Look closer, this Scene from ‘The Golden Girls’ is not edited and it confirms what we all suspected…
You’ve undoubtedly come across the hugely popular TV show The Golden Girls—unless you’ve been living in complete isolation. Running from 1985 to 1992, this series captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Remarkably, more than three decades after its final episode, The Golden Girls remains a hot topic of conversation, even though the show was never expected to last beyond its first season.
Stan Zimmerman, a staff writer for the inaugural season, recently sat down with Newsner to share some behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Keep reading to uncover fascinating tidbits about this beloved show.
Estelle Getty’s Unforgettable Warmth
Estelle Getty, known for her iconic role as Sophia Petrillo, is remembered by fans for her razor-sharp wit and cutting remarks. But Zimmerman recalls her for something entirely different—her genuine warmth.
Zimmerman, reflecting on his early days as a young writer, shared a memorable encounter with Getty: “I was thrilled when she came over to talk to me and my writing partner, Jim. She approached us, saying, ‘I’m so small. Come here, come here.’ She led us to the back of the set, and it was such an unexpected yet touching moment.”
He continued, “She leaned in and said, ‘Your secret is safe with me.’ At first, I thought she was referring to us being Jewish, but it turned out she meant our sexuality. She had connected with many in the LGBTQ+ community through her work in Torch Song Trilogy and was incredibly supportive.”
At the time, Zimmerman’s management advised him to keep his sexuality hidden while working. “It’s hard to believe now, but in 1985, we were told to keep that part of our lives private. Estelle’s kindness in embracing and protecting us was deeply moving.”
A Maternal Side
While Getty’s on-screen persona was known for zingers, Zimmerman emphasized her nurturing nature off-screen. “She had a very motherly quality,” he said. “Even years after I stopped writing for the show, she’d call me to ask, ‘Who are you dating? Where are you working?’ She wasn’t shy about giving advice, either.”
Interestingly, Getty, who played the oldest character in the show, was actually younger than both Bea Arthur and Betty White. “She had to wear old-age makeup to appear older,” Zimmerman noted, recounting a humorous incident. “After one of the earlier seasons, she got a facelift. The makeup team joked, ‘Estelle, why do you look younger now?’ But she was simply overjoyed to be in Hollywood. Imagine working toward something your whole life and finally achieving it.”
Challenges Behind the Scenes
As close as Zimmerman was to Getty, he also witnessed her struggles. Unbeknownst to the cast and crew at the time, she was experiencing early signs of dementia. “Her memory issues and fear of performing in front of a live studio audience created a lot of anxiety for her,” he explained. “Friday night tapings were particularly tough.”
Zimmerman revealed that Getty attended therapy several times a week, though many on set believed she was out enjoying Hollywood’s nightlife. “It wasn’t true. She was struggling and working hard to prepare for her role.”
To help her during filming, the crew employed some creative strategies. “If you see her eating raisins in certain episodes, it’s because we wrote her lines on her hand. We even taped cue cards to furniture. Despite all of this, she always delivered. Every time she said her lines, it was like a home run.”
Betty White’s Mixed Reception
Zimmerman admitted that he initially had a negative impression of Betty White. “During tapings, if Estelle forgot her lines, Betty would turn to the audience and crack jokes about it. At the time, I thought it was mean-spirited.”
However, his perspective changed over time. “Looking back, I realized she may have been trying to divert attention from Estelle, giving her a moment to regroup. It’s something I’ve only come to appreciate as I’ve grown older.”
Zimmerman also hinted at tension between Bea Arthur and Betty White. “Their approaches were very different. Bea came from a theater background and stayed in character even during breaks. She didn’t like seeing Betty chat with the audience in the middle of a scene.”
A Legacy Like No Other
Zimmerman expressed gratitude for the cast’s recognition of the writers. “Those four women went out of their way to acknowledge the writers during interviews, which is rare in Hollywood. I’ll always be thankful for that.”
Contrary to popular belief, none of the show’s dialogue was improvised. “People often think the women ad-libbed, but every word, every comma, every pause was scripted,” Zimmerman said.
In his book, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore, Zimmerman delves deeper into his experiences with The Golden Girls and shares stories about working with other television legends like Lily Tomlin, Lauren Graham, and Roseanne. Additionally, his play Right Before I Go, inspired by the suicide of a close friend, continues to tour and raise awareness about mental health.
If you’re a fan of The Golden Girls, be sure to share these lesser-known facts with others who love the show!
