5 Fascinating Secrets About the Golden Girls That You’ve Never Heard Before
Revealing Secrets Behind The Golden Girls: Rue McClanahan’s Unfiltered Stories
Just when you think you’ve uncovered all there is to know about The Golden Girls, a rare interview emerges that unveils hidden gems from behind the scenes of this beloved sitcom. Thanks to the Archive of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, we get a glimpse of what life on set was really like — and it’s nothing short of pop-culture gold. At the center of this revelation? Rue McClanahan, who portrayed the iconic Blanche Devereaux, sharing some of the juiciest secrets from her time on the show.
Let’s dive into the most intriguing revelations Rue shared during her interview.
1) Bea Arthur and Rue McClanahan Were Colleagues, Not Close Friends
While fans might have imagined a deep off-screen friendship between the cast members, Rue McClanahan revealed that her relationship with Bea Arthur (Dorothy Zbornak) was more professional than personal.
“Bea and I didn’t have a lot of relationship going on,” Rue admitted. “She wouldn’t go to lunch with me unless Betty [White] would go too.”
Their interactions outside of filming were limited, and the cast rarely socialized together except during Estelle Getty’s annual birthday parties in June. However, in the interview, Rue lightens the mood by doing a hilarious impersonation of Bea’s famously gruff demeanor — a must-see moment for any fan.
2) Estelle Getty Battled Severe Stage Fright on Tape Nights
Estelle Getty, who played the quick-witted Sophia Petrillo, may have exuded confidence on screen, but behind the scenes, she struggled with intense stage fright.
“Estelle was a completely different person the rest of the week,” Rue shared. “But once it was tape night, she was like Pigpen with a black cloud.”
According to Rue, Estelle would often forget her lines on show nights due to anxiety, despite being flawless during rehearsals. Rue tried to help by offering advice on delivering Sophia’s signature “Picture it, Sicily” stories, but the nerves would still take over when the cameras rolled.
3) Rue Was Blanche — and Blanche Was Rue
When it came to casting The Golden Girls, producers originally envisioned Rue McClanahan as Rose Nylund and Betty White as Blanche. However, after a few read-throughs, they realized that Rue embodied Blanche’s Southern charm and confidence perfectly.
When asked what she thought of being considered for Blanche, Rue gave a quintessentially Blanche-like response:
“How smart of them to consider me!”
Rue admitted that she wouldn’t have known how to approach playing the sweet and naive Rose, adding, “It would have been painful to play Rose!”
4) Rue Kept Blanche’s Lingerie as Souvenirs
Blanche’s wardrobe was iconic — especially her collection of luxurious nighties. Rue loved the character’s style so much that she kept all of Blanche’s lingerie after the show ended.
Imagine opening Rue’s closet and finding Blanche’s glamorous nightgowns neatly stored! Rue even took her love for fashion a step further by launching her own clothing line at one point, inspired by Blanche’s bold style.
5) Rue Had Her Own Roommates — and They Weren’t as Fun as Dorothy and Rose
In real life, Rue McClanahan lived with two female roommates, just like her character Blanche. However, unlike the quirky but lovable dynamics on The Golden Girls, her real-life roommates were a far cry from Dorothy and Rose.
One roommate was described as rigid and controlling, while the other frequently neglected to pay rent or utilities on time. Rue’s experience with her housemates was far from the hilarious cheesecake-filled late-night chats that fans associate with the show.
Behind the Interviews: Jim Colucci’s Stories About the Cast
Jim Colucci, who conducted these interviews with Rue McClanahan, later released a book about The Golden Girls, sharing even more behind-the-scenes anecdotes. His time with each of the actresses gave fans a deeper understanding of the women behind the iconic roles:
- Rue McClanahan: Jim recalled that when he visited Rue’s New York City home for the interview, she greeted him fresh from the shower, wearing a bathrobe that looked ready to slip off at any moment.
- Betty White: Jim interviewed Betty White in her living room, with her golden retriever, Pontiac, lying at their feet. Betty’s sharp wit and endless stories made her a delight to talk to.
- Bea Arthur: Getting Bea to agree to an interview was a challenge, according to Jim. He described her as guarded at first, but after spending hours together, she eventually warmed up to him.
“It took Bea a while to open up because she really didn’t remember much about the show,” Jim said. However, by the end of the day, they bonded over a bottle of white wine in Bea’s living room.
In a touching moment, Jim recalled saying goodbye to Bea with a hug. “At first, it surprised her, but then I felt her relax in my arms,” he shared. “It was really a touching moment, and I’ll always treasure my day with her.”
A Legacy of Friendship and Laughter
Although the cast members of The Golden Girls may not have been as close off-screen as their characters were on-screen, the magic they created together remains timeless. Rue McClanahan’s candid reflections remind fans that these iconic women weren’t just characters — they were real people with quirks, insecurities, and stories to share.
And in true Golden Girls fashion, we’re grateful to Rue for being a friend — and for spilling these unforgettable behind-the-scenes secrets.
