WhenBetty White diedon the last day of 2021, she left behind an indelible mark on everyone. Whether they knew her personally or not, it seems like everyone felt the pain of Ms. White’s passing. She was so much a part of our culture that we all felt her loss.
For fans ofThe Golden Girls, it is truly the end of an era, however. White was the last of the four main cast members left alive. Her passing adds a sense of finality to the show despite ending in 1992. Still, it was such a hit with fans that it has remained in near-constant syndication since going off the air.
Several channels have carried marathons of the show as tribute to the late Betty White. And soon, a new book will help fans as they stream the much-loved series. “The Binge Watchers Guide to the Golden Girls” by Los Angeles-based author Marissa DeAngelis will release on what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday.
The book had been in the works for some time before the beloved actress’s death, but now it will be a tribute to the actress and what is one of her most famous roles.
DeAngelis says that the book is meant to be a companion for the series. It contains short synopses of each episode and where the episode fits in the grander scheme of the series. There are also funny quotes, some notable goofs and inconsistencies, with just a touch of behind-the-scenes drama.
“It Brings Me Back to My Childhood”
In an interview with WJAR Channel 10 in Providence, RI, DeAngelis explained how she became a fan ofThe Golden Girlsand what the show means to her.
“I watched the show as a little girl with my grandmother,” DeAngelis said, as it premiered when she was eight years old. “I remember her saying we were going to watch this show, and there were old ladies on it and I was like, ‘I don’t want to watch this,’ but I immediately ended up liking it.”
DeAngelis’s first episode ofThe Golden Girlswas the pilot. From the first episode, she was hooked and became a superfan of the show.
“I’ve seen every episode easily 30 to 40 times,” she said in the interview with WJAR. “I won the trivia contest they hold in New York City, and I brought it to college on VHS tapes,” she added. “I’m a super fan.”
And so, when it was suggested that she write a book about the show, she jumped at the opportunity. “The Binge Watcher’s Guide toThe Golden Girls” was quickly born of DeAngelis’s fandom.
One of the things that drew DeAngelis toThe Golden Girlsis how clearly any woman can find themselves represented in the show. She explained how that was important in the interview.
“It’s got the four basic archetypes of women,” DeAngelis said. “Every woman is one of those more than the others, but I think a big point in my book is that when you watch the show, they all kind of act like the others at some point.”
DeAngelis went on to give a few examples.
“Blanche could be very vulnerable in one episode, or Dorothy could make dumb decisions in another episode,” she said. “Rose turns out to have really good instincts about people in certain episodes, so she’s not as ditzy. And Sophia acts like a kid all the time. She’s the oldest, but children identify the most with her.”
“It wasn’t the coolest show to watch, but I remember being in junior high and sitting around and all of a sudden we all confessed that it was one of our favorite shows,” DeAngelis said. “Eventually, I found out most girls and most women love ‘The Golden Girls.’ It’s that kind of show.””
The Golden GirlsWas One of Betty White’s Most Beloved Roles
There is no question that Betty White has had many roles that her fans have loved. But many fans feel thatThe Golden Girlsis her favorite role. Certainly, the role brought her a new generation of fans, and reruns of the show helped make White a cultural icon.
The Golden Girlsis a show about four older women living together in Miami, Florida. The four main actresses in the show were all highly regarded, and the onscreen chemistry amongst the four was undeniable. Estelle Getty played the sassy and quick-witted Sophia Petrillo. Bea Arthur starred as the intelligent and sensible Dorothy Zbornak, and Rue McClanahan played the promiscuous, fun-loving Blanche Devereaux.
White’s role was the naïve and ditzy, and highly loveable, Rose Nylund.
Initially, the producers had wanted the personalities of Rose and Blanche to be reversed, but both actresses had played those characters previously and wanted to avoid being typecast. The choice to switch the two characters proved to be a good one.
Overall,The Golden Girlsreceived 11 Emmys during its run with many more nominations. Now, almost 40 years after premiering,The Golden Girlsis a mainstay of syndication and is available on several streaming services.
While White is no longer alive,The Golden Girlswill help people remember the beloved actress. DeAngelis said her memory would live on for generations to come.
“Betty White was always an amazing woman,” DeAngelis said. “She was a consummate professional and had a great attitude about being a celebrity.”
DeAngelis’ book, “The Binge Watcher’s Guide to The Golden Girls,” will be published by Riverdale Avenue Books, a hybrid publisher based in New York. Books and downloads will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, iTunes, and Kobo. It will be released on January 17th, which would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday.
