Bonnie Bartlett’s Memorable Experience on ‘The Golden Girls’ Set
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Bonnie Bartlett, a seasoned Emmy-winning actress known for her roles in various successful television shows such as Little House on the Prairie, St. Elsewhere, and Boy Meets World, encountered a unique and unforgettable moment on the set of the beloved NBC sitcom, The Golden Girls. In a 1988 season 3 episode titled “Dorothy’s New Friend,” Bartlett portrayed the character Barbara Thorndyke, a snooty and anti-Semitic author who befriends Dorothy Zbornak, played by Bea Arthur.
The storyline of the episode unfolds as Dorothy’s roommates, Blanche Devereaux and Rose Nylund, become wary of Barbara’s arrogance and superficiality. The climax of the episode occurs when Barbara, upon discovering Dorothy’s mother’s date has a Jewish surname, refuses to attend a country club that restricts entry based on ethnicity, leading to Dorothy’s decisive action to throw her out of their group.
During the filming of the controversial scene, Bartlett recalls a moment that shed light on the impact of her character’s actions. She narrates how three different elder actors initially cast for the scene quit due to being offended, showcasing the sensitive nature of the topic. Subsequently, during the curtain call at the end of the taping, Bartlett faced a mix of reactions from the live audience – from applause to boos.
Bartlett’s husband of 74 years, William Daniels, who also shared the screen with her in St. Elsewhere and Boy Meets World, presented an insightful perspective on her portrayal of the character. Reflecting on the incident, Bartlett shares how her approach to playing Barbara Thorndyke was inspired by her mother who possessed a knack for delivering a cutting remark with a polite smile, setting the tone for her performance.
Despite the conflicting reactions to her character in the episode, Bartlett’s portrayal of Barbara Thorndyke left a lasting impression on audiences, earning her recognition even years after the show aired. Bartlett mentions instances where fans have approached her in public spaces, referencing her role in The Golden Girls, showcasing the enduring impact of her performance in that particular episode.
As The Golden Girls nears its 40th anniversary, the legacy of the show continues to captivate audiences, with a one-hour special by ABC News in the pipeline to commemorate the milestone. With all seven seasons available for streaming on Hulu, the timeless appeal of the show persists, inviting both loyal fans and new viewers to delve into the iconic world of Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia.
In conclusion, Bonnie Bartlett’s experience on the set of The Golden Girls serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing social issues and provoking discussions. Her portrayal of Barbara Thorndyke, though met with a mix of reactions, sparked conversations and left an indelible mark on the audience, showcasing the impact of nuanced performances in the realm of television entertainment.