Here's Why Bea Arthur Walked Away From The Golden Girls

[@wille5080]

I read in the book that Bea kind of had a breakdown during a table read in one of the middle season episodes: “You’ve been calling me ugly since the first episode!” And she just cried. I think that was season 3 or 4. After that the writers shifted away from the ugly talk and focused on jokes for Dorothy’s lack of a dating life, as well as giving her more stories where she goes on dates.

[@nassauguy48]

What is interesting is that Maude was a self-confident woman who was praised in the show for her stately beauty. I think Bea had grown accustomed to that role.

[@georgie2315]

DOESN'T MATTER WHAT OR WHY, THE GOLDEN GIRLS WERE & ALWAYS WILL BE FANTASTIC 👍

[@michauxbôts]

+Georgie - Thankfully you posted your cogent and succinct remark here in all Caps so more readers could be drawn into experiencing the sheer brilliance of these 14 words strung together so elegantly. As is often said, it's just fantastic.

[@nolsee1176]

I personally intensely dislike when an introverted and private personality is painted as an inherently negative trait. Bea and Dorothy are honestly role models for myself and all the introverts out there who don’t owe an explanation as to why we prefer the quiet and private life.

[@JAG51020]

It's interesting that IRL, Bea Arthur was actually older than Estelle Getty, the actress who plays her mother. That was some good acting, on both their parts! Also interesting to note that Betty White was the oldest IRL of the 4 stars, yet she is the last surviving Golden Girl. 98 years young!

[@janetwoods3751]

I don't believe Bea left the show for the reason they talked about her looks! Seven seasons were ENOUGH! Bea was right! By the way, it ended in the early 90's after seven seasons.

[@jdsundstrom]

That's a good reason as well, Janet!

[@jdsundstrom]

@Mark W I don't believe Bea was always mean and mad at the world.

[@barbarak2836]

@Mark W If your own other was constantly putting you down both in private and in front of other people, you might be unhappy sometimes, too.

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

@Mark W she wasnt always mad

[@robynsegg]

She did do the same thing with "Maude". She also left Maude after 7 Seasons.

[@acer13p11]

The show would be nothing without her she played a great role I think

[@RandyWillcox]

I agree. The show was an ensemble and perfectly cast. I think if they wanted to continue, the premise shouldn't have changed. Being such a brilliant ensemble with such excellent chemistry, changing the premise and adding new characters...they jumped the shark.

[@DavidDatura]

It was an ensemble cast like Friends. Take away just one character, the whole thing falls apart.

[@stephaniehowe0973]

Golden Palace?

[@fil_britbunnyboi872]

@@stephaniehowe0973 flopped

[@user-ir8mf7km6w]

meh.

[@darkskinneddamsel8203]

Ya can't spell BEAuty without Bea! Ms. Arthur was a stunner in disguise 😉

[@dedrachambers8722]

YES 🥰 I like that sentiment

[@BunnySlippers82]

There's an interview on youtube with one of the show's producers who said that Bea broke down in tears during rehearsal for the episode Love Me Tender, where Dorothy dates a short man who was still hung up on his ex-wife, Roberta. The producer said that it was the first time he realized how much the insults about her looks actually hurt her deeply, and that he regretted taking it as far as he did. Bea was a beautiful and talented woman, and I hope she knew that.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, Becky!

[@velazquezanahi]

She was beautiful inside and out

[@returnofthemack8347]

The jokes about her never made me laugh; he was a piece of shit

[@returnofthemack8347]

@@happydrunkmeansober and “spare tire.”

[@returnofthemack8347]

Do you have a link to that interview?

[@george1654]

Beau Arthur was the show. Dorothy the character, went through so much, it was believable. Dorothy the character reminds me of my mother.

[@sharonpope1737]

She was not the show but they all made the show what is was

[@aking3624]

The episode where Dorothy was diagnosed with Chronic fatigue syndrome gets me every time! The strength & courage she expressed through her character inspired me with my own health issues. Plus, I loved that she found love @ the end of the series!! 😃 Still one of my favorite shows...

[@jjsdancer]

A King I still till this day don’t like to watch the last two episodes. I don’t know I guess I have a hard time with endings. But I truly loved the show and still watch it. I even say lines before the characters do lol. At times I’m perfectly on cue and on others I’m not but either way in 2020 it’s still a hilarious show!!!

[@kevinlongman007]

Bea Arthur actually did have chronic fatigue syndrome.

[@Ok_Loren]

I watched that episode again after I went through so many misdiagnoses & rude doctors. I wish I had the courage to say what she said. It’s still cathartic as hell watching her put that doctor in his place.

[@barbaraeggleston6858]

One of television's most famous show and betty White is the last golden girl left God bless them all television's best legends in the world

[@maggimaster]

She was also the oldest

[@pamelamays4186]

I liked how the Girls could come to a solution to a problem over cheesecake.

[@adamoreilly6337]

Back when this was on my life was better and life seemed simpler. Tv is just not the same anymore.

