R.I.P. Sophia

The Golden Girls is one of my all-time favorite shows and I still catch the reruns on Lifetime on the late night tip. So I gasped when I read this morning about the passing of Estelle Getty, better known as Sophia, the sassy and sarcastic Sicilian of the viejita quartet.

When I used to watch it as a youngster on NBC Saturday nights (in the same lineup as 227 and Amen), I didn't understand how this show pioneered expression of women's sexuality on television and paved the way for Sex and The City and Girlfriends. Candidly talking about sex was a TV taboo, but in the 80's with the rise in HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy; the show brought these issues to light from an older (and quite comical) perspective. This show is a staple of American television history...they don't make 'em like they used to.

In honor of Estelle Getty; and the cast of the Golden Girls, who continue to bring joy and laughter to women of ALL ages around the world; thank you for being a friend. R.I.P.

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