Departed Bea Arthur’s son recalls growing up with ‘The Golden Girls’ star, addresses alleged Betty White feud.

In a heartfelt new interview, Bea Arthur’s son, Matthew Saks, reflects on his upbringing with the iconic Golden Girls star and opens up about his mother’s legacy and the alleged feud between Arthur and her co-star Betty White.

Bea Arthur, best known for her role as the sharp-tongued Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls, passed away in 2009, but her impact on television and popular culture remains significant. Her portrayal of Dorothy, one of the most beloved characters on the show, cemented Arthur as a legendary figure in Hollywood. But behind the scenes, the world’s perception of the cast was not always as warm and cozy as the sitcom’s setting in Miami.

A Glimpse Into Bea Arthur’s Personal Life

Matthew Saks, Bea Arthur’s only son, grew up in a household where his mother’s fame was ever-present. He recalls his experiences living with the talented actress, providing a unique perspective on the woman who was both a loving mother and a formidable television star.

“Growing up with my mom, it was just always normal for me,” Matthew shared. “She was my mom, and I didn’t know anything different. She was a very strong woman, and she had a great sense of humor. But at home, she was just Bea — no ‘Dorothy Zbornak’ persona.”

Matthew also reflected on how Bea managed the demands of fame while raising him. “She was very grounded. When she was at home, she was all about family, and that was her priority. The Golden Girls cast, especially Betty White, were like a second family to her.”

Addressing the Alleged Betty White Feud

For decades, rumors of a feud between Bea Arthur and Betty White circulated in the media, especially when The Golden Girls ended its run. The two actresses, who played best friends on screen, were rumored to have clashed off-screen due to differing personalities and tensions during the production of the show.

Matthew Saks, however, wants to set the record straight about the alleged animosity. “There was no feud,” he says firmly. “People have always sensationalized things that weren’t there. Yes, my mom and Betty were different people. They had different ways of approaching things, but they respected each other deeply. They were professionals who worked together to create something incredible. It’s unfortunate that people turned their differences into a scandal.”

He also recalled the deep affection his mother had for Betty. “Bea had a lot of respect for Betty. They had a strong working relationship. Sure, they had their moments where they disagreed, but who doesn’t? The stories about them not getting along just weren’t true. My mom was tough, but she had a lot of love for Betty.”

The Legacy of Bea Arthur and the Golden Girls

Despite the rumors, Matthew emphasizes that the bond between the Golden Girls cast was meaningful, and that his mother’s legacy continues to resonate with fans around the world. “She was a trailblazer for women in Hollywood. She didn’t just play a character — she portrayed a woman who was strong, funny, and unapologetically herself. Bea was a role model to so many women, and she really embodied what it meant to be a strong, independent woman.”

Matthew reflected on his pride in his mother’s achievements, particularly in the impact of The Golden Girls. “That show changed lives. It was a groundbreaking show that portrayed older women in a way that was never seen before on television. People loved my mom for who she was, both on and off the screen.”

Bea’s son also shared fond memories of his mother’s sense of humor. “She was funny. She had this dry wit that was so clever. She didn’t need to try too hard. And even off-set, she always had this ability to make people laugh.”

Bea Arthur’s Enduring Influence

As The Golden Girls continues to captivate new generations of viewers through reruns and streaming, Bea Arthur’s legacy is celebrated alongside the other iconic stars of the show. Matthew believes his mother would be proud of how her portrayal of Dorothy Zbornak continues to inspire and entertain.

“She was a pioneer,” he said. “She broke down barriers and brought so much to television. And I think she’d be honored that people still talk about her and the show today. Her legacy is in good hands.”

Though rumors of tension between Bea Arthur and Betty White may have lingered, Matthew Saks is adamant that the truth lies in the mutual respect the actresses had for each other. Bea Arthur may no longer be with us, but her influence, humor, and strength live on through the characters she portrayed and the people she touched in her life, both on and off screen.