Why Beatrice Arthur Almost Turned Down The Golden Girls

It’s hard to imagine The Golden Girls without Beatrice Arthur. Her portrayal of Dorothy Zbornak—the quick-witted, sarcastic, yet deeply caring schoolteacher—became one of television’s most iconic roles. However, many fans may not realize that Arthur almost turned down the role that would define her career.

So why did she hesitate? Let’s take a closer look at the surprising reasons Beatrice Arthur nearly walked away from The Golden Girls before it even began.

A Role That Almost Wasn’t

When Susan Harris, the creator of The Golden Girls, began developing the show, Dorothy Zbornak was written specifically for Beatrice Arthur. Harris had worked with Arthur before, having written episodes of Maude—the groundbreaking sitcom that made Arthur a household name in the 1970s. She knew that Arthur’s signature deadpan delivery and sharp comedic timing were perfect for the role of Dorothy.

However, when NBC executives approached Arthur about starring in The Golden Girls, she wasn’t immediately sold on the idea.

Concerns About the Script

One of the first reasons Arthur hesitated was that she wasn’t sure about the show’s concept. A sitcom about four older women living together in Miami was a rare idea at the time, and Arthur wasn’t convinced that audiences would embrace it. Television at the time was more focused on younger characters and fast-paced storylines, so a series centered on mature women navigating life, love, and friendship was an unusual gamble.

But it wasn’t just the premise that concerned her—it was also the tone of the script. Arthur initially felt that the character of Dorothy might be too similar to Maude Findlay, her role in Maude, and she wasn’t eager to repeat herself.

A Hesitation Over Co-Stars

Another surprising factor in Arthur’s reluctance was her concerns about working with Rue McClanahan. While Arthur and McClanahan had worked together before on Maude—where McClanahan played the sweet but scatterbrained Vivian—Arthur had reservations about teaming up again. She feared that audiences would associate them too closely with their previous characters, making it difficult for them to create something fresh.

Ironically, the studio originally wanted Betty White to play Blanche Devereaux and Rue McClanahan to play Rose Nylund, but the two actresses suggested switching roles to avoid typecasting. This casting change ultimately convinced Arthur that the show had a unique dynamic worth exploring.

The Person Who Changed Her Mind

Despite her concerns, it was Rue McClanahan who ultimately convinced Arthur to take the role. In an interview, McClanahan recalled calling Arthur and urging her to read the script again, emphasizing how special the show could be. McClanahan assured her that The Golden Girls was something different—something that had never been done before on television.

Arthur took her advice, re-read the script, and realized just how much potential the series had. Eventually, she agreed to join the cast, and television history was made.

A Role That Became Legendary

Once the cameras started rolling, Arthur fully embraced Dorothy Zbornak, delivering some of the show’s sharpest and most memorable lines. Her chemistry with Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty was undeniable, and together, they created a groundbreaking sitcom that resonated with audiences of all ages.

Arthur’s initial hesitation makes her performance as Dorothy even more remarkable. She wasn’t just playing a character—she was shaping a legacy. The Golden Girls became one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, and Arthur’s portrayal of Dorothy remains a fan favorite decades later.

It’s fascinating to think that a few doubts and hesitations nearly prevented Beatrice Arthur from stepping into one of her most iconic roles. Thankfully, she took the leap—and television is all the better for it.