The beloved Golden Girls brought laughter to millions. Sadly, none of the four main cast members is still alive. Betty White, the last surviving Golden Girl, passed away on December 31, 2021, at age 99, leaving an irreplaceable legacy in television history.
Are the Golden Girls Still Alive?
None of the Golden Girls are still alive.
- Rose (Betty White) passed away in 2021 at the age of 99 - the day before 2022 and two weeks before her 100th birthday.
- Blanche (Rue McClanahan) died in June 2010 at the age of 76 at New York–Presbyterian Hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
- Dorothy (Bea Arthur) passed away in 2009 at the age of 86 from lung cancer.
- Sophia (Estelle Getty) faced death in 2008 at the age of 84 due to Lewy body dementia.
The Golden Girls Cast
The main characters in the 'Golden Girls' show were four older, single women living together in a retirement home in Miami.
The start of the series aired in 1985 and ended in 1992, which followed several awards.
But how old were the Golden Girls supposed to be?
Estelle Getty: (Sophia Petrillo)
Estelle Getty played Sophia Petrillo. Her comedic brilliance and impeccable timing made her a star icon.
Career Highlights: Before finding fame as the outspoken Italian grandmother, Getty honed her craft in theater and film. Roles in Tootsie, Golden Girls, and Mask showcased her versatility.
Health and Passing: Sadly, the actress' later years were shadowed by health struggles. Diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, Getty passed away in 2008 at 84.
Bea Arthur (Dorothy Zbornak)
Before becoming the sharp-tongued Dorothy Zbornak, Bea Arthur built a solid foundation in theater. Her Broadway roles, including Yente in Fiddler on the Roof and Vera Charles in Mame, showcased her dramatic prowess.
Career Highlights: Arthur’s portrayal of Dorothy in The Golden Girls became iconic, earning her multiple awards. She potrayed her character with intelligence, humor, and vulnerability, which resonated with audiences worldwide.
Health and Passing: Dorothy's life ended after battling with cancer in 2009 at the age of 86. While her physical presence is missed, her legacy as one of television's most beloved characters lives on.
Rue McClanahan (Blanche Devereaux)
Rue McClanahan brought the Southern charm and sass of Blanche Devereaux to life on The Golden Girls. But her career spanned far beyond Miami.
Before stealing hearts as Blanche, McClanahan had established herself as a comedic actress on shows like Maude and All in the Family.
Career Highlights: She created a hilarious and memorable character. Blanche's pursuit of romance, her love for all things glamorous, and her fierce loyalty resonated with audiences.
Health and Passing: McClanahan's life wasn't without challenges. In the later years, she bravely faced breast cancer. Sadly, in 2010, a cerebral hemorrhage (stroke) tragically cut her life short at the age of 76.
Check out the best Golden Girls episodes here.
Betty White (Rose Nylund)
Betty White is a television legend whose career spanned over eight decades. Before becoming the sweet and naive Rose Nylund, she was a pioneer in the early days of television.
Her work in shows like Life with Elizabeth showcased her comedic talent and paved the way for future female comedians.
Career Highlights: White's portrayal of Rose on The Golden Girls solidified her iconic status. Her character's endearing naivety and unexpected wisdom captured the hearts of millions.
Recent Years and Legacy: In her later years, White remained active and beloved. Known for her sharp wit and love for animals, she continued to entertain audiences and inspire generations. But the world lost this cherished icon on December 31, 2021, at the age of 99 [1].
Why The Golden Girls Remain Timeless
The Golden Girls continues to attract new fans decades after its final season. The show's intelligent writing addressed topics that were groundbreaking for the 1980s, including:
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Aging with dignity and humor — challenging stereotypes about older women
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Female friendship — showcasing how chosen family can be just as important as blood relatives
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Social issues — tackling subjects like HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+ rights, and elder care with sensitivity
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Women's sexuality — portraying older women as romantic and sexual beings
The show earned multiple Emmy Awards, with all four stars winning for their performances — a rare achievement in television history.