[@eddiemunster4094]

Second that wish I could return to 80's

[@johnsax1445]

Eddie Munster There was so much more opportunity for working people to move up back in the ‘80s, and it was a generally happy time for our country, unlike today

[@dgold6891]

@@johnsax1445 Nostalgia makes us look on past eras as sweeter because we ourselves were younger; we had most of our lives and the promise of opportunities still ahead of us. I'd love to be younger again, but speaking as a gay guy, I'd never want to return to the 80s, it was a toxic and oppressive time for lots of minorities.

[@zeddeka]

@@johnsax1445 you're remembering the world through rose tinted spectacles. The 80s were pretty grim for a lot of people, especially working people, if you look back at them fully.

[@zeddeka]

You just got old, that's all. The 80s were pretty awful in many ways. All that's happened is the stars have fallen from your eyes.

[@rafanifischer3152]

Bea Arthur passed away in 2009 aged 87.

[@mrs.dr.spencerreid3992]

rafani fischer sadly 😞😔😢

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

86

[@sda-clips]

It's been 11 years wow

[@roberthernandez782]

Damn when I was little I thought she was already that old. Now that I'm over 40 I think I'm not that old. Wired lol

[@jimbannon2055]

What was weird Estelle died in 2008, Bea in 2009 and Rue in 2010. I was scared we'd lose Betty in 2011 but here it is 2020 and we still have her. They left us a great show. I think enough was enough after seven seasons. A good program will know when to leave.

[@deeschwaiger28]

“Picture it...” This show was the best!!

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Bea Arthur is my favorite actress. She just seemed so real to me in most every scene she was in. LOVE BEA ARTHUR!

[@isabel9977]

Couldn't agree more! Dorothy is easily my favorite character

[@dedrachambers8722]

Dorothy lane as my FAVORITE Character on The Golden Girls

[@patrickmaruniak5987]

You can't just pick one person out of all of them all 4 of them are good

[@TheAlchemy87]

The way they physically attacked her is def enough for me to want to quit too. I felt that pain rewatching it when I was older 💔 she was still beautiful to me

[@isabel9977]

Yes! She's gorgeous!

[@nancy3630]

❤️❤️❤️ I agree

[@jaricanicholas2553]

Yes! I just rewatched all seasons I haven’t seen it since a kid and I realize how even her “mother” would basically call her ugly

[@houndandhandbag]

I started watching this recently and in the last two seasons, I noticed the jokes on Dorothy were more frequent. And the girls and even Sophia seemed more insensitive at times. If I were her, I'd feel hurt too.

[@shirleyannarzaga5080]

She shouldn't get hurt she's beautiful, gorgeous and talented. And I won't get tired of watching the show over and over again. The BEST show ever!

[@free_falling]

Bea was always my favorite. She was always true to herself and it always showed through her acting. When she past I cried. I felt it in my soul. Yes I was sad when other stars that I watched growing passed. But her death hit me hard. Thank you for sharing this. Blessings to you 🎶🦋🎶

[@Amy-iu3wc]

Bea played Larry David's mother in one surreal episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. She was marvelous in that as well. She was a class act, very talented and did not put on airs. I will always love her.

[@sissybrooks8588]

Class? Talent, maybe, but...class?

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

@@sissybrooks8588 yes you read correctly..class act which she was

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

@@sissybrooks8588 shes a legend no matterwhat u say

[@sissybrooks8588]

@@iliketowatchvideos47 yeah, whoop de do.

[@jakelover1731]

Dorothy started out as very Maude-esque in terms of her sharpness and confidence. The character weakened over time. And yes, there wás a lot of Dorothy-bashing.

[@Ntyler01mil]

Dorothy never had Maude's level of success and affluence. Dorothy was someone who's life had never really worked out the way she hoped. She was still trying to find fulfillment late in life.

[@itachistan437]

Sometimes it was like Dorothy was the punching bag of the show

[@jamesaria9447]

THE GOLDEN GIRLS WAS SO SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THE CHEMISTRY WAS VERY NATURAL. WITH BEA OUT OF THAT EQUATION THE NATURE OF THAT SHOW WOULD DRASTICALLY CHANGE.

[@robertcuratolo5339]

I remember her from Maude....She had great "set" of characters on that show included her daughter Carolyn {Adrienne Barbeau}.

[@merricat3025]

Thought her daughter's name was Carol

[@willhammers9761]

"Set"... Adrienne Barbeau😉

[@macconmara7252]

Maude had one of the best theme songs ever!

[@robertcuratolo5339]

@@merricat3025 Yeah you right its been so long since i last seen the show i forgot her name...lol.....but i never forget her "assets" on the show she had great timing.

[@willhammers9761]

@@macconmara7252 Family Guy had a nice skit where they mocked how long the song seemed to go on sometimes... LOL... It was a great song

[@williambruce9207]

My dad was no Maude fan, but he got to like the Golden Girls.

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

Oh right...interesting

[@robynsegg]

I loved both "Maude" and "The Golden Girls"!

