While The Golden Girls is remembered for its heartwarming humor and chemistry between its four iconic leads, a recent panel discussion marking the show’s 40th anniversary revealed that things weren’t always as sunny off-screen as they appeared on camera.
Producer Marsha Posner Williams shared candid memories of the dynamic between two of the show’s stars — Bea Arthur and Betty White — during the event on June 18. Despite their beloved portrayal of close friends Dorothy Zbornak and Rose Nylund, Williams revealed that the pair had a strained relationship behind the scenes.
“When the cameras were rolling, there were no more professional people than those women,” Williams said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “But when the red light was off, those two just didn’t get along.”
Williams recalled that Bea Arthur, known for her strong-willed personality, would occasionally express frustration over her co-star. “She would call me and vent. Sometimes it was about something as small as a grocery store encounter,” Williams shared with a chuckle. “I would tell her, ‘Bea, just let it go.’”
Although the root of the tension was never entirely clear, Williams noted that the friction was real and long-standing. “My husband and I had dinner at Bea’s house a couple of times, and let’s just say she wasn’t shy about expressing her feelings,” she added.
The feud may have even influenced the series’ end in 1992. According to Williams, all four leads — including Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty — were approached about continuing the show. While Getty, McClanahan, and White were reportedly open to returning, Arthur declined. “Bea said no, and that was the end of the show,” Williams explained. “She didn’t enjoy it when Betty broke character to talk to the live audience — that kind of thing really bothered her.”
Despite their differences, both women left a lasting legacy on one of television’s most beloved sitcoms. Their on-screen magic continues to resonate with generations of viewers, serving as a reminder that sometimes, great performances can come from complex relationships.
Source: E! News