George Clooney recently shared his experiences from his time on the classic sitcom The Golden Girls, highlighting the remarkable comedic talent of the late Bea Arthur.

In a teaser clip for the upcoming special The Golden Girls: 40 Years of Laughter and Friendship – Special Edition of 20/20, Clooney expressed his admiration for Arthur, stating that she made him laugh harder than anyone else.

The actor, now 64, appeared in an episode titled To Catch a Neighbor, which originally aired on May 2, 1987.

In this episode, Clooney portrayed an undercover cop named Bobby Hopkins.

He described Arthur as the “master of the look,” showcasing her unique ability to deliver humor through her expressions.

Clooney’s character was involved in a storyline where he and Detective Al Mullins, played by the late Joseph Campanella, conducted a stakeout from the Miami home of the four main characters.

The plot revolved around their suspicion that the neighbors were stealing jewelry.

During the stakeout, Clooney’s character ultimately gets shot while attempting to arrest the suspects, leading to a hospital visit from the main characters as he recovers.

Reflecting on his experience, Clooney spoke about his appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2022.

He reiterated that Bea Arthur was the funniest person he had ever encountered.

While he acknowledged that all the cast members were hilarious, Arthur stood out for her exceptional comedic timing and delivery.

Clooney described Arthur as “filthy, filthy funny,” emphasizing her ability to push boundaries with her humor.

He noted that the writers and stars of The Golden Girls managed to incorporate risqué jokes that would likely have faced scrutiny if delivered by younger actors.

He remarked that the show allowed its stars to explore topics and humor that were often considered taboo, making it a groundbreaking series for its time.

Clooney enjoyed the freedom the show had to tackle various subjects, which contributed to its lasting appeal.

In addition to Clooney, the retrospective special features insights from other celebrities, including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Laverne Cox, Kelly Ripa, and Mario Lopez.

Ralph expressed her admiration for the show, asking who was not a fan of The Golden Girls.

The Golden Girls originally aired from 1985 to 1992 on NBC and starred a talented cast, including Bea Arthur as Dorothy Zbornak, Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo, Betty White as Rose Nylund, and Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux.

The upcoming special, airing on November 11, will delve into the making of The Golden Girls, from its inception to its status as a beloved television classic.

It will explore how the show broke new ground by featuring four older women in leading roles, using comedy to challenge societal norms regarding aging.

The series tackled a variety of taboo topics, reshaping the narrative surrounding women over 50 and appealing to audiences of all ages.

Its influence on pop culture remains significant, attracting new fans even decades after its original airing.

Before Clooney became a household name with his role in ER, he made appearances on several other notable television shows during the 1980s and 1990s.

He featured in 17 episodes of The Facts of Life, 11 episodes of Roseanne, and two episodes of Murder, She Wrote.

The Golden Girls: 40 Years of Laughter and Friendship – Special Edition of 20/20 will begin streaming on Disney+ and Hulu on November 12, following its broadcast.

The special promises to celebrate the legacy of The Golden Girls, highlighting its impact on television history and the way it redefined comedic storytelling for older women.

In conclusion, George Clooney’s reflections on his time with The Golden Girls underscore the show’s enduring legacy and the remarkable talent of Bea Arthur.

The special aims to honor the groundbreaking series that continues to resonate with audiences today, showcasing the importance of humor in addressing complex issues related to aging and society.

As fans eagerly await the special, Clooney’s fond memories serve as a reminder of the laughter and joy that The Golden Girls brought to viewers throughout its run.