The Final Living Stars of The Golden Girls Cast
Many beloved sitcoms have left a lasting legacy, even long after they ended. These classic shows, however, often feature actors who have since passed away. While some stars’ deaths come as unexpected news, other shows — particularly those with older cast members — make the passage of time more apparent.
NBC’s timeless sitcom The Golden Girls falls into the latter category. The show centered around four older women navigating life together in Miami, and it ran from 1985 to 1992. It’s no surprise that all four iconic leads — Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty, and Betty White — have passed on. Remarkably, Betty White lived to an impressive 99 years before passing in December 2021.
Although The Golden Girls revolved heavily around its four main stars, many talented recurring cast members helped bring the show to life. While the leading ladies may no longer be with us, several recurring actors from the series are still thriving. Let’s take a closer look at some of these unforgettable performers.
Lynnie Greene (Young Dorothy Zbornak)
Playing a younger version of Dorothy Zbornak in flashback scenes was no easy task, but Lynnie Greene nailed it. She flawlessly captured Bea Arthur’s distinct mannerisms, voice, and signature dry humor, particularly in scenes with Estelle Getty’s Sophia. Interestingly, Getty, who played Dorothy’s mother, was actually a year younger than Arthur — making it unnecessary to recast her for flashback episodes.
Despite her remarkable portrayal, Greene’s time on screen was brief. Her acting credits include a handful of guest roles, a short-lived sitcom called On Our Own, and a small part in the 1984 film Over the Brooklyn Bridge. After her stint on The Golden Girls, Greene shifted her focus behind the scenes.
As Lyn Greene, she found success as a writer and producer for shows like Nip/Tuck, Stark Raving Mad, and Masters of Sex. Her work continues to shape the television industry, proving that her storytelling talents extend far beyond acting.
Monte Markham (Clayton Hollingsworth)
One of The Golden Girls‘ most groundbreaking storylines involved Blanche’s brother, Clayton Hollingsworth. Portrayed by Monte Markham, Clayton appeared in two powerful episodes that tackled LGBTQ+ themes — a rare occurrence in sitcoms of the 1980s. His character’s struggles with coming out and same-sex marriage are explored in “Scared Straight” and “Sister of the Bride.”
Markham’s casting was a brilliant move. Known for his rugged roles in Westerns and as the Seven Million Dollar Man on The Six Million Dollar Man, he defied harmful LGBTQ+ stereotypes. Markham’s long and varied acting career continues today, with consistent work in film and television.
Lisa Jane Persky (Kate Griffiths)
Dorothy’s daughter, Kate Griffiths, was a recurring character portrayed by two different actresses. Lisa Jane Persky first took on the role in Season 1’s “Guess Who’s Coming to the Wedding,” where Kate’s wedding is the focus.
Persky’s acting career took off in 1986 with appearances in films like Peggy Sue Got Married and The Big Easy. In addition to her acting work, Persky is a prolific writer, photographer, and a notable figure in New York City’s punk music scene during the 1970s.
Deena Freeman (Kate Griffiths)
Deena Freeman took over the role of Kate Griffiths in Season 2’s “Son-in-Law Dearest.” This episode explored marital infidelity and forgiveness. Freeman’s portrayal showed Kate in a different light compared to Persky’s earlier performance.
Freeman has continued to act over the years, making guest appearances on shows like Diagnosis Murder and Intelligence. She’s also worked as a voice actor in Pixar-themed video games and serves as an acting and speech coach.
Scott Jacoby (Michael Zbornak)
Dorothy’s son, Michael Zbornak, appeared in three episodes of The Golden Girls, with Scott Jacoby taking on the role. As a free-spirited musician, Michael frequently worried his mother with his unconventional lifestyle.
Jacoby was an experienced child actor before joining The Golden Girls, with roles in various films and TV shows from the late 1960s through the 1980s. However, his acting career wound down shortly after his time on the series. His final film role was in 1991’s Son of Darkness: To Die For II. Jacoby later co-directed a documentary titled Rage: 20 Years of Punk Rock West Coast Style, but he’s largely stepped away from the film industry.
These remaining recurring cast members of The Golden Girls remind us that the show’s legacy lives on. While the main stars may no longer be with us, their unforgettable performances — and the contributions of those behind the scenes — continue to inspire fans across generations.
