Little-Known Facts About The Golden Girls That Will Surprise You
The Golden Girls remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, known for its witty humor, heartwarming moments, and an unforgettable cast. Premiering in 1985, the show followed the lives of four older women living together in Miami. While fans adore the show, there are many behind-the-scenes facts that even die-hard enthusiasts may not know. Here are some fascinating little-known facts about The Golden Girls.
1. Bea Arthur Was Not a Fan of Cheesecake Cheesecake was a recurring theme in The Golden Girls, often shared during the show’s heartfelt late-night kitchen talks. Ironically, Bea Arthur (who played Dorothy Zbornak) didn’t like cheesecake in real life. Instead of enjoying those iconic scenes, she had to tolerate the numerous takes that involved eating it.
2. The Cast Had an Age Difference Similar to Their Characters The show portrayed four women in their golden years, but in reality, Estelle Getty (Sophia Petrillo) was younger than her on-screen daughter, Bea Arthur! To play Sophia convincingly, Getty wore heavy makeup and wigs to appear much older.
3. The Show Was Almost Called Miami Nice Before settling on The Golden Girls, the producers considered naming the show Miami Nice—a play on the popular crime drama Miami Vice. Fortunately, they went with the now-iconic title, which better suited the show’s theme and charm.
4. Betty White Was Originally Cast as Blanche Betty White (Rose Nylund) was first considered for Blanche Devereaux because of her previous role as the flirtatious Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Meanwhile, Rue McClanahan (Blanche) was expected to play the naive Rose. However, producers decided to switch the roles, giving fans the characters they know and love today.
5. There’s a Golden Girls-Themed Café Fans can celebrate their love for the show at The Golden Girls Kitchen, a pop-up café inspired by the series. The café features menu items named after iconic moments from the show, offering a nostalgic experience for visitors.
6. The Set Was Used in Another Famous Sitcom The Golden Girls house exterior was famously modeled after a real house in Los Angeles. However, the interior set was later repurposed for another hit show—Empty Nest, a spin-off set in the same neighborhood.
