“If I Knew Then What I Know Now…So What?” by Estelle Getty is a hilarious, irreverent autobiography of the actress who played Sophia on “The Golden Girls.” Winner of the very first Helen Hayes Award for Best Supporting Actress in “Torch Song Trilogy,” Getty also appeared in the films “Mask” and “Copacabana.” Estelle’s witty recollections include tongue-in-cheek advice on marriage, motherhood and retirement. Her candid revelations are punctuated with warmth and humor.
“Here We Go Again: My Life in Television” by Betty White is another entertaining autobiography penned by one of “The Golden Girls.” After a brief start in radio, Betty first appeared on television in 1949. Best known for her roles as Sue Ann on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and Rose on “The Golden Girls,” she was also on several other programs. White reminisces about the early days of television, tells anecdotes about the fascinating personalities she’s worked with and talks about her personal life in this upbeat memoir.
In “My First Five Husbands…And the Ones Who Got Away” by Rue McClanahan, the actress shares her turbulent professional and private life.
Most noted for her role as a Southern vixen on “The Golden Girls,” McClanahan also starred in other television programs and on Broadway. Raised in a small Oklahoma town, she developed her passions for theater and men at an early age. Like her television alter ego Blanche, Rue dishes up the dirt on the men in her life, even going so far as to assign them ratings.
“After All” by Mary Tyler Moore is a candid autobiography of another one of America’s favorite television comediennes.
