Bea Arthur and Betty White are beloved television icons, best known for their unforgettable roles on the hit sitcom *The Golden Girls*.

While audiences adored their on-screen chemistry and friendship, few knew about the intense and sometimes dark feud that simmered behind the scenes.

This rivalry was so severe that it nearly threatened the show itself.

Understanding the roots of their conflict reveals a fascinating story of two strong-willed women, contrasting personalities, and the pressures of working in Hollywood’s spotlight.

 

Bea Arthur’s journey to stardom began in the 1940s.

In 1947, she enrolled in the New School’s Drama program and quickly immersed herself in acting.

She joined an off-Broadway group connected to the Cherry Lane Theater, where she met Jean Saxs, a fellow actor and future director.

They married that same year, though Arthur kept her own name, signaling her determination to carve out an independent identity.

Throughout the 1950s, both Arthur and Saxs enjoyed flourishing careers in television and theater.

 

Arthur’s breakthrough came in the 1970s through her collaboration with producer Norman Lear, a giant in television production.

In 1971, Arthur guest-starred as Maud Finlay on *All in the Family*, a role that immediately captivated audiences.

Maud was outspoken, passionate, and liberal—traits that became the hallmark of Arthur’s performances.

CBS executives were so impressed that they quickly developed a spin-off series, *Maude*, centered around her character.

 

*Maude* was groundbreaking for its time.

The show tackled controversial and taboo subjects that most television programs avoided, including divorce, addiction, mental health, and gay rights.

One of the most scandalous episodes was the 1972 two-part special *Maude’s Dilemma*, where Arthur’s character discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant at age 47 and ultimately decides to terminate the pregnancy.

This episode aired just before the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and sparked fierce reactions, with some CBS affiliates refusing to air it.

 

Despite its success, *Maude* struggled to maintain its relevance toward the late 1970s.

As audiences shifted toward lighter, escapist fare, the show’s hard-hitting themes felt out of step.

Arthur decided to leave the series, which ended in 1978.

That same year, her marriage to Jean Saxs ended in divorce, marking a period of personal and professional transition.

 

After a brief hiatus, Arthur’s next big opportunity came unexpectedly in 1984.

NBC was developing a television special spoofing *Miami Vice*, called *Miami Nice*, about older women living in Miami.

This concept evolved into *The Golden Girls*, a show about four middle-aged women sharing a home and navigating life’s ups and downs.

 

Casting was initially complicated.

Estelle Getty was cast first as Sophia, followed by Rue McClanahan and Betty White, though not in their iconic roles.

Originally, McClanahan was to play Rose and White was to play Blanche.

However, a director suggested swapping their roles, a decision that saved the show and helped define its enduring success.

 

Bea Arthur was not the producers’ first choice for Dorothy.

They had initially envisioned Elaine Stritch, but her failed audition led to Arthur’s name being reconsidered.

Arthur was hesitant at first, worried about repeating her *Maude* character.

However, after learning about the role switch between McClanahan and White, she accepted, completing the legendary quartet.

 

While *The Golden Girls* became one of the most praised TV shows of its time, the dynamics behind the scenes were far from perfect.

Bea Arthur was known for being somewhat of an oddball, with strict personal preferences—she disliked birds, chewing gum, and even insisted on walking barefoot on set, including a clause in her contract to avoid lawsuits if injured.

The main source of tension was between Arthur and Betty White.

White’s cheerful and outgoing personality clashed with Arthur’s more serious and professional demeanor.

White herself admitted that Arthur found her “a pain,” attributing it to her positive attitude.

Arthur’s eldest son, Matthew Saxs, offered insight, suggesting that his mother enjoyed having someone to be angry at, and White was an easy target.

 

Their acting styles also differed.

Arthur’s background was theatrical and intense, while White’s was more subtle and character-driven, honed on *The Mary Tyler Moore Show*.

One particular habit of White’s that irritated Arthur was her tendency to talk to the audience between takes—a practice Arthur considered unprofessional.

 

Despite these issues, there were moments of friendship early on.

They lived near each other, commuted together, and even socialized outside of work.

However, the relationship soured over time, especially after White won the first Emmy among the cast in 1986.

Arthur reportedly reacted with anger and insulted White, feeling overshadowed despite her own Broadway pedigree and extensive acting experience.

 

Although the feud created tension, it never derailed the show’s success.

The chemistry among the four leads was undeniable, and the audience loved the characters and their interactions.

However, Arthur struggled with the constant jokes aimed at her character Dorothy, which often targeted her appearance, calling her “big” or “ugly.

” Unlike the other actresses, who could brush off jokes about their characters, Arthur took the insults personally.

 

By the end of *The Golden Girls*’ seven-season run, Arthur shocked fans by announcing her departure.

She cited declining script quality and a desire to leave on a high note.

Yet, many speculate that the ongoing personal struggles and the toll of the behind-the-scenes conflicts played a significant role in her decision.

 

The show attempted to continue without her in a spin-off titled *The Golden Palace*, but it lacked the original magic and was short-lived.

Arthur’s career after *Golden Girls* never reached the same heights, though she remained active in acting and advocacy.

 

In her later years, Bea Arthur devoted much of her energy to activism, particularly supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

She worked closely with organizations like the Ali Forney Center, which helps homeless LGBTQ+ young people rejected by their families.

Arthur’s commitment to social causes reflected the boldness she brought to her roles and her real-life courage.

 

Arthur passed away in April 2009 from lung disease.

Her death was mourned by fans and the Broadway community alike.

Tributes included dimming the marquees of New York City’s Broadway theaters and a memorial at the Majestic Theater with friends and colleagues paying homage.

 

Despite the feud with Betty White, their relationship was complex.

After Arthur’s passing, White expressed deep sorrow, revealing a genuine connection beneath the years of tension.

Their story is a reminder that even the closest partnerships can be fraught with challenges.

 

Bea Arthur’s life and career were marked by remarkable achievements and personal complexities.

Her feud with Betty White adds a nuanced layer to the beloved legacy of *The Golden Girls*.

It reveals the pressures of fame, the clash of personalities, and the human side of television legends.

Ultimately, Arthur’s talent, resilience, and dedication continue to inspire, making her an unforgettable figure in entertainment history.

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