Betty White and the rest of the "Golden Girls" are the subject of tabloid headlines implying that they disrespected their late co-star Estelle Getty by not attending her funeral.
The recent passing of Estelle Getty is back in the news today. In court documents filed before her death and just obtained by ET, it appears there was a battle going on over her estate among her two sons and Estelle's caregiver. All were named as co-trustees.
In the documents, one son alleged that Estelle's caregiver improperly borrowed over $40,000 from the trust, used Getty's credit card for his personal use, and, with the other son, sold off the family's New York co-op. He also wanted the caregiver removed as co-trustee.
Before "Desperate Housewives," show creator Marc Cherry produced and wrote for "The Golden Girls." Now, he's remembering the beloved Estelle Getty, who suffered from advanced dementia and passed away earlier today at 84.
"She always used to be very quick-witted; she could get a punchline out quicker than anybody," says Cherry about the spunky actress, who played Sophia Petrillo on the hit NBC sitcom in the '80s. "That's a rare talent, and she was kind of amazing, and I'm going to miss her terribly."
Estelle Getty, the lovable, saucy actress best known for her role as feisty mother Sophia Petrillo in the hit sitcom "The Golden Girls," has died. She was just days away from her 85th birthday. ET confirms the actress passed away at 5:35 a.m. Pacific Time this morning with her two sons by her side.
Fan fave BETTY WHITE has had one of the longest running careers in TV. Her first paying job was in 1945.
Of course, she is best known for her comedic performances on series such as "The Golden Girls," "Mary Tyler Moore" and "Boston Legal." But that all changed recently when she appeared on CBS' hit daytime drama, "The Bold and the Beautiful."
ET goes behind the scenes of the CBS "Gameshow Marathon" with BETTY WHITE!
Betty is one of the celebrity panelists during the second semi-final round tonight as LANCE BASS and KATHY NAJIMY compete in a nostