülya Koçyiğit as İsmet ('Dorothy'), Nevra Serezli as Gönül ('Blanche'), and Türkan Şoray as Inci ('Rose'). However, the show only lasted for one episode, which combined storylines from two episodes of the original American series: "The Engagement" (Season 1, Episode 1) and "The Triangle" (Season 1, Episode 5).

62. Bea Arthur Hated Cheesecake!

Over the course of the show's seven-year run, the actors devoured more than 100 cheesecakes. Bakeries from across the United States would send cheesecakes to the set as a treat for the cast. Interestingly, Bea Arthur, in contrast to her character, disliked cheesecake in real life.

63. Betty White Was The Oldest Member Of The Golden Girls Cast

Betty White was the oldest among the four main actresses. Following the passing of Rue McClanahan, she became the last surviving member of the cast until her own passing on December 31, 2021. White also held the distinction of being the oldest among the eight regulars of The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970) and, during the final four months of her life, the last surviving cast member of the show.

64. Estelle Getty Had A Face Lift Between Season One And Two!

Between the first and second seasons, Estelle Getty underwent a face-lift, much to the shock of the makeup crew. They already had to work hard to make Getty appear older on camera, so the face-lift created additional challenges for them.

65. Betty White Dyed Her Hair Blonde For The Role

Throughout The Golden Girls, there are several jokes made at Rose's expense regarding her natural hair colour. In reality, Betty White was a natural brunette and dyed her hair blonde for the role.

66. McClanahan And Arthur Broke Chemistry In “Herring War”

During the "Herring War" story told by Rose, Rue McClanahan and Bea Arthur broke character, leading the scene to become chaotic. Initially, the scene was considered for removal from the episode, but it was ultimately kept to showcase the exceptional comedic chemistry of the cast.

67. Rue McClanahan Would Fall Asleep On Set

Rue McClanahan would often be discovered asleep in various places on the set, adding a touch of humour to the behind-the-scenes antics.

68. There Were Only Three Chairs In The Golden Girls Kitchen

Despite there being four women living in the house, only three chairs were present around the iconic kitchen table. This was due to filming constraints, the fourth wall, and the desire to avoid overcrowding. Bea Arthur always occupied the centre chair, both because of her height and to capture her priceless facial expressions in response to Blanche's tales of past encounters, Rose's St. Olaf stories, or Sophia's memorable "Picture it!" monologues.

69. White And McClanahan Played Word Games On The Golden Girls Set

Betty White's competitive spirit from her days on Password found a kindred spirit in Rue McClanahan when it came to word games. The two actresses would frequently engage in alphabet games during breaks and throughout the day, taking turns naming different brands of cars or other topics in alphabetical order.

Estelle Getty and Betty White appeared together on SuperPassword in 1986, with Lucille Ball as their guest star.

70. Estelle Getty Played The Younger Version Of Sophia Without Her Make Up

During flashback episodes depicting Dorothy and Sophia's life in New York during the '40s and '50s, Estelle Getty appeared without the wig and makeup to portray a younger version of the character.

71. The Golden Girls Had Openly Gay And Lesbian Characters

During its era, The Golden Girls was one of the few series that openly included gay and lesbian characters. The pilot episode introduced Coco, the Girls' openly gay personal chef. Blanche's openly gay brother Clayton appeared in two episodes, with the second episode introducing his boyfriend. Another episode featured one of Dorothy's lesbian friends. The series also tackled the theme of HIV/AIDS when Rose discovered she may have contracted the virus years ago from a blood transfusion. These portrayals garnered a strong following among the LGBT community.

72. Betty White Played Rose In Four Different Shows

Betty White portrayed Rose Nylund in four different shows: Empty Nest (1988), Nurses (1991), The Golden Girls (1985), and The Golden Palace (1992).

73. There Is A “Another World” Connection

In an episode, Blanche expresses her desire to watch the soap opera Another World (1964). Rue McClanahan, who played Blanche, made several appearances on the soap opera.

75. All Of Bea Arthur’s Earrings Were Clip Ons

Bea Arthur did not have pierced ears, so all the "crazy earrings" given to Dorothy by the show's stylist were clip-ons. While Arthur loved the dramatic effect of the jewelry, she disliked the pain her ears endured by the end of each day.

76. Some Rude Jokes On The Golden Girls Were Censored By The Network

According to a Bravo documentary about the show, the writers' racy jokes were often censored and softened for network viewings. For instance, in a Scrabble scene, Dorothy tells Sophia, "Ma! Pizwam is not a word!" to which Sophia responds, "Yes, there is! This pool is Pizwam!" NBC strongly objected to this joke, which was altered to the following exchange: "Ma! Disdam is not a word!" with Sofia responding, "Yes, it is! You're no good at disdam game!"

77. Estelle Getty Is A Year Younger Than Bea Arthur

Despite playing Dorothy's mother, Estelle Getty (Sophia) was actually 1 year, 2 months, and 12 days younger than Bea Arthur (Dorothy).

78. Rose’s Norwegian Is Gibberish

Rose's Norwegian speech is mostly nonsensical gibberish, which adds to the humour of the show when subtitled. Her accent and pronunciation make it seem genuine and contribute to the comedic moments.

79. Where Are The Golden Girls’ Husbands?

While Dorothy's ex-husband, Stan, made recurring appearances, Rose's husband, Charlie, was never depicted on the show. Sophia's husband, Sal, appeared in flashbacks, and Blanche's husband, George, was portrayed in a dream sequence.

80. Getty And Arthur Are Jewish Not Italian

Although both Estelle Getty and Bea Arthur were Jewish, not Italian, Getty reportedly suggested to the producers that they could portray Dorothy and Sophia as Jewish. However, the producers remained firm in their decision.

81. Who Are The Golden Girls’ Children?

Dorothy has two children, Kate and Michael, but neither is shown as old enough to be the child she was pregnant with when she had to marry Stan. According to the timeline, that child would be at least 39 years old when the series began. Blanche has six children: Matthew, Janet, Biff, Doug, Skippy, and Rebecca. Rose has five children: Charlie Jr., Adam, Gunilla, Kirsten, and Bridget. Sophia has three children: Dorothy, Phil, and Gloria.

82. Sadly The Golden Girls Passed Away In A Short Period Of Time

The first three actors from The Golden Girls who passed away did so in three consecutive calendar years. Estelle Getty died in 2008 at the age of 84, Bea Arthur passed away in 2009 at the age of 86, and Rue McClanahan, the youngest among them, died in 2010 at the age of 76. All three were younger than Betty White, who celebrated her 99th birthday on January 17, 2021. Sadly, Betty White passed away on December 31, 2021, just 17 days before her 100th birthday.

83. The Name Blanche Was Chosen Due To “A Streetcar Named Desire”

The name "Blanche" was inspired by Blanche DuBois from A Streetcar Named Desire (1951).

84. Andrew Gold Originally Wrote And Recorded The Golden Girls Theme

The theme song, "Thank You for Being a Friend," was sung by Cynthia Fee. It was originally written and recorded by Andrew Gold in 1978, and his version became a hit on the Billboard Pop Chart.

85. George Clooney Appeared In The Golden Girls

In season 2 of The Golden Girls, a young George Clooney made an appearance as a young cop in the episode "To Catch A Neighbor."

86. Several People Played Different The Golden Girls Characters

Several actors had the opportunity to return to the show and portray different characters. 

• Harold Gould played two of Rose's boyfriends, Arnie and Miles. 

• Bill Dana took on the roles of Sophia's brother Angelo and her father. Ellen Albertini Dow portrayed both Sophia's friend Lillian and an unnamed hospital patient with a flower cart. 

• Chick Vennera appeared as a prize fighter and TV reporter Enrique Mas. 

• Paul Dooley played Rose's date Isaac Newton and later appeared as a doctor neighbor, which eventually became a pilot for Empty Nest (1988). 

• Philip Sterling portrayed two different psychiatrists. 

• Sid Melton played Sophia's late husband and a jester at a restaurant. 

• George Grizzard took on the roles of Blanche's late husband and her brother-in-law. 

87. Estelle Getty Played Sophia On 6 Different Shows

Estelle Getty portrayed Sophia on six different shows: The Golden Girls (1985), The Golden Palace (1992), Empty Nest (1988), Blossom (1990), Nurses (1991), and Ladies Man (1999).

88. Dorothy’s Reaction Remained The Same In All Dick Jokes

Numerous episodes featured jokes about the girls unintentionally encountering a penis, whether it was real, depicted in a painting, or even in the form of an erotic cake. Each time, Dorothy's reaction remained consistent: "Whoa!"

89. Michael Eisner Was Concerned The Golden Girls May Alienate Younger Viewers

When the original pilot script was submitted to Disney/Touchstone, Michael Eisner liked it but felt that something was missing. He believed a show about three elderly women living together might alienate younger viewers. Susan Harris was asked to continue working on the script, and she introduced the character of Sophia. With Sophia's addition, Dorothy's dynamic as a woman dealing with her mother became more prominent, and Eisner loved it. 

90. So What Was Rose’s Hometown?

In The Golden Girls episode "Break In" (1985), Rose mentions her hometown as Little Falls. However, in all subsequent episodes, she refers to her hometown as St. Olaf. It could be argued that Little Falls was a village or townland on the outskirts of St. Olaf.

Similarly in the first episode of the series, when asked by Rose about her marriage, Dorothy mentions that she is from Queens. However, in all the other episodes, Dorothy states that she is from Brooklyn.

91. Murray Hamilton Passed Away So His Role Was Recast

Blanche's father, originally played by Murray Hamilton, was later recast with David Wayne following Hamilton's death.

92. All 4 Of The Golden Girls Appeared In Every Episode

All four main characters, Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia, appeared in every episode of the show.

93. White And McClanahan Worked Together On “Mama’s Family”

Rue McClanahan and Betty White had previous appearances together in episodes of Mama's Family (1983), where they both had semi-regular roles, just before joining The Golden Girls.

94. How Old Is Blanche In The Golden Girls?

Although it is commonly believed that Blanche's age is never explicitly revealed, in the episode "Mother's Day" (1988), a flashback admits that Blanche was 17 in 1949. However, in the episode "End of the Curse" (season 2, episode 1), Blanche, believing she is pregnant, mentions that she will be 65 when her child graduates from high school. Sophia corrects her by saying Blanche will actually be 70. Subtracting 18 (the age at which many graduate high school) from 65 would make Blanche 47 at that moment. In reality, Rue McClanahan was actually 52 when this particular episode aired.

95. Blanche’s Maiden Name Is Hollingsworth

In the pilot episode, Blanche's surname is Hollingsworth, not Devereaux as in subsequent episodes. Blanche's maiden name was Hollingsworth, while her married name was Devereaux.

96. Rue McClanahan And Betty White Were On The Same Love Boat Episode

Rue McClanahan and Betty White both made guest appearances in the same Love Boat episode, titled "How Do I Love Thee?/No More Alimony/Authoress! Authoress!"

97. Bea Arthur Did Not Carve An Exclamation Mark In The Golden Girls Door

There were stories suggesting that the exclamation point seen on the back of the front door was carved into the wood by Bea Arthur before filming the first episode. However, the creators have stated that this story is untrue and that the exclamation point was simply a flaw or mark in the wood with no significance.

98. Herb Edelman Almost Always Enters The Set With The Same Line

Almost every time the door opens and Stan (Herb Edelman) appears, he greets with the line, "Hi, it's me, Stan."

99. Terry Hughes Directed 108 Episodes Of The Golden Girls

Terry Hughes held the most directorial credits on the show, having directed 108 episodes. Hughes left in 1990 after the episode "All Bets are Off," and some believe that the show never fully recovered from his departure, although new writing staff were brought in to compensate for the loss.

100. Angela Lansbury Was Considered For A Role In The Golden Girls

During the initial pitch of the show in 1983, Angela Lansbury was considered for a role. However, her manager advised against it, suggesting she pursue a drama instead. Shortly after, Lansbury was offered her iconic role as Jessica Fletcher on Murder, She Wrote (1984).

During an interview with Bea Arthur for The Guardian, journalist Veronica Lee noticed that Bea was drinking bourbon. When Lee delicately broached the long-standing rumours about Bea's alcoholism, Bea responded, "We are not going to talk about my addiction to alcohol at this show tonight."

101. Each Golden Girl’s Bedroom Reflects Their Personality

The bedrooms of the ladies in the show symbolise their individual characteristics. 

• Blanche's bedroom resembles a hotel room with palm tree decor and two armchairs, reflecting her reputation for having many romantic encounters. 
• Dorothy's bedroom features regal wallpaper and shelves filled with books, representing her stately and intellectual nature. 
• Sophia's small bedroom has chic floral wallpaper, reflecting her simplicity and wisdom. 
• Rose's bedroom showcases cloud-patterned wallpaper and a couch by the window, alluding to the other characters' perception of her being somewhat dreamy and in need of professional help (as symbolised by the therapist's couch).
  