[@leemaiolo9637]

I watched Bea Arthur when I was little in Maude, and she played with Rue, I wasn't a fan of The Golden Girls until it went off the air, now im one of the biggest fans, lol they have.! And it's funny how Rue, played with Betty in Mama's Family, so all of them really acted with each other except for Betty and Bea, I still watch the Golden Girl repeats, and it's kind of sad how Betty White is the last one. That show is a classic and you never get tired of watching it.

[@chriswayneevans]

I read the same thing about the jokes being too personal about Bea’s appearance, as if anyone would put with that. She was the star of the show for me.

[@JaneDoe-ze5xe]

Christopher Wayne if the worst someone could say about me, was I am tall...I’d be singing in the street!

[@TheIntuitiveWizard]

Christopher Wayne Lea Michele said the same thing with the flat chested jokes on Glee and Tracey Gold had those same struggles with the Carol weight jokes on Growing Pains. It’s difficult when they’re actually writing about the actors real life physical characteristics.

[@pandarush.]

Dorothy was my favorite.

[@harperstacey9604]

She was very witty.

[@theastewart6721]

I can imagine that those remarks could be too personal for Bea, although she was very pretty and I loved her clothes! No one should have their feelings hurt. I loved all of the characters. Great show!

[@nyb73]

Thank you for clarifying the relationship between Bea Arthur and Betty White. I was genuinely disappointed when I first learned about an alleged feud. It's nice to learn that, while they may not have been the sort of friends they played on the show, that the relationship was still positive. I also never thought Bea Arthur was ugly, either. Her looks were unconventional, but not ugly. I actually thought she looked her best in the final season.

[@dismissiveavoidant9860]

Betty White never mentioned anything about Bea Arthur not liking her until AFTER Bea was dead; which I found interesting.

[@birdlover6842]

I thought Bea Arthur was the best looking on the show and got even better in the last episode. Ugly...no way!

[@LukeWarm05]

Delivery man: I have a delivery for a Blanche "Deverocks". Dorothy: It's "Dever-oh". It's only pronounced "Deverocks" in limericks. So so dirty but still completely clean! Thanks, Bea!

[@jdsundstrom]

The best kind of humor, LukeWarm05!

[@GermanProudly]

@Angela Duffy What male.organ rhymes with Deverocks and might appear in a bawdy limerick? There ya go!

[@Wild1995]

I was a huge fan of the show and was crushed when I heard that Bea was leaving and the show was ending. Bea said at the time she wanted to go out on top and not run the show into the ground like so many other sitcoms. She did the same thing with Maude. She left the show and it was cancelled before the network pulled the plug. You must admire that. Looking back boy was Bea right. IMHO the show changes after season 4. They had new writers and they suddenly had that canned laugher after every other line. The show got cheezy although watching in real time, I did not think so at the time. Your quote about Bea is interesting because once she was asked who she would have liked to spend time with Maude or Dorothy and she said neither that each character was so annoying for different reasons. I own the first 3 seasons on DVD. While I appreciate season 4 and they have some great episodes, I don't own it. Not as many great episodes in seasons in seasons 6 and 7. I would say season 5 is when the show jumped the shark. The writers just turned it into a typical sitcom with corny lines over and over. No character or script development like the early years.

[@trawlins396]

I actually think the final season had some of the funniest episodes.

[@Wild1995]

@@nah....6151 IMHO, the great sitcoms of all time get better after the first season and then after the 3rd or 4th season they sort of get stale. Golden Girls had a fantastic first season. The second season was even better and the third season even better. Threes Company and Roseanne also did the same thing. They were sensational from the first season but as the characters developed the episodes just getting better and better.

[@frankpetersen6624]

Why were you crushed. The show ran its course. Season seven sucked.

[@Neisy77]

My favorite show ever! I watch it every night !!!❤️💕❤️💕

[@ShoSensei]

@Diane Newman There's always the option not to watch....🤷‍♀️

[@ShoSensei]

I have the boxed set of all 7 seasons. My whole family loves it and we watch it all the time. It never gets old!

[@talitaviana9369]

Me too

[@louanne801]

The Golden Palace could never work without the Dorothy/Sophia dynamic.

[@peggylee7137]

Those Four Beautful human beings have been putting me to sleep for over a year now. Hearing their voices while falling asleep is like when you were a child an your mom an aunt's were up talking an you would listen in as you drifted off to sleep feeling safe with those voices. That's what The Golden Girls are to me as a middle aged women. They are my grown up lullabies. As a child I watched with my parents, after watching the same episodes over an over I still don't get bored. ❤

[@Elle-mq8ij]

I have always considered Bea Arthur to exude strength and confidence. That's why I adored her as Maude.

[@spookypeople7]

A friend of mine was a dear friend of Bea Arthurs. You're half right on the 2 main reasons why she left Golden Girls. Yes, she felt the scripts weren't as good and the show had run its course. That's correct. The Dorothy character being told she was "big and ugly" and other comments didn't phase Bea at all. So she didn't leave because of that. The 2nd reason is actually that Bea was becoming hard of hearing, and was having difficulties as a result. As my friend found, she often couldn't hear what he was saying, so imagine what it would have been like for her to perform hear her fellow actors. Doing one woman shows after Golden Girls was fine for Bea where she was just talking to the audience, and she did many. She was a terrific lady and has left a true comedic legacy.

