The Golden Girls became a beloved classic when it aired from 1985 to 1992, capturing hearts around the world despite initial doubts about its longevity. Over 30 years later, the series remains a cult classic. Recently, Stan Zimmerman, writer of the first season, shared some behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of the series.
Estelle Getty, who played Sophia, is remembered by Zimmerman for her kindness, despite her character’s harsh reactions. He recalled how she supported him and his partner when they were young writers and encouraged them to be open about their identities. Although she played the oldest of the group, Getty was younger than her co-stars Bea Arthur and Betty White. The makeup team had to make her appear older, even after she received a facelift during the series.
Zimmerman revealed that Getty struggled with early-onset dementia, which affected her ability to remember lines. To help her, writers sometimes wrote lines on her hands or placed cue cards on set. Despite these challenges, Getty always delivered her lines perfectly.
Zimmerman initially had a poor opinion of Betty White and felt she was mean to Getty during filming. Over time, however, he realized that White’s behavior may have been an attempt to distract the audience and give Getty time to reflect. He also noticed some tension between Bea Arthur and Betty White, citing their different working styles.
A notable aspect of the series was the actresses’ consistent praise of the writers in interviews—something not often seen in Hollywood. Zimmerman clarified that the lines were strictly scripted and not improvised, as some fans believed. Zimmerman describes his experiences and many others in detail in his book “The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore.” He also tours his play “Right Before I Go,” which was inspired by the suicide of a close friend.