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Rue McClanahan at a book signing. Brightly colored 80s telephones.

If you had a television in the mid-80s, it's quite possible you would have at least heard of the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls. Created by Susan Harris, it wasn't only a huge ratings hit with audiences, but a darling for critics as well, winning Golden Globes and Emmys, including one for each of its leading actresses.

The show was ahead of its time and truly spoke to women entering their "third act" of life. The premise? Four women share a Miami home while navigating life after 50 and learning that friendship is a beacon of light when facing any kind of adversity.

- YouTubewww.youtube.com, NBC, The Golden Girls

Those women—Dorothy, Rose, Sophia, and Blanche—were played brilliantly by Bea Arthur, Betty White, Estelle Getty, and Rue McClanahan, respectively.

In 1988, McClanahan went on Larry King Live to promote The Golden Girls and also her work with Purina's Pets for People program, which Rue explains is an "adoption program that Purina has helped set up for citizens over 60 years old."

-Rue McClanahan on Larry King Live in 1988www.youtube.com, Larry King Live, CNN

Appearing via satellite in a bright green patterned blazer, she and Larry King discuss the show, of course. Larry asks, "When that idea was presented to you—when they did the pilot—did you think it would be a winner?" McClanahan answers emphatically, "Yes, I did! In fact, even before I opened it. When I saw the title, The Golden Girls, I said, Uh-oh, I wanna be a part of this."

They also discuss that the audience for the show wasn't just senior citizens. McClanahan, in fact, shares, "Most of the fan mail I get is from teens." Which is what made what happened just a few minutes later all the more hilarious and outrageous.

King opens up the phone lines for callers to ask questions, which a few respectfully did. Then, a younger voice appears on the line from Lansing, Michigan, sounding possibly like he might be in middle school. He then asks a question not meant for primetime. Possibly, on a dare, he inquires, "Um, I'd like to know, when was the first 'F' you've ever had?" It's jarring for sure. But leave it to McClanahan, perhaps channeling her inner Blanche, to laugh with pure glee.

This video contains language that might not be suitable for a younger audience.

From @thegoldengirls.4 life via @thetotally80sroom Instagram page:

While King seems understandably uncomfortable (as did perhaps so many of us) McClanahan sees the absurdity, maybe even remembering what prank-calling was all about for tweens and teens. She exclaims, "That was a pornographic phone call…isn't that fun?" Her shoulders shake with laughter.

King tries to cover, though he too is now laughing. "Maybe he meant job? Where was your first paid job?"

The comment section is alive with reactions, with a top commenter pointing out, "Her reaction is so Blanche," and another with a similar sentiment: "He asked #BlancheDevereaux a legitimate question…am I right or am I right?"

Another, seemingly a fan of the show, writes, "That call sounded like Betty." (Referring, of course, to the late Betty White, who was a notorious prankster.)

Betty White, The Golden Girls, prankster, silliness, gifBetty White dances joyously.Giphy, Golden Girls Dancing GIF by TV Land

This commenter claims, "…and that was when the FCC instituted the seven-second delay on LIVE TV, LOL."

Another adds that this kind of thing wasn't just common in the U.S. "Used to get these kinds of calls all the time in the UK on Saturday morning kids' shows."

The overall consensus was that McClanahan handled it like a champ. "This is why they are all beloved forever," reads another comment. One goes a step further by romanticizing the decade, in general: "The 80's Were A Magical Era Of Our Lives."


A round-up of delights from around the internet this week.

Hey all!

Welcome to Upworthy's weekly roundup of delights from around the internet. This week's list features a little of everything—gorgeous music, cute kids, adorable animals, hope for the planet and a brand new video message from the late and great Betty White.

That's right, Betty White left us a message of gratitude shortly before her passing. It's brief, but how lovely to see and hear her speak to her millions of fans one last time. Few celebrities are as universally beloved as Betty White was, and though we knew she couldn't live forever, it would have been fun to see her celebrate her 100th birthday. Now, at least, we get to experience her joy and warmth with a few last words.


Hope these 10 things make you smile as well:

Kid's parents have a stuffed toy made from his drawing and his reaction is everything.

Children's artwork is precious. There's nothing like seeing the unique imagination of a child take form in the real world, so having something they created in 2D be transformed into 3D is so cool.

This puppers desperately wants this statue to play fetch, and now I need a puppy.

I'm a cat person, but I want to take this dog home and give them all the peanut butter and let them sleep on all the furniture all the time, thankyouverymuch.

Cellist plays a 12-part cello piece solo, and it's absolutely stunning.

Music already seems like magic. But the things people can do with technology these days is incredible—and so very appreciated during the pandemic, when playing in groups isn't always safe. This performance is just beautiful in every way.

Surfer offers to write the names of strangers' lost loved ones on his surfboard so they can ride 'one last wave.'

I loved writing this story and hearing about what made Dan Fischer decide to do it. Such a great example of the power of one person doing something with what they have to bring whatever comfort they can to their fellow humans. Just wonderful. Read the full story here. 

Nurse treats patient's Big Bird stuffy, illustrating how nurses really are superheroes.

@ownedbyahoula

Some people were just born to be nurses. #nursesoftiktok #nurses #CowboyBebop #cohenskidsrock

This patient has Cohen syndrome—a genetic disorder that can cause developmental delay, intellectual disability, small head size and weak muscle tone—and his nurse taking the time to treat Big Bird to comfort him is so compassionate and caring.

Six-year-old cheerleader breaks down in tears, but the crowd's support helps her rally.

Oh, this sweet baby girl. She was so nervous and overwhelmed, but she stood her ground and–with the help of a supportive crowd—gathered her wits about her. Well done, everyone.

Zoologist captures 1,000 fin whales in one spot—a ray of hope for the endangered species.

Conor Ryan describes himself as a "whale nerd," which is literally true. He's a zoologist, photographer and expert on whales, and even his mind was blown on seeing this many fin whales in one spot. The endangered species nearly went extinct last century, so this is a hopeful sight. Read the full story here. 

Bird researcher turns herself into a human bird feeder (wait for it…). 

Oh, when her patience and stillness paid off! Her face tells the whole story.

TSA dog gets a perfect surprise on his final bag search before retirement.

It's doggo happiness raining down from the heavens.

Betty White's publicist shared her final message to her fans this morning.

Betty White's publicist shared the video on White's official Facebook page this morning. "When we recorded her special message to fans who attended the movie, we also recorded one that we had planned to put on social media on her birthday," she wrote. "She was using the occasion of her 100th birthday to celebrate YOU - her fans. She knew how lucky she was; she felt the love, and she never took it for granted."

Hope that brought some joy to your heart! Come back next week for another roundup of timeline cleansers.