Take a closer look—this scene from *The Golden Girls* is untouched, and it validates what we’ve all been thinking…
The widely celebrated television series The Golden Girls is undoubtedly a household name, unless you’ve somehow managed to avoid it. Running from 1985 to 1992, this beloved show captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Even today, more than three decades after the series finale aired, people still reminisce about this iconic show, which was originally expected to last only a single season!
Stan Zimmerman, a writer for the first season of The Golden Girls, recently shared some fascinating behind-the-scenes insights during an interview with Newsner. Keep reading to uncover hidden gems about this cherished series.
Estelle Getty’s Endearing Warmth
Estelle Getty, known for her portrayal of Sophia Petrillo and her sharp one-liners, remains a fan favorite. However, Zimmerman remembers her most for her genuine warmth and kindness.
“I was thrilled that she came over to talk to me and my writing partner, Jim,” Zimmerman recalled. At the time, he was a young writer when Getty first approached him. “She said, ‘I’m so small. Come here, come here,’” he shared, recounting how she took them aside during her layover.
Zimmerman described how Getty led them to a private space backstage, saying, “We just followed her. She was Estelle Getty, after all!” She reassured them by saying, “Your secret is safe with me.” Zimmerman assumed she was referring to their shared Jewish heritage, but instead, she was acknowledging their sexuality. “She met a lot of LGBTQ individuals through the Torch Song Trilogy,” he explained.
At the time, Zimmerman’s management had advised him to hide his identity while working. “It’s hard for people to imagine now,” he said. “But back in 1985, we couldn’t openly talk about who we were. Our representatives told us to keep it quiet. Estelle’s willingness to protect our secret meant a lot to me.”
A Maternal Presence Off-Screen
While Sophia Petrillo was known for her biting wit, Getty was nurturing and motherly in real life. Zimmerman recalled her caring nature: “She had this very maternal quality. Years later, even when I wasn’t working on The Golden Girls, we’d still talk on the phone. She’d always ask, ‘Who are you dating? Where are you working?’ And she wasn’t shy about giving advice on those topics.”
Getty’s age was a surprise to many. Though she played the oldest Golden Girl, she was actually younger than both Bea Arthur and Betty White. Makeup artists had to use special techniques to age her appearance for the role. Zimmerman recounted a humorous moment when, after a facelift between seasons, the makeup team remarked, “Estelle, why do you look better now?” He added, “She was so excited to be in Hollywood, achieving her dreams after years of struggle.”
Facing Health Challenges
Zimmerman shared that Getty’s health began to decline later in her career. “At the time, we didn’t realize she was experiencing early-onset dementia,” he explained. Her anxiety about performing in front of live studio audiences and her struggles with memory were increasingly evident. “Friday night tapings were incredibly stressful for her,” he said. Yet, her co-stars were protective, ensuring she felt supported.
Few on set knew that Getty attended therapy multiple times a week. “People in the writer’s room assumed she was out at Hollywood parties,” Zimmerman revealed. Instead, she was working hard to prepare for her performances. To help her, the production team resorted to unconventional measures. “If you see her eating raisins on the show, it’s because we wrote lines on her hands or taped them to furniture. There were even cue cards to assist her in her later years.”
Despite these struggles, Getty consistently delivered outstanding performances. “Every time she delivered a line, it was like a home run,” Zimmerman said. “We knew she would always land the final joke perfectly.”
Betty White’s Humor and Bea Arthur’s Dedication
Zimmerman admitted his initial impression of Betty White wasn’t entirely positive. During tapings, White would sometimes make jokes about Getty’s line struggles to the studio audience. “I thought it was unkind,” Zimmerman shared. However, with time, he reconsidered: “I’ve come to think maybe she was trying to divert attention and give Estelle time to regroup.”
Zimmerman also mentioned whispers of tension between Bea Arthur and Betty White. “They had different working styles. Bea, being a stage actor, stayed in character even during breaks. She didn’t appreciate it when Betty would step out of character and chat with others mid-scene.”
Honoring the Writers
Zimmerman expressed gratitude for the cast’s acknowledgment of the writers. “Those four women always praised the writers during interviews,” he said. “That’s rare in Hollywood, and I’m forever thankful for their appreciation.”
Contrary to popular belief, the show’s iconic moments were not improvised. “Viewers often think the women came up with lines on the spot, but that wasn’t the case,” Zimmerman explained. “They followed the script to the letter.”
Zimmerman documented his experiences with The Golden Girls and other notable figures in his book The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. He also wrote a play, Right Before I Go, inspired by the loss of a close friend.
A Legacy That Endures
The Golden Girls remains a timeless classic, thanks to its extraordinary cast and talented writers. Share this article with fellow fans who would enjoy these little-known stories about a beloved show.