[@Jared_Wignall]

I can see why she thought the show ran its course. Not many series are able to go for 7 seasons and have top quality all the way through. Sometimes it’s best to end on top or close to the top as you can. Thanks for the video Dave, keep up the great work!

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks Jared!

[@DavidDatura]

Bea Arthur was not ugly! I watched a lot of the show, but don’t remember that aspect of it. But I suppose it was a long time ago now. Except for Betty, they’re all gone now.

[@MrMenefrego1]

*I LOVED "The Golden Girls"* ('TGG' , and "The Andy Griffith Show" are my two favorite programs ever!) I never missed even one episode, they were so well done! The Susan Harris written episodes were particularly deep. From the first episode, "The Engagement" to the last, the aptly titled, "One Flew Out of the Cuckoo's Nest"-1 & 2, I was running out of excuses to give my friends about why I couldn't go out with them on Saturday-nights! But alas, one night my friends snuck over to my home, peeked in the window only to find/bust me curled up with my girl watching 'TGG' together! I tried to pawn it off on my girl, but she sold me out! lol. I never lived it down. I lost my membership in the (mythical) 'He-Man Regular Guy Club' forever! I'm glad you brought the joking-insults concerning Bea Arthur's physical appearance, Dave. While watching her amazing acting skills, you would only ever see her 'Dorothy Zbornak' reaction and not her own personal Bea Arthur reaction. Even if Bea says she was not acting, I believe she was, otherwise she would have shown the hurt in her facial expressions. I never understood why they had to use that particular item to joke about in the series, as they could have chosen any number of aspects of 'Dorothy's' character flaws instead, why chose that particular one? A person can't help how they look physically. Didn't seem necessary to me. In one episode 'Dorothy' was asking to use one of the other girls necklace, then 'Blanche' and 'Rose' began an argument as to why she should or shouldn't wear the necklace; insulting every part of her anatomy in the process, it was funny at the time, But in retrospect, I sure wouldn't have wanted to be in Bea's position, acting or not. Although I have to disagree with who you, Dave I would much rather hang-out with, a chipper person than a grumpier one, as that is one of the reasons I love your show! You are always upbeat and chipper! As per usual, I yapped on and on! Great Stuff, Dave. Thank you.

[@Summer21.]

@Jeff di Giusto Funnily enough, that very scene is right here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKTMl5mols2ksNE

[@MrMenefrego1]

@Asha T lol, Thank you! I humbly accept this award. I want to thank my mother... my agent.... and of course, Mr. Dave Sundstrom, without whom none of this would have even been possible! lol 👀

[@jdsundstrom]

You are definitely a true fan, Jeff. Enjoy your award!

[@MrMenefrego1]

@@jdsundstrom Thank's Dave! I'll have to move all of my other mythical awards so I'll have room for this new one on my Mythical Award Shelf! lol If it weren't for mythical awards I'd have no awards at all! 👀

[@MrMenefrego1]

@@Summer21. WOW! Thank you! Now you can see why Bea Arthur is one of my all time favorite actresses! In this scene, as they take turns insulting her, "Dorothy's" facial expressions say it ALL; without a single word of dialogue! (until the very ending of course) Thank you again. 💖

[@dawnuwangue6061]

I was always a fan of Bea Arthur, from her role in the Auntie Mame film, through Maude, and of course the Golden Girls. Rest In Peace, legendary diva, queen of the withering look. No one could deliver a line with as much ferocious sarcasm as she

[@hueyiroquois3839]

I liked her as Basil(?) Fawlty too.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@hueyiroquois3839 Amanda's? I really gave that show a chance, but it actually did lose something in the translation from Fawlty Towers. By the way, you did spell Basil correctly.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

I think we need more of that these days.

[@tinamcgillicutty3061]

Let Bea Arthur rest in peace, as well as Estelle, and Rue ...🙏🏻❤🌹⚘👌. They made billions laugh in reruns. It's been on the air since 1985...Great Actresses....R.I.P. My Golden Girls...🙏🏻❤🌹⚘👌🌏

[@jdsundstrom]

I love all of the actresses in "The Golden Girls"! I hope Bea and the other ladies who have passed on are resting in peace as well. 🙂

[@CharlesBonia]

I remember "The Golden Palace" it was boring... Bea did the right thing, the "GG" was getting stale towards the end.

[@katr7969]

Me too. I didn't like it. I re-watched it recently to give it another chance. Still don't like it. I loved GG back in the day. Bea was right. Again.

[@mikemercado5223]

Sorry to disagree but Golden Palace was hilarious...it was not the original but still worth watching

[@BeeKee404]

I loved The Golden Palace. Sure I missed Dorothy and it wasn't the same as The Golden Girls but it was still hilarious. I loved Chuy and Roland and it also tackled some real life issues like having to care for a relative with special needs and it also dealt with racism. The only thing I really hated was when they had Miles cheat on Rose and they broke up and he went off and married the woman he cheated with! I was also kinda confused about Stan. Did he die and the Stan Sophia saw was an hallucination or did he really fake his death? I ask this cause I heard it might be possible Sophia suffered from dementia when she saw Stan alive after hearing he died.

