15 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘The Golden Girls’

10. Rue McClanahan and Betty White Were Total Besties

Despite a solely – let’s say, “businesslike” relationship with Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Betty White were actually quite close. On the set, the two women liked to pass time by playing word games (Betty White had a reputation for being quite competitive). When McClanahan died, Betty White said, “Rue was a close and dear friend. I treasured our relationship. It hurts more than I ever thought it would, if that’s even possible.”

11. The Girls Were Critical Hits

The Golden Girls were not only a riot, they were a well-written, well-directed riot. The show was nominated for Best Comedy Series every year it was on the air (from 1985-1992) and actually won three of those. In addition, every member of the cast won an Emmy for their performance, “a feat only accomplished by two other shows, All In the Family and Will & Grace.

12. Bea Arthur Would Have Quit After 5 Seasons

Oh, Bea, you lovable curmudgeon. It was said that the series’ star, Bea Arthur, actually wanted to leave the show after the fifth season. She’d grown tired of the routine (the same thing happened with her previous series, Maude). Producers were forced to coerce Arthur into staying for another two season until she ultimately left. Not willing to carry on without one of the key cogs in the machine, the show went off the air after season seven.