THE GOLDEN GIRLS

by Wendy Wallace

Golden is defined in the dictionary as "prosperous and joyful; gifted in some way that promises future success." Since 1985, "The Golden Girls," NBC's Emmy-winning Saturday-night comedy series, has lived up to the name. It has been an inspiration to television viewers--especially those in the over-50 generation. In a society that stresses youthfulness, most of the episodes examine situations that older adults face and adds light to the humorous and poignant relationships of the four single and mature women living together.

"I am thrilled with the show's success," says Betty White, who plays widow and grief counselor Rose Nylund. "Through the years, we have cut through the demographics of every group. You don't get that many opportunities."

White's character is quite different from her well-known role as Sue Ann Nivens, the aggressive man-hungry "Happy Homemaker" on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1973-77).

At the start of the first year, White was set to read for the role of the man-hungry Blanche, now played by Rue McClanahan. But Blanche was too close to the Nivens character, and the producers decided that White would fit better in the part of Rose. White was delighted.

"The rule of thumb hasn't changed from the pilot," the actress says. "And I don't think she has changed a lot either. It was Jay Sandrich (who directed the pilot and worked with White on "MTM") and his wisdom that said Rose wasn't dumb. She just takes a little longer to get things than the other.

"Rose was such a switch for me," she continues. "I always thought in some ways that I was Sue Ann. But I'm discovering now that there is some of Rose in Betty."

White, along with co-stars Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty and Rue McClanahan, brings an abundance of experience into the show. After a career in radio, White starred in her own syndicated series, "Life With Elizabeth" (1953), "The Betty White Show" (1954) and "Date With an Angel" (1958). But it wasn't until "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" that she achieved widespread acclaim. She has won four Emmys, two for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1975 and 1976). The others were for hosting the daytime game show "Just Men!" (1983) and for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for "Golden Girls" in 1985.

"Golden Girls" is such a wonderful show to be associated with," says White. "The writers provide us with such good material. I think it has been proven again and again that laughter is a way of relieving the tension of the day. It makes me feel better, and makes it easier during the day. You can't be too stressful when you're laughing."