Golden Girls in business
International Women's Day is a day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all around the world. It is a time to recognize the struggles and barriers that women have overcome, as well as the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering women and ensuring that they have the same opportunities and rights as men. International Women's Day has been celebrated for over a century, and it continues to be a vital part of the global conversation about women's rights and gender equality.
For one of TV’s favorite group of Women, the Golden Girls, we thought we would celebrate this day by sharing some fun facts about these fun and entertaining women, who happen to be one of our FAVORITE shows still today. Something that we don’t read about with each of them, is that they ALL were BUSINESS WOMEN!
STARTING WITH DOROTHY…
Dorothy Zbornak, played by Bea Arthur, was a character on the popular TV show "The Golden Girls" which aired from 1985 to 1992. Throughout the series, Dorothy pursued various careers and businesses. Here are some of the businesses Dorothy was involved in:
Teacher: Dorothy was a high school substitute teacher before retiring.
Author: Dorothy wrote a novel, "Murder in a Nunnery," which she published under a pen name.
Guidance Counselor: Dorothy worked as a guidance counselor at a local community college.
Catering Business: Dorothy and her friend Jean opened a catering business together.
Homeless Center: Dorothy volunteered at a homeless center and organized a talent show to raise funds for the center.
Art Dealer: Dorothy briefly worked as an art dealer.
Magazine Columnist: Dorothy wrote a column for a local magazine about life in Miami.
Overall, Dorothy was portrayed as a strong and independent woman who pursued her passions and interests with determination and humor.
Next Up, Blanche
Blanche Devereaux, played by Rue McClanahan, was a character on the popular TV show "The Golden Girls" which aired from 1985 to 1992. Throughout the series, Blanche pursued various careers and businesses. Here are some of the businesses Blanche was involved in:
Art Museum: Blanche worked at an art museum as a tour guide and later as an assistant curator.
Model: Blanche worked as a fashion model in her youth.
Real Estate: Blanche worked as a real estate agent, often competing with fellow Golden Girl, Rose.
Antique Shop: Blanche and Rose briefly owned an antique shop together.
TV Host: Blanche hosted a local TV talk show called "The Blanche Devereaux Show."
Bookstore: Blanche worked at a bookstore and later owned her own bookstore.
Overall, Blanche was portrayed as a confident and vivacious woman who was always willing to try something new. She was unapologetically proud of her Southern heritage and often used her charm and wit to get what she wanted.
Then there’s Rose,
Rose Nylund, played by Betty White, was a character on the popular TV show "The Golden Girls" which aired from 1985 to 1992. Throughout the series, Rose pursued various careers and businesses. Here are some of the businesses Rose was involved in:
St. Olaf's Dairy Princess: In her youth, Rose was crowned St. Olaf's Dairy Princess.
TV Show Host: Rose hosted a TV show called "Wake Up, Miami!" which featured morning news and entertainment.
Counseling: Rose briefly worked as a grief counselor.
Hotel Employee: Rose worked at a local hotel as a housekeeper and later as a switchboard operator.
Real Estate: Rose worked as a real estate agent, often competing with fellow Golden Girl, Blanche.
Counseling Center: Rose worked at a counseling center, helping people with emotional and mental health issues.
Overall, Rose was portrayed as a kind and caring woman with a heart of gold. She often shared humorous and sometimes nonsensical stories from her hometown of St. Olaf, and her innocence and naivety were a source of both frustration and endearment to her friends. Despite her quirks, Rose was a valuable member of the Golden Girls' household and always sought to help those around her.
And last but not least, Sophia
Sophia “Sophi” Petrillo, played by Estelle Getty, was a character on the popular TV show "The Golden Girls" which aired from 1985 to 1992. Throughout the series, Sophia pursued various careers and businesses. Here are some of the businesses Sophia was involved in:
Handbag Saleswoman: Sophia briefly worked as a handbag saleswoman.
Talent Agency: Sophia opened a talent agency with her friend, Max Weinstock.
Catering Business: Sophia and her friend, Augustine Bagatelli, opened a catering business together.
Saloon Owner: Sophia owned a saloon called "Sophia's Saloon" which was frequented by the other Golden Girls.
Fast Food Employee: Sophia worked at a fast-food restaurant called "The Fast and the Famished" after losing her savings.
Overall, Sophia was portrayed as a feisty and independent woman who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Her sharp tongue and quick wit often led to humorous exchanges with her friends, but she was also a caring and devoted mother to Dorothy. Despite her advancing age, Sophia remained active and engaged in life and was always willing to try new things
We hope these fun facts inspired you to not only honor International Women’s Day, but to also know that being a Woman in Business is hard work, rewarding, and what will leave your mark for generations to come.