[@Summer21.]

Kee Leichtle Sophia really did see Stan. He faked his death in that episode and Blanche and Rose didn’t cross paths with him in that episode. 😃

[@Ricardoelhawi]

Bea Arthur or Dorothy has always been my favorite in the GG. Her personality is unique and beautiful

[@Ken15643]

Bra Arthur always reminds me of my mother. The acerbic and serious sarcasm. My mom was also very loving and would do anything to help someone out. RIP Bea, and mom. ❤️

[@kdengo]

She walked away when it was very good, and yes she was right.

[@donnicholas7552]

I was not aware of this! The Golden Palace was really bad. Typical sitcom entertainment.

[@fonziebulldog5786]

Bad !?. You must be fun at parties. 😄

[@DarkWillUser]

Bea Arthur was a HERO too. Its a little known fact that she was an ardent supporter of the LGBT community long before it was acceptable to be so. In her life time, she donated a lot of money to LGBT charities, particularly those related to LGBT youth. It touched her very deeply when she learned of how LGBT youth were often kicked or bullied out of their homes by their own families and she VOWED to do everything she could to help them keep roofs over their heads. She did one woman shows as benefits and when she died, she left a large sum in her will to the Ali Forney Center, which helps homeless LGBT youth and teaches them skills that they can use to get jobs and even make careers for themselves. After learning of that bequeathment the executive director at the time vowed that the first building they owned would be named in her honor. Today the Ali Forney Center has "The Bea Arthur Residence", a long term residence with 18 beds for homeless LGBT youth.

[@jdsundstrom]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing, DarkWillUser.

[@DarkWillUser]

@@jdsundstrom You're very welcome!

[@k1dn1ce76]

I remember watching this show over the years with my mom when I was a kid. She always loved it and I remember the aerial shots of Miami during the intro always made me want to visit.

[@auntshirl9493]

Also Bea started television shows in 1972, When she started doing Maude and she finished in 1992 when the golden girls wrapped up. There was a interview when she said she was ready to retire from television

[@marieantoinettescake9513]

I always adored Bea!! What a great character Dorothy was to watch on TV for 7 seasons. I enjoyed her chemistry w/ Estelle too as "Ma & Pussycat". In my mind they are forever alive & well. ❤️👍

[@galactic_socialist]

Bea was an imposing woman and that still wasn't acceptable as "beautiful" then. Bea was a stylish talented woman that should be given her due today. I always thought looks wise she could have been an unofficial Andrews sister, although I have no idea if she could sing

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said, Brian!

[@hadrianmonk]

Oh yes, she could sing - definitely. Actually, she proved it in an episode of GG. She did a wonderful rendition of Irving Berlin's "What'll I do"...

[@johnnyhotcakes5217]

She started on stage doing plays and musicals

[@Oldschoolways168]

She was fine back in her hey day. Her first couple of seasons, her hair was short and tapered to her head. She was gorgeous when she grew her hair out had her shoulder length gray hair. I always thought she was pretty.

[@Oldschoolways168]

@@hadrianmonk Also when she and Rose sung their song Miami.

[@n.ff.]

This is what I don’t get. They constantly pointed out that Dorothy was ugly, but she really. She was fit , tall, elegant, smart with common sense (mostly), and beautiful. I mean I wish I could get to her age and still be like her.

[@BestPunkyEver]

I am with you here. I totally agree! I also believe that Bea Arthur was totally awesome; Well all the ladies of the Golden Girls were the best! However Bea Arthur was my favourite, hands down! I also think that there was way too much “Dorothy Bashing”. In fact, this video was the first time I had heard anyone else have that opinion. Great video!

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm glad we are in agreement, BPE!

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@jdsundstrom Okay, a put-down every once in a while can be amusing, but constantly? About the same thing, always?

[@juliecat8511]

One of my favorite shows of the 80's. I loved all of the characters, but I did like Bea's character the most because she had that dry sense of humor that was cut to the core hilarious! I remember she also played a robot character on an episode of Futurama. That is still one of my favorite episodes. 🤣🤣💗

[@marilyn6979]

not aware of her role on Futurama...did not follow it.. interesting..thx for sharing

[@dsly4425]

@@marilyn6979 she was the Femputer in an episode. She sentenced the men to death by snu snu.

[@veebee7039]

Remember watching the The Golden Girls back in the day, and loved the series from day one. Although all the girls were brilliant, what gripped me from the first ever episode was the way Bea was very quick witted, and due to her I was hooked. I watched the series to the very end, but was upset when I knew Bea was going to leave the show. The Golden Palace (although had some good points) was not as enjoyable as The Golden Girls and this was due to Bea Arthur not being on the show. Bea Arthur was an intelligent woman and Beautiful woman. May She Rest In Peace 🙏🏾💜🙏🏾

[@janabanana1976]

I mean she said why. She thought the character had run its coarse

[@willswomble7274]

?

