On September 14, 1985, a series started in the USA that had a greater impact on my life than I ever expected from a television series. Little did I know that on that day in the USA, the foundations were laid for a series that would shape my life.
It wasn't until 1990 that I came into contact with “The Golden Girls” in Germany, more or less by chance, when it first flickered across the screen late at night. Nevertheless, an intimate connection quickly developed. Initially, the four ladies were a kind of substitute for my grandmother, who I lost early in my life, but they soon became role models from whom I still learn today.
Sophia
Crisp, smart and direct
Sophia captivated me at first. Her sharp remarks came out of nowhere and hit the mark, but behind every punchline was unconditional affection. I liked how she seemed to effortlessly lighten serious situations with humor. It showed me that repartee is not just for laughs, but can also be a way to protect your loved ones. At the same time, she always kept a big heart. For me, she was proof that you can still have a lot of fun in old age.
Dorothy
Witty, strong and tenacious
Dorothy impressed me with her intelligence and quiet perseverance. She rarely received the recognition she deserved, was disappointed by men several times - but finally found happiness late in life. This gave me confidence that perseverance pays off. Her role even inspired me to become a teacher. Although I no longer work in this profession, Dorothy remains my role model when it comes to acting wisely and not letting things get you down.
Blanche
Self-confident, loud and free
Blanche showed me a completely different side: she stood for pure self-confidence and made it clear that you should never talk down your dreams. I admired her openness in matters of love and her ability to value herself - without apologizing for this attitude. Behind her glamor was empathy, which she never made a big deal of. If I believe in myself today and don't settle for half solutions, I also have Blanche to thank for that.
Rose
Open, warm and light‑hearted
Rose taught me to look at things with undisguised curiosity and not to belittle others in order to feel better about myself. Her naive charm made me laugh a lot, but there was a quiet wisdom behind it. She treated every living being with respect and always took the time to listen. As I began to set goals for myself, her sunny disposition was a role model for staying positive while being mindful of how I interact with the world around me.
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The Golden Girls talk openly about break-ups, grief, illness, loneliness and sex in old age. And that is exactly what makes them so charming: They put their finger on sore points without losing their lightness. When you think of Dorothy's biting irony or Blanche's self-confident joie de vivre, the result is a mixture of depth and humor that is still unparalleled today.
The topic of poverty in old age is also addressed time and again. None of the ladies are rolling in money, and that's what makes the series so honest. They look for jobs, get into financial difficulties and support each other when things get tight. In times of rising living costs and demographic change, this topic could not be more topical.
For a series from the 80s, the treatment of homosexuality is also remarkably courageous. Instead of treating the topic as a side note, it is placed right at the center of the plot. Whether it's a lesbian guest appearance or a relative coming out, the message is always that diversity should be embraced and no one should be judged for it. In a society that still struggles with tolerance, these episodes seem almost visionary.
Whether it's about financial worries, the acceptance of different lifestyles or the desire for a community, the four ladies prove that cohesion and openness are more important than any label.
News & Trivia
Death anniversary of Harold Gould
Birthday of Estelle Getty
Birthday of Jack Gilford
Death anniversary of Estelle Getty
Death anniversary of Herb Edelman
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