The beloved television series “The Golden Girls,” which first premiered in 1985, introduced audiences to a unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, centered around the lives of four older women living together in Miami. As we look back at the cast in 2025, it is poignant to reflect on the lives and legacies of these iconic actresses who brought the characters to life.

Bea Arthur, who played the sharp-witted Dorothy Z𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧ak, passed away on April 25, 2009, at the age of 86 due to lung cancer. Her strong presence and comedic talent left an indelible mark on television history. Betty White, the beloved Rose Nylund, was the last surviving member of the main cast, dying on December 31, 2021, at the remarkable age of 99 from a stroke.

Rue McClanahan, who portrayed the flamboyant Blanche Devereaux, died on June 3, 2010, at 76, following a stroke. Estelle Getty, known for her role as the sharp-tongued Sophia Petrillo, passed away just shy of her 85th 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡day on July 22, 2008, from Lewy body dementia.

Other notable cast members included Herbert Edelman, who died of emphysema in 1996 at 62, and Harold G, who succumbed to prostate cancer in 2010 at the age of 87. Sid Melton, who played a recurring role, passed away from pneumonia in 2011 at 94, while Bill Dana, also a familiar face, died of natural causes in 2007 at 92.

The series also featured memorable guest stars, such as Deborah Angles Smith, who died on February 10, 2023, after battling frontotemporal dementia at 69. Meanwhile, Scott Jobe, who was just 29 during the show’s original run, is now 68 and continues to honor the legacy of the series.

“The Golden Girls” remains a cherished part of television history, and the contributions of its talented cast continue to resonate with fans around the world. Their stories remind us of the importance of friendship, laughter, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.