The Golden Girls before they were golden
A few weeks ago I had a discussion with my friends in which I set forth plans that when we’re ancient we’re going to get a big one story house with rattan furniture and live exactly like The Golden Girls. We soon began determining our Golden Girl counterparts (I’m the Bea Arthur) and then we had a long discussion in which we attempted to determine whether or not Estelle Getty was still alive. Then Estelle Getty did actually die a couple days later. I feel like I’m to blame. Sorry Estelle. You were always my favorite.
Anyway, it got me wondering what the feisty sitcom ladies were doing way back when. Let’s have a look at the Golden Girls when they were young.
Betty White
Here’s a commercial for Fantastik Disinfectant cleaner featuring a young Betty White. What’s weird is that her voice is exactly the same. When they finally cut to her it didn’t immediately connect that it was her because I was almost expecting that she’d look exactly the same.
Bea Arthur
It’s not easy to find young Bea Arthur clips. She spent most of her younger days on Broadway and didn’t make a big splash in the world of film until she starred in Mame with Lucille Ball in 1974. Reportedly a wretched excuse for a film, Arthur regrets appearing in it to this day. Here’s the pair singing “Bosom Buddies”
Rue McClanahan
Rue played Blanche on The Golden Girls. She’s also known as “the slutty one.” This was perhaps not such a stretch for Ms. McClanahan. Here the Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew provides commentary to an early striptease by Rue. No real nudity so not entirely NSFW, but a little risque. I think your boss will probably be more disturbed by the fact that you’re watching a Golden Girl strip than by the presence of side boob.
Estelle Getty
Estelle played Sophia, Bea Arthur’s mother on the show. Funny thing is she was actually a year younger than Arthur. Getty got her start late in show business. Like Arthur she dwelled on Broadway for a while until starting to get a few minor film roles in the late 70’s. Due to the lack of any good young Estelle footage, I leave you with this minor youtube sensation, Estelle Getty’s senior citizen workout video, remix edition.
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Hi. I apreciate your post very much!
I just post a link to this in my blog ( http://teimagino.com )
This is the url:
http://teimagino.com/las-chicas-de-oro-y-su-oscuro-pasado/
thanks!
Comment left on August 27, 2008 @ 2:05 am
No clips from ‘Maude’ for Bea Arthur ?
Comment left on August 27, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
[...] Ever wondered what the ladies of The Golden Girls did before they were famous? I know I have! Apparently Betty White sold 1950s detergents, Bea Arthur starred in shitty films with Lucille Ball, and Rue [...]
Pingback left on August 28, 2008 @ 4:54 am
i always wondered wat they looked like as younger adults…i love this show and i think it is hallarious…im glad u posted this because it wa of intrest to me also….as a young person im sure u find it odd that i watch this show bt i tune in every morning b4 school!!!=]
Comment left on February 28, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Well, that’’s two of the Golden Girls down. Estelle Getty and Bea Arthur. Who’’s next? Betty White, or Rue McClanahan. I loved them all, but if I had to pick a favourite, I”d choose Bea Arthur and Betty White.
Comment left on April 25, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
I think they all look good. I didnt like the over-voice that was done for Rue Mc. I think it was rude. I also think she looked good in the clip. The over-voice was don to make the over-voice person somewhat popular but they just sound like nerds. … PLeaseE!
Comment left on April 25, 2009 @ 11:56 pm
[...] those who will miss Golden Girl Bea Arthur as much as I, check out this post from Neatorama devoted to little known facts about the [...]
Pingback left on April 27, 2009 @ 9:47 am
Betty White had her own sitcom in the 50′’s.
Comment left on May 4, 2009 @ 9:50 am
I agree, that voice-over was absolutely lame. I”m quite surprised that anyone would disrespect Miss Mclanahan or any of these actresses! They four are fantastic, the last of their kind! It’’s no coincidence that this show is popular among people of all ages, it’’s the actresses with that level of comedic talent. Character. Empathy. Yes, they were very special women, and, they worked at it. That’’s why we get so much out of the show. I have watched for 15 years. The only episode I don”t like is the one where they are visitng their friend who is having trouble with her husband working too much, and that’’s because it’’s not about them. Long live.
Comment left on June 4, 2009 @ 4:31 pm
Rue looks great! I put the theme song for a ringtone especially for my best friend Heather. It makes me smile everytime she calls! Great site!
Comment left on July 2, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
Comment left on September 10, 2009 @ 8:23 am
The voice over on Rue’’s video was done by Mystery Science Theater 3000. It was supposed to be rude.
Comment left on September 30, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
[...] reader sent me this clip shows a severely chopped up version of Bea Arthur’s final interview, and I must say I’m a little surprised the rest can’t be [...]
Pingback left on October 19, 2009 @ 6:55 am
this is a great site. my husband myself and our 7 month old son loves this show. i was to young to appreciate while it was on but i thank god for putting those four women together who made us all laugh for a lifetime. so girls THANK YOU FOR BEING MORE THAN A FRIEND.
Comment left on January 5, 2010 @ 2:35 pm