As the iconic sitcom “The Golden Girls” continues to captivate audiences across generations, the personal experiences of those closest to the show’s stars have become increasingly fascinating to fans.
In a recent interview, Daniel Saks, the only son of the late Bea Arthur, who played the acerbic yet lovable Dorothy Zbornak on the series, provided a rare glimpse into what it was like to grow up with the legendary actress.
Saks, who was in his late teens and early 20s during the show’s run from 1985 to 1992, recalled the profound impact his mother’s career had on his formative years.
“My mom was a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the screen,” Saks shared. “She had such a commanding presence, but she was also incredibly nurturing and supportive as a parent.”
The younger Saks spoke of the unique challenges that came with having a parent in the spotlight, navigating the attention and scrutiny that came with his mother’s celebrity status.
“There were definitely times when I wished I could just have a normal, quiet life,” he admitted. “But at the end of the day, I was so proud of my mom and the legacy she was building through her work.”
Saks also revealed insights into his mother’s acting process, describing how Bea Arthur would often bring her characters’ emotional depth and complexity home with her, even while off set.
“She was so deeply invested in Dorothy and the other ‘Golden Girls,'” Saks recalled. “I would see her poring over scripts, really trying to understand the motivations and nuances of her character.”
As “The Golden Girls” continues to be celebrated for its enduring impact on television and popular culture, Saks’ personal recollections offer a poignant and humanizing perspective on the life of one of the show’s most iconic stars.
