Betty White charmed audiences with her portrayal of the lovable and naïve Rose Nylund on the iconic sitcom The Golden Girls, a role that significantly contributed to her wealth and lasting legacy. The show, which aired from 1985 to 1992, initially paid its cast, including White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty, $30,000 per episode, a figure that rose each season as the series garnered popularity. By the end of its run, White had established herself as a beloved figure in television, amassing a fortune of approximately $75 million over her extensive career.
Beginning her journey in the entertainment industry during the radio era, Betty transitioned to television and even hosted her own show in the 1950s. Her career took off further with her role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1973 to 1977 and continued with a successful stint in Hot in Cleveland from 2010 to 2015, where she earned $75,000 per episode. Additionally, reruns of The Golden Girls contributed around $3 million annually to her income.
Following her passing in 2021, White’s estate included a Brentwood home valued at $10.7 million, sold in 2022, and a Carmel-by-the-Sea residence purchased for just under $11 million. Notably, her wealth was allocated to a trust benefiting animal welfare charities, reflecting her lifelong passion for animal rights.
Other Golden Girls stars also experienced considerable success. Bea Arthur, who portrayed the sharp-tongued Dorothy Zbornak, had an impressive career on stage and television. She left behind a fortune of $25 million, which her two sons inherited. Rue McClanahan, known for her role as the glamorous Blanche Devereaux, accrued a fortune of $5 million through her work and wise real estate investments, leaving her son, Mark Bish, as her heir. Estelle Getty, who brought the feisty Sophia Petrillo to life, earned roughly $8 million, sharing her wealth with her two sons after her death in 2008.
The legacy of The Golden Girls lives on not just through its nostalgic episodes but in the lasting impact each of these talented actresses had on both the television landscape and the lives of their devoted fans. Their stories highlight not just financial success but also the enduring relationships and messages about friendship, resilience, and love that the show imparted to its audience.