  

102. Dorothy Never Wins A Card Game

Throughout the series, Dorothy is frequently shown playing gin rummy, mostly with Sophia and occasionally with Blanche. Interestingly, Dorothy never wins a single game.

103. Hugh Jackman Loves The Golden Girls

Hugh Jackman has openly admitted in interviews that he is a huge fan of The Golden Girls.

104. Dorothy Zbornak’s Name Was Inspired By One Of The Stage Managers

Dorothy's (Bea Arthur) last name, Zbornak, was inspired by Kent Zbornak, who worked as a stage manager on the show.

105. There Is A “Petticoat Junction” Connection

In the episode "Big Daddy's Little Lady" (1986), when the girls are enjoying cheesecake in the kitchen and Rose begins telling a story, Blanche interrupts and remarks, "Must we take yet another trip to Petticoat Junction?" Interestingly, Betty White had actually made an appearance in one episode of Petticoat Junction (1963) back in 1969 titled "The Cannonball Bookmobile."

106. Many Celebrities Appeared In The Golden Girls

The series boasted appearances from notable celebrities, including Mario Lopez, Jerry Orbach, John Fiedeler, Leslie Nielsen, Tony Jay, Mickey Rooney, George Clooney, Burt Reynolds, Julio Iglesias, and Quentin Tarantino. It can be said that the show launched Mario Lopez's acting career.

107. Each Golden Girl Had A Sister

Each of the four Golden Girls has a sister. Dorothy's sister is Gloria, Rose has sisters Holly and Lily, Sophia's sister is Angela, and Blanche has two sisters named Virginia and Charmaine.

108. Scott And Billy Are Brothers In Real Life

Scott Jacoby, who portrayed Dorothy's musician son Michael Zbornak, and Billy Jayne, who played Blanche's wild-child grandson David, are actually brothers in real life.

109. Suzanne Pleshette Could Have Played Blanche

110. The Golden Girls Inspired Desperate Housewives And Sex And The City

This show is renowned for its influence on later female ensemble shows like Desperate Housewives (2004) and Sex and the City (1998), as its storylines were considered ahead of their time.

111. There Is A Connection To The Simpsons

In the season 4 episode "Brother Can You Spare That Jacket," the character Kenny is portrayed by Karl Wiedergott, who would later become a regular voice actor in The Simpsons (1989), appearing in over 250 episodes to date.

112. Quentin Tarantino Starred In The Golden Girls As An Elvis Impersonator

In the episode "Sophia's Wedding: Part 1" (1988), among the Elvis impersonators present at the wedding, one of them was director Quentin Tarantino.

113. The Three Initial Episodes Of The Golden Girls Are About Marriage

The initial three episodes of this show revolve around the theme of marriage, either directly or indirectly. 

• In "The Engagement" (1985), Blanche comes close to getting remarried and is seen wearing a wedding dress. 

• In “Guess Who's Coming to the Wedding?” (1985), Dorothy's daughter gets married at the house, prompting Dorothy to confront her own divorce from Stan. 

• In “Rose the Prude” (1985), Rose openly expresses her grief over the end of her marriage due to her husband's passing.

114. Getty And Gould Starred In Stuart Little In 1999

Estelle Getty and Harold Gould, who portrayed Rose's boyfriend Miles, both appeared in the 1999 film "Stuart Little" as Grandma Estelle and Grandpa Spencer, respectively.

115. There Is A “Three Men and a Baby” Connection

In the seventh episode of season five, titled "Not Another Monday," Blanche, Rose, and Dorothy attempt to sing a baby to sleep using a harmonised version of the song "Mr. Sandman." This scene is reminiscent of the film "Three Men and a Baby," where the song "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight" is harmonised to lull the baby to sleep.

116. There Is A Golden Girls Connection With Pixar’s UP

In the film "Up" (2009), there is a location called "Shady Oaks Retirement Village," likely an inside joke reference to the earlier Disney/Touchstone Television series "The Golden Girls" and Sophia's not-so-reputable retirement home, "Shady Pines."

117. There Are Multiple Characters With The Same Name

The names Angela, Myron, and Gloria are used for more than one character throughout the show.

Thanks for reading "Ultimate List Of 117 The Golden Girls Facts For All Classic Sitcom Lovers" on January Media.