The Golden Girls, a TV hit from 1985 to 1992, remains one of the most beloved shows in television history. Recently, Newsner spoke with Stan Zimmerman, a writer for Season 1, who shared fascinating stories from behind the scenes, including lesser-known facts about the cast and their relationships.
VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSmrp5wbEZo
Estelle Getty, unforgettable as the wisecracking Sophia Petrillo, made a lasting impression on Zimmerman not just with her wit but with her warmth and support. Zimmerman recalled how, as a young writer in 1985, he and his partner were advised to keep their identities as gay men a secret. Getty surprised them with her kindness, pulling them aside to say, “Your secret’s safe with me,” showing solidarity and support in a time when Hollywood was less accepting.
While Getty was younger than both Bea Arthur and Betty White, her character required elaborate age makeup, and she even had a facelift between seasons. This amused the makeup team, who had to work harder to age her on screen. Despite her professionalism, Getty struggled with early-onset dementia, which caused her significant anxiety during tapings. To help her remember lines, the team discreetly placed cues around the set, even writing on her hands or taping prompts to furniture.
Zimmerman also shared insights into the dynamics among the actresses. Although Betty White often poked fun at Getty when she forgot lines, Zimmerman now believes White was trying to ease tension and give Getty a moment to regroup. Zimmerman recalled hearing about personality clashes between Bea Arthur, who came from theater and valued consistency, and White, who embraced her own style and often chatted with the audience during breaks.
Zimmerman expressed deep gratitude to the actresses, noting their genuine appreciation for the writers. Unlike many actors, the Golden Girls cast often credited the writers in interviews, recognizing the dialogue that helped define their iconic roles. Zimmerman captures these memorable moments and more in his book The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore, where he details his experiences with some of television’s biggest stars.
