You’ve likely heard of the immensely popular TV show The Golden Girls, which aired from 1985 to 1992. The show captured the hearts of viewers around the world and remains a beloved classic even decades later. In fact, it’s still talked about today, despite being a show that was never expected to survive past its first season.
Stan Zimmerman, a staff writer for Season 1 of The Golden Girls, recently shared some behind-the-scenes stories with Newsner, shedding light on some lesser-known details about the iconic show. Here’s a closer look at some of those fascinating revelations.
Estelle Getty: The Warm Heart Behind the One-Liners
While audiences remember Estelle Getty for her sharp wit and memorable zingers as Sophia Petrillo, Zimmerman recalls a very different side to the actress—her warmth and motherly nature. He shared a touching memory of when Estelle approached him and his writing partner, Jim, during her layover. She was very excited to meet them, saying, “I’m so small,” and pulled them backstage, where she shared her secret with them. “Your secret is safe with me,” she whispered. They later discovered that Estelle had assumed they were Jewish, not realizing they were gay, but still felt comfortable enough to confide in them.
Zimmerman also reflected on the challenges Estelle faced while working on the show. Despite playing the oldest of the Golden Girls, she was actually younger than Bea Arthur and Betty White, and makeup artists had to work hard to age her appearance. He shared a humorous anecdote about Estelle receiving a facelift between seasons, which led the makeup team to comment, “Estelle, we have to do your makeup now. How come you look so much better?”
Struggles with Early-Onset Dementia
Zimmerman revealed that Estelle Getty was quietly battling early-onset dementia during the filming of The Golden Girls. At the time, the cast and crew were unaware of the condition, but Estelle’s growing difficulty remembering her lines became increasingly apparent. Zimmerman recalled how the Friday night tapings would cause her great anxiety, and the cast and crew worked hard to support her.
Estelle attended therapy multiple times a week, something very few people on set knew about. Zimmerman explained that the studio believed she was attending Hollywood parties, when in reality, she was focusing on overcoming her challenges with memory. To help her, the crew would sometimes write her lines on her hands, tape them to furniture, or use cue cards. Despite her struggles, Estelle always delivered stellar performances, and her comic timing remained impeccable.
Betty White: A Changing Perspective
Zimmerman also discussed his initial unfavorable impression of Betty White, recalling that she would sometimes joke about Estelle Getty’s fumbled lines during tapings in front of the studio audience. He found this behavior unkind at the time, but as he matured, Zimmerman reconsidered. He speculated that Betty may have been trying to divert attention to give Estelle time to recover and remember her lines.
Zimmerman also hinted at some tension between Betty White and Bea Arthur. While Bea was known for her serious stage acting background, Betty was more laid-back and often interacted with the audience during breaks, which apparently irked Bea.
The Golden Girls’ Appreciation for Writers
One of the most heartwarming revelations Zimmerman shared was the genuine appreciation the four Golden Girls stars had for the writers. He praised the women for consistently mentioning and thanking the writers during interviews. “They always gave us credit,” he said. “And that’s not something you usually see in Hollywood.”
Additionally, Zimmerman clarified a common misconception: the Golden Girls never improvised their lines. Every word, comma, and period in the script was carefully written by the staff. “What we wrote was what they said,” he emphasized.
The Legacy of The Golden Girls
Zimmerman’s experiences with The Golden Girls are chronicled in his book The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore, where he also shares stories about working with other TV legends like Lily Tomlin, Lauren Graham, and Roseanne. His current play, Right Before I Go, based on the suicide of a close friend, is currently on tour.
These behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of The Golden Girls remind us of the incredible talent, resilience, and camaraderie that went into creating one of the most beloved TV shows of all time.