[@TiberiusStorm]

*course

[@GIguy]

I’d bet anything that if Bea Arthur had stayed, they would have gone on for at least another seven seasons. The combination between the incredibly talented actresses and the amazing writers made comedy gold! I actually bought and download every single episode ever made onto my iPad, I think I’ve memorized every line from every episode, and I watch it every night while I’m getting ready for bed, and if I don’t, I can’t fall asleep. It’s my guilty little pleasure, and honestly I don’t know where my life would be without them, especially when I was going through years of chemotherapy, radiation, and countless surgeries because of Crohn’s disease and intestinal cancer. Every time I felt like giving up, every time I was just a heap of sobbing tears, all I had to do was watch any one of the countless episodes to bring me back to reality, and make me feel human again, and while it may be gone, they will never ever be forgotten, and I truly love each and everyone of them ❤️❤️❤️

[@marilyn6979]

Bea was classy ...and 'the look'...priceless

[@stellaperkins6303]

I loved the Golden Girls 👧 In fact I am looking at the now 2/16/2021 the Girls are great. All my friends ask me Aren't you tired of that show now? I can repeat what they are going to say next . But I see them three times a day. Morning , evening and at bedtime

[@stellaperkins6303]

Lol 😆 🤣 😂 😹 😆

[@cherylcallahan5402]

TYVM🌷 Dave Sundrum always appreciate your videos listening from Mass USA 🌟

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for listening, Cheryl!

[@miguelamaya6246]

DUDE, THEY WERE ALL BEAUTIFUL IN THEIR OWN WAY... WHY DO YOU THINK 4 BEAUTIFUL LADIES MADE THE SITCOME WORK SO WELL... I WILL ALWAYS LOVE THEM FOR WHO THEY ARE, BEAUTIFUL...

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said, Miguel!

[@whatupgigi]

Bea was very shy and kept to herself. I heard she didn't like the Rose character being so dumb. I didn't like how they chose her wardrobe on the show as they weren't very appealing. As far as her getting negative comments about her looks she had already dealt with not being able to play Mame as it was given to Angela Lansbury. Im just glad her farewell to the show was her being happy and getting married.

[@nikhilsukumar23]

So kind of you to understand Bea. Seldom do people remember side lined people. Seldom. It takes a true heart to talk about Bea. I know some men dislike Bea for many reasons. But I find Bea the most mature minded feminine woman. Her expressions were gold.

[@whatupgigi]

@@nikhilsukumar23 I adore Bea Arthur

[@GeorgeGiann]

She was not ugly!!

[@jackdavide5742]

Thank you, Dave. I have such fond memories of this show. It was a show that was almost an instant hit with so many demographics...from the kids in the house to grandparents. I don't recall any other program being able to do quite that, at least so early on in a first season. Another great video, Dave!

[@jackrippper3389]

great speaking voice! thank you for being gentle and calming to my ears xx

[@kevinfluet1183]

This show will always be a classic! The chemistry between the actresses was simply perfect. Kudos to Dave Sundstrom. I enjoyed your calm, laid back voice in this clip. Well done!

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video Kevin!

[@jackflash5659]

I loved the Golden Girls. One of my favorite comedies. Still watching reruns in 2020.

[@renafan3333]

You forgot the main reason. She was engaged and moving to Paris. I remember this like it was yesterday. Everyone She ever met was telling her it was a mistake. They were divorced like 8 months later. I would have just kept going on with The Golden Girls on CBS Me Personally. Yeah it wouldn't have been close to the same but it Definitely would have been better than Golden Palace. I bet they could have gotten another season or 2 out of it,who knows maybe 3 with new writers with new ideas. My Favorite Golden Girls moment was in Too Catch A Neighbor when Sophia said"We'll Just Cook In The Fire Place And Pee In The Broom Closet"My Mom was HYSTERICAL. ROLLING laughing. She couldn't stop. Clear into Empty Nest she was still laughing. She would calm down then start all over again. lol

[@gaylebrewster2045]

I still watch them. As I am posting I have 4 episodes recorded. Like to watch them in the evening. It was a magical show!!

[@edwardhannah]

Music artist Rufus Wainwright tells a tale of when he met Bea Arthur and told her how much he loved her and thought of her as his grandmother. She flat out told him “I’m not your f-ing grandmother” and walked off.

[@jdsundstrom]

Too funny! I remember being called a grandfather a few years back. I didn't like it either!

[@edwardhannah]

I know right? How dare they!

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@edwardhannah It's very tempting to want to pretend you're touched by such a remark, appear to be warm and then say something along the lines of "If I had a grandchild like you, I'd have slit my wrist for not being more PRO-CHOICE".

[@edwardhannah]

Farrell McNulty how much longer are we gonna circle the airport? You wanna bring this baby in

[@taotaostrong]

Great post! Thanks, and wishing you & yours good health. 💞

[@Miketendo93]

I have been in love with the Golden Girls since I was 12 and now at 27 they are still and always will be my favorite show! I have complete Series and the book forever golden and I am looking for Golden Palace on dvd..I thought it was a decent show too. But they needed Bea. I started watching Maude on antenna tv back in 2009! I love that show too.

