Betty White: Bea Arthur Couldn’t Get Along With Me During Golden Girls Because “I’m happy all the time”

Betty White and Bea Arthur were two of the biggest stars of The Golden Girls, a show loved by millions worldwide. On-screen, their chemistry was undeniable, creating some of the most iconic moments in TV history. But off-screen, their personalities couldn’t have been more different.

Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, and Betty White in The Golden Girls | Credits: NBC Network

White’s sunny, upbeat energy sometimes clashed with Arthur’s more serious and reserved demeanor, leading to some real-life tension between the co-stars. Despite their differences, their professional partnership delivered a timeless comedy that fans still cherish today.

Why did Bea Arthur find Betty White’s positivity overwhelming in The Golden Girls?

Betty White was known as one of the most cheerful and lovable stars in Hollywood. Her charm and sharp sense of humor have won over countless fans and colleagues. However, not everyone was as captivated by her upbeat personality, including her Golden Girls co-star, Bea Arthur.

Bea Arthur and Betty White in a still from The Golden Girls | Credits: NBC Network

While the two shared the screen as part of one of television’s most iconic casts, things behind the scenes were not always smooth sailing.

During a 2013 panel with The New York Times (reported by Little Things), White reflected on her time working on The Golden Girls and shed some light on her dynamic with Bea Arthur. While they respected each other as professionals, their personalities were quite different. She added, “We were all close, but our personalities were all so different.”

For Bea Arthur, White’s constant cheerfulness was sometimes a bit too much. White added in the same conversation, adding:

Despite these differences, the two actresses worked together seamlessly on-screen. Their professional chemistry masked any personal friction, allowing The Golden Girls to thrive and become a beloved classic.

While their personalities may not have been a perfect match, the magic they created together on the show proves that even in real-life challenges, something beautiful can emerge.

Betty White gets her own stamp to celebrate her legacy

The U.S. Postal Service announced via USA Today that in 2025, a stamp featuring the late Golden Girls star will be released. The design showcased the late actress’ famous smile with a violet background and playful, bubbly spots that reflect her joyful personality.

The stamp’s digital illustration was created by Dale Stephanos and is based on a 2010 photo by Kwaku Alston. The Postal Service says the stamp represents White’s lively and sparkling nature, honoring her long career. The release date for the stamp hasn’t been announced yet, but it will be sold in a set of 20.

Georgia Engel and Betty White in The Betty White Show | Credits: CBS

In addition to White’s stamp, others were also revealed, including one for the late musician Allen Toussaint, who will be part of the Black Heritage series. Lisa Bobb-Semple, director of USPS Stamp Services, said these new stamps highlight the Postal Service’s commitment to honoring a wide range of famous individuals.

Other TV legends like Fred Rogers, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, and Rod Serling have also been featured on stamps. Betty White’s contributions to TV, including her roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Hot in Cleveland, earned her 21 Emmy nominations and five wins.

Her lasting legacy continues to be celebrated, and this stamp is the latest tribute to her incredible career.

You can watch all seasons of The Golden Girls on Hulu.