Sally Struthers is making headlines for sharing a surprising and less-than-flattering story about her experience with Betty White, the beloved star of “The Golden Girls.”
During a recent appearance on the “Let’s Talk About That! With Larry Saperstein and Jacob Bellotti” podcast, the 77-year-old Emmy-winning actress, best known for her role as Gloria Stivic on “All in the Family,” opened up about a moment with White that she described as “not nice.”
Struthers, who described White as “passive-aggressive,” recalled the incident during a meeting at White’s home to discuss a pilot for a new game show.
As snacks were brought in, Struthers said she reached for a cookie, only to have White call her out in front of everyone. “She said, ‘Oh, I wouldn’t do that if I were you, dear. You don’t need a cookie,’” Struthers shared. “Totally fat-shamed me in front of the rest of the people in the room. And I thought, ‘Gosh, that’s not nice.’”
White, who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 99, remains one of Hollywood’s most cherished figures, but Struthers’ story highlights a side of the icon that many have never heard. “I know everybody loves her,” Struthers admitted. “They loved her so much… I didn’t have such a great experience with her.”
This wasn’t the only time Struthers faced comments about her appearance in the entertainment industry. Earlier in the podcast, she discussed a moment with “All in the Family” creator Norman Lear. When she asked why she was cast as Gloria despite him admitting she wasn’t the funniest person who auditioned, Lear’s response was blunt: “We hired you because, just like Carroll O’Connor, you have blue eyes and a fat face.”
According to Struthers, Lear explained that Gloria’s “daddy’s little girl” persona would help soften the otherwise abrasive Archie Bunker, making the show more palatable for audiences. Struthers, who would go on to win two Emmy Awards for her role, shared this story with a mix of humor and honesty, though it underscores the challenges actresses faced in an industry that often focused on appearance.
While Struthers may not have had a great experience with Betty White, she had far better memories with another “Golden Girls” star, Bea Arthur.
Struthers spoke fondly of her friendship with Arthur, reminiscing about their candid chats during shopping trips in Brentwood and their shared sense of humor. “Bea would trash everyone we ever knew,” Struthers said, laughing, adding that Arthur’s sense of humor was “filthier than a drunken sailor” during rehearsals. Arthur’s unforgettable guest appearance as Maude on “All in the Family” even led to her own spinoff, “Maude,” and later her iconic role as Dorothy Zbornak on “The Golden Girls.”
Struthers’ reflections on her time in Hollywood offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics behind the scenes of some of television’s most legendary shows. From her less-than-kind interaction with Betty White to her warm friendship with Bea Arthur, it’s clear that Struthers’ journey through Hollywood was anything but ordinary. While her remarks about White may surprise fans, they also remind us that even the brightest stars are human—and not every interaction shines as brightly as their legacy.