[@frankpetersen6624]

I’d wanna have Blanche as a friend if I had to pick. Blanche always had me in stitches the most especially when she told the ladies about a “black” man named Ben, who was courageous enough, in the south, to go to her senior prom with him. I just came upon that episode recently, and was hysterical

[@binkmouse3170]

he was not black, he was a "yankee" from the north

[@Chellex93]

@@binkmouse3170 was just gonna say that lol. Just finished watching that episode 😂

[@frankpetersen6624]

@@Chellex93 I just discovered this episode recently. Bear scene.

[@GunnyKeith]

I always loved the Maude & Archie bunker interactions. Lol. Thanks for sharing Dave.

[@jdsundstrom]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MIS315]

Nah, I dont buy that the jokes against Dorothy as causing her to leave. She was always a good sport about the jokes. She just needed change because she spent so many years on television and wanted to return to her roots, theater

[@siri1128]

I’m rewatching the Golden Girls and Dorothy now as when I watched the show as child still remains my favorite character. I do believe they did an injustice to Dorothy by calling her unattractive often. She wasn’t and that’s always rubbed me the wrong way. Bea Arthur was a fantastic actress and Dorothy was an amazing character.

[@h.borter5367]

IMO, Bea Arthur was not a "beautiful" woman but a "handsome" woman like Katherine Hepburn.

[@tracymiller1149]

Is it because of their voices?

[@The.Man.WithAPlan]

Katherine was good looking in her younger days. To me she looked good breakfast at Tiffany's

[@farrellmcnulty909]

@@The.Man.WithAPlan No, Katharine Hepburn wasn't in Breakfast at Tiffany's, it was Audrey Hepburn (no relation).

[@The.Man.WithAPlan]

@@farrellmcnulty909 yeah mixed them up thank you for correction.

[@tomgcooktown5019]

The Golden Girls was/is lightning in a bottle. I disagreed with Bea's desire to leave, but she knew better than I. I have a feeling that Bea Arthur presented the unvarnished truth, like it or not. But that she had a heart of gold. The Golden Palace was a ridiculous premise. Along with other gay men...I canonized Bea Arthur & will never regret it. TgT

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing, tomg!

[@philipedwards439]

In the UK, Channel 5 are re-running all the Golden Girls episodes, 2 shows every day. They are getting decent ratings and I can see they still hold up very well.

[@TheIntuitiveWizard]

I’m binging the show right now with my boyfriend and I LOVE it. I’m also old enough to remember when it originally aired. Watching it now back to back on Hulu I’m learning a lot about the show. The first 5 seasons were INCREDIBLE! Season 6 went off the deep end a bit with the whole Miles in witness protection storyline. The Golden Girls shined when they did stories that were brilliantly mixed with equal parts humor, emotion, and real life things we’re going to face one day. When Sophia lost her son Phil, Dorothy is diagnosed with CFS, Blanche loses Big Daddy, and Rose helps her blind sister learn her way. They tackled some powerful issues with grace, beauty, impeccable comedic timing, and wonderful writing/directing. This show was WAY ahead of its time. This show worked because these ladies had chemistry and when that chemistry worked it REALLY worked!

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm glad that you and your boyfriend are enjoying The Golden Girls, Matt. It is truly a great show!

[@eljay345]

Dave my friend, my family have recently been able to watch re-runs/repeats of "The Golden Girls.'' Bea Arthur is still my most favourite actress on that U.S. T.V. show. Thank you for another very interesting and very informative upload.

[@chachopichardo1879]

I loved this show I miss them so much may they rip

[@Carms86]

I definitely agree that the show would have been so different, if not nothing, without Bea. In fact, I loved it so much because I relate to her in terms of my introversion. Her character was just so awesome. She did an amazing job playing Dorothy. And her dynamic with Sophia was excellent!

[@edreid7872]

Whenever a show changes networks, it never a good sign for its future....

[@1thetvzone]

Not necessarily JAG was on NBC before going on to CBS and doing really well... In Heat of The Night was on NBC before going to CBS where they had success. Matlock was on NBC then headed to ABC. Many shows have jumped networks it have done good or not so good.

[@misterhot9163]

thetvzone but it is still tricky. If a show enjoyed high ratings in a coveted time slot on one network and was given a less desirable time slot on another then it can spell trouble. As for Golden Palace, White and McClanahan already had an established relationship with CBS so it seemed like a good fit.

[@theresenorrby5616]

Bea did the right thing. My favorite serie . ❤️

[@ecampbell5837]

I was a kid when this show was on and i always watched it with my parents. I appreciate it more now that i am older and often watch it on YT. I thought Bea was beautiful then and still do. So statuesque and confidant. Hilarious show that can’t be topped imo.

[@Cruzan9]

I heard she was tired and wanted to move on. Years later I heard it was because she didn't like Betty White. Does it matter? I submit it does not. It had a good run. As for Bea's personality, I heard she was an introvert and often timid. Shows what a good actress she was because none of that seeped out in her performances that I saw.