Recurring Cast Members and Guest Stars: Where Are They Now?
While the four actresses who starred in the series have all passed away, several actors who played recurring characters on The Golden Girls are still alive and continue their work in entertainment. These guest star appearances and recurring roles added depth to the show's Miami setting.
Kate Griffiths (Dorothy's Daughter)
The character of Kate Griffiths, Dorothy's daughter, was portrayed by two different actors across multiple episodes. Lisa Jane Persky played Kate in the first-season episode "Guess Who's Coming to the Wedding," while Deena Freeman took over the role in Season 2's "Son-in-Law Dearest" and appeared in two episodes total. Both actors remain active — Persky in writing and photography, while Freeman founded an acting studio for kids and teens in Los Angeles.
Michael Zbornak (Dorothy's Son)
Scott Jacoby portrayed Michael Zbornak, Dorothy's son, across multiple appearances. Jacoby, who had an extensive career in movies and TV before joining the cast, left acting in the early 1990s after the series ended.
Other Notable Recurring Characters
Lynnie Greene appeared as Young Dorothy Zbornak in flashback sequences, later transitioning to a successful career as a television writer and producer in New York.
Monte Markham guest-starred on the show and continues working in film and television production to this day.
The show also featured memorable recurring characters like Miles Webber (Rose's professor boyfriend) and Clayton Hollingsworth (Blanche's brother), among many others who appeared throughout seven years of production.
The Golden Palace and Series Finale
After the series finale aired in 1992, three of the four stars (Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty) continued their characters in the spin-off The Golden Palace, which ran for one season. The show explored new storylines after Dorothy's departure, though it never achieved the same success as the original.
The Enduring Impact of The Golden Girls
The cultural impact of The Golden Girls extends far beyond its original seven-season run. The show:
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Ranked #54 on TV Guide's list of the 60 Best Series of All Time
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Placed #69 on the Writers Guild of America's "101 Best Written TV Series of All Time"
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Continues streaming on Hulu, introducing the show to new generations
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Inspired merchandise, themed events, and fan celebrations worldwide
The four actresses brought authenticity to their roles that resonated across demographics, making the show appealing to viewers of all ages.
FAQs
Who was the oldest Golden Girl in real life?
Betty White (Rose) was the oldest Golden Girl in real life at 63 when the show began. However, on the show, Estelle Getty (Sophia) played the oldest character, despite being a year younger than Bea Arthur, who played her daughter, Dorothy.
Did The Golden Girls get along in real life?
The Golden Girls generally got along well in real life. Their on-screen chemistry reflected genuine bonds formed during production. Betty White and Rue McClanahan developed a particularly strong friendship. While Bea Arthur was known for being more reserved and professional on set, the cast maintained mutual respect throughout the series.
When did the last Golden Girl pass away?
Betty White, the last surviving Golden Girl, passed away on December 31, 2021, at age 99 — just 17 days before what would have been her 100th birthday.
Were there any spin-offs from The Golden Girls?
Yes, there were two spin-offs: The Golden Palace (1992-1993), which featured three of the four stars after Dorothy's departure, and Empty Nest, which aired alongside the original series and shared the same universe.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Girls remains a beloved cultural touchstone that transcends generations. While we've lost all four of these talented stars, their show's impact is undeniable, and their characters continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
The loss of these talented actresses between 2008 and 2021 marked the end of an era, but their legacy lives on through reruns, streaming, and the countless lives they touched with their groundbreaking work. From their golden years on screen to their lasting influence on television comedy, these four women changed the entertainment landscape forever.
If you're an avid Golden Girls fan and want to relive the iconic TV show moments, check out Toynk's Golden Girls merch collection now and celebrate the timeless humor and friendship that made this show legendary.
References:
- https://people.com/tv/betty-white-the-golden-girls-and-hot-in-cleveland-star-dead-at-99/
- https://collider.com/golden-girls-betty-white-bea-arthur-feud/
