What The Cast Of The Golden Girls Did After The Show Ended

In an entertainment industry obsessed with youth and sex appeal—especially when it comes to women—it’s hard to believe that someone once successfully pitched a sitcom about four older women sharing a home in Florida. Yet not only did The Golden Girls get greenlit, but it also became a massive hit. The beloved series ran for seven seasons, inspired two spin-offs, and earned numerous accolades, including at least one Primetime Emmy Award for each of its four stars.

However, nothing lasts forever, and in 1992, the Golden Girls closed their doors for good. Many of the actors who brought the show to life are no longer with us, but their post-Golden Girls journeys hold some surprising twists. One star went on to become a cultural icon with an undeniable cool factor, while some younger recurring actors from the series have since built impressive careers. Curious for more details? Read on to discover what happened to the cast of The Golden Girls after the show ended.

Bea Arthur Never Stopped Giving

As the central figure of The Golden Girls, Bea Arthur’s Dorothy Zbornak often played the straight woman of the group. She delivered sharp-witted commentary on Blanche’s romantic escapades, Rose’s naivety, and her own mother’s blunt nature. Though cynical and easily irritated, Dorothy had a warm heart—just like the actress who portrayed her.

After The Golden Girls ended, Arthur continued acting, primarily on television. She had a recurring role as a literary agent on Dave’s World and appeared in guest spots on Malcolm in the Middle and Curb Your Enthusiasm. In the late ‘90s, she embraced self-referential roles, playing herself in Ellen and Beggars and Choosers. Arthur passed away from lung cancer in 2009 at the age of 86.

Her generosity extended beyond the screen. In 2005, she raised $40,000 in a single night for the Ali Forney Center, a shelter for homeless LGBTQ youth. Upon her passing, she left the organization a staggering $300,000, which helped it survive the economic recession.

Betty White Became an Icon

Sweet yet competitive, with a killer sense of humor, Rose Nylund—played by Betty White—became one of television’s most unforgettable characters. White won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for The Golden Girls’ first season and was nominated for the award every year the show aired.

After the series ended, White starred in its spin-off The Golden Palace, though the show was short-lived. She went on to land roles in multiple sitcoms, including Maybe This Time and Bob. Throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, she made memorable appearances in That ‘70s Show, The Practice, Boston Legal, and even played a quirky, foul-mouthed character in the horror-comedy Lake Placid.

However, what cemented White as a pop culture icon was a Snickers commercial that aired during the 2010 Super Bowl. The ad’s popularity led to a viral Facebook campaign that secured her a historic gig as the oldest person to ever host Saturday Night Live.

Rue McClanahan Worked Tirelessly Until the End

Blanche Devereaux, played by Rue McClanahan, was a widow long before The Golden Girls began. Throughout the series, she passionately pursued love—often with younger men—despite Sophia’s teasing about her age. Ironically, McClanahan was actually the youngest of the four lead actresses.

She had already collaborated with Betty White before The Golden Girls on Mama’s Family, and they continued working together on The Golden Palace. While that show was short-lived, McClanahan remained active in Hollywood, taking on TV roles until just before her passing. She was also a passionate advocate for animal rights, once telling Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry that he lost her vote due to his pheasant hunting.

McClanahan faced serious health challenges in her later years. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, she made a full recovery. However, after surviving a stroke in 2009, she suffered a second one in 2010 that took her life at the age of 76.

Estelle Getty Made Sophia Unforgettable

Though she played the oldest Golden Girl, Estelle Getty was actually younger than Bea Arthur in real life. As Sophia Petrillo, she stole scenes with her sharp wit, Sicily-inspired storytelling, and brutally honest remarks—especially toward her daughter, Dorothy.

Getty reprised her role in The Golden Palace and made guest appearances as Sophia in Empty Nest, Nurses, and even Blossom. While she played other characters—including a comedic turn alongside Sylvester Stallone in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot—Sophia remained her signature role.

In 2000, Getty was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, which forced her into retirement. She passed away in July 2008, just days before her 85th birthday.

We Lost Herb Edelman Shortly After The Golden Girls Ende

Dorothy’s ex-husband, Stanley Zbornak, was a recurring presence in The Golden Girls, much to Dorothy’s annoyance. Played by Herb Edelman, Stanley was a womanizing, financially unstable “yutz” who never quite got over his ex-wife.

Edelman had been a prolific character actor for years before The Golden Girls, but his portrayal of Stan became his most famous role, earning him two Primetime Emmy nominations. He later played NYPD Lieutenant Artie Gelber on Murder, She Wrote.

Unfortunately, Edelman’s career was cut short when he died of emphysema in July 1996 at the age of 62.

Harold Gould Pursued His Dreams Until the End

Rose’s charming love interest, Miles Webber, was played by Harold Gould, though he originally appeared as a different character, Arnie Petersen, in an earlier episode. Gould continued playing Miles in The Golden Palace, keeping Rose’s romance alive.

Before The Golden Girls, Gould was best known as Martin Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda, as well as for his role in The Sting. Even after The Golden Girls ended, he remained active in film and television, appearing in Patch Adams, Stuart Little, and Freaky Friday. His final TV appearance was in Nip/Tuck in 2010.

Gould passed away from prostate cancer in September 2010 at the age of 86.

Bill Dana Was a Comedy Giant

Bill Dana played Sophia’s brother, Angelo, in multiple Golden Girls episodes. Though his character was initially mistaken for a priest, he turned out to be far from saintly.

Long before The Golden Girls, Dana was famous for his The Bill Dana Show and for writing classic comedy scripts, including the legendary All in the Family episode in which Sammy Davis Jr. kisses Archie Bunker.

Dana retired from acting in the ‘90s but remained active in preserving comedy history, helping to establish the American Comedy Archives. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 92.

Sid Melton and Nancy Walker: A Lasting Legacy

Sid Melton, who played Sophia’s late husband Sal, had a long career in Hollywood, appearing in Captain Midnight and dozens of classic TV shows. He passed away in 2011 at 94.

Nancy Walker, who played Sophia’s sister Angela, was already a household name as Rhoda’s mother on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the face of Bounty paper towel commercials. She passed away from lung cancer in 1992 at 69.