[@PamperedPetz]

She’s my favorite as well❣️I heard she had a serious illness then later more serious illness cancer poor lady. I think she looks great and I always wanted to be tall‼️I miss her so much. RIP. Thanks Dave Stay Safe❣️❣️❣️‼️

[@jdsundstrom]

You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it!

[@everythingisaprocess]

To be honest, Dorothy and Rose were my 2 favorite characters. Sophia could be mean and a brat....Blanche could be extremely selfish and unlikable at times....but Dorothy was smart and logical....Rose was as sweet as apple pie....yep, those 2 were my favorites. Having said that, The Golden Girls is my all time favorite show and all the characters blended perfectly together and were essential to the show.

[@larryshaver3568]

CBS got the show in 1992-93 unfortunately it should have ended when nbc cancelled it

[@sharonpope1737]

I cried when she left and the show wasn’t the same because they were all good together

[@olavwilhelm6843]

no matter what he says i was glad about the "golden Palace " it gave all us goldens girls fan a nice chance to say good bye slowly and not just be confronted with the shock of the end of a good thing,

[@jdsundstrom]

Good point, Olav.

[@bluelv]

My grandma took me to see Bea in Ohio when I was 12, it was her one woman show before the broadway run. I was so happy to go.

[@letsgoupnow]

You can stream it on Apple Music! I’ve listened to it! Great one woman show!

[@davidritchie3801]

For me, the four actors & their respective characters made a complete 'one', but Dorothy (Bea) was the nucleus. However, The Golden Girls couldn't or wouldn't be the same if ANY of them had left. Thanks for 7 wonderfully entertaining Seasons!!

[@JJtheilluminator]

I love The Golden Girls. I became a big fan in 1990, and I'm still going strong today!

[@moogooguypan2514]

Season 7 is by far my favorite...the scripts were killer, what did them in was the time slot change. How idiotic to move a 6 year top ten show. Room 7, the Midsummer night dream two-parter, the finale, the very inventive and clever two-parter where rose gets a heart attack at the fake high school reunion and has the dream where they’ve had their heads frozen, without question this was my favorite season.

[@trestonmalone5072]

All four ladies had such amazing chemistry w/ one another on screen. Bea may not have been necessarily friends with her co-stars but that’s okay because you can’t expect anyone to be friends with their co-workers. Some people forget that at the end of the day, they’re all just doing their jobs and they’re not getting paid to like each other.

[@mokimaria8329]

I thought they bashed on her to much for the exact reasons that were stated in the video. I love Dorthy. Bea did a wonderful job. Miss the girls.

[@Bdhstl95]

The rule in Television started by Mary Tyler Moore show is that no show is good after 7 seasons. This rule gives plenty of episodes for syndication in reruns and leaves before the audience is sick of the show.

[@Oldschoolways168]

I beg to differ. King of Queens and the Cosby show.

[@Bethi4WFH]

Last of the Summer Wine, in the UK, ran for 37 years!

[@ravenpoe7093]

I don’t blame Bea for leaving. A show can only go so far before things get redundant and stale. Plus yeah they did always pick on her for her looks and size. “Rose” was a prude with cotton candy hair. Blanche was a selfish floozy but those were all their characters. Dorothy was picked on for her looks. Dorothy was one of the best characters tho and sorely missed in Palace. The scene with Blanche’s confederate flag has been floating around the web and that storyline would have went so far if Dorothy was there she would not have let Blanche display that thing. Golden Girl was a great show with a great cast who despite their differences still carried the show for years....and its still airing today. Bravo to those ladies and RIP to the ones who have passed. Hang in there Betty

[@Attmay]

Blanche would have been more resentful towards Dorothy telling her to take it down because she's from Brooklyn and she'd say something about "Yankees" taking away "Southern heritage," especially another white woman she lived with and collected rent from for seven years. Instead, it was Roland she argued with because they disagreed on any distinction between groups like the one at the hotel and hate groups like the KKK; she insists "it's not one of THOSE groups." The emphasis on the word "those" shows she understands the difference but not how it still benefitted from black servitude. The one thing that hurt the show the most towards the end was losing a minute and a half to increased commercial time leaving less time for plot resolution. That was an industry-wide thing, but something had to give in editing when delivering a finished show with a set running time to the network, and the Rule of Funny won out.

[@ravenpoe7093]

Attmay I know Roland finally got thru to her....mostly. She still didn’t really seem to get it tho. But Dorothy really would have spoken up more so than she did with the DOS in Golden Girls because the flag not only affects Blanche but Dorothy too and their livelihood fi she had partnership in the hotel Either way Roland prob still would have been the one to finally talk sense in to her

[@Heyer1973]

Thanks Dave! I love the GG’s ❤️

[@jdsundstrom]

You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it!

[@woohooboy]

Bea herself stated that after seven years, she felt that the show had reached it's creative end (which truthfully it had). She wanted to leave while the series was still popular and successful. Not become a casualty of being a program that was on the air way longer than it should have been. Something a number of shows still don't manage to get right to this day "The Simpsons", "Criminal Minds", "Modern Family", "Greys Anatomy" etc. These are just some examples of shows that have lasted longer than they should have.