The Southern Belle Accent
Everyone adored Blanche’s sweet southern accent, it also seemed very genuine, especially as the show progressed and she grew into her role. However, Rue McClanahan threw the accent in on her own. One day, she just started using it and producers asked her to keep it up.
Her accent added a “southern belle” aspect to Blanche that everybody just fell in love with. Can you imagine Blanche without that accent?
Kind of Racist?
Writers have in the past admitted that Sophia had some racist tendencies, but they attributed her outbursts to a stroke that she’d had a few years back.
The show’s creators thought that it would be okay to let her deliver some of the controversial lines, as long as it could be blamed on her condition.
Rose Nylund Makes Her Rounds
Everybody treasured Betty White’s character, Rose Nylund. In fact, Rose was so loved that she was constantly invited to do random appearances and cameos on an array of different shows. In 1988 she appeared on “Empty Nest,” and in “Nurses” at the end of 1991. She also guest-starred on the CBS show “The Golden Palace” in 1992.
Betty White was clearly the world’s favorite Golden Girl.
Where Art Thou, Dorothy?
Producers were thrown into a frenzy when Bea Arthur, who they’d originally hoped would fill the role of Dorothy, turned them down. They were launched into search mode, trying to hunt down someone who could bring to life the character that they’d envisioned. They were becoming discouraged and couldn’t seem to find anyone to fit the bill.
However, Bea made everything right when she suggested that White and McClanahan switch roles. They agreed and she then jumped back on board!
“Mom” Was Younger than Dorothy
Estelle Getty was made up to look older than her actual age for the purpose of playing “Mom” on The Golden Girls. In fact, “Dorothy” was actually Estelle’s senior by an entire year.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Estelle Getty’s makeup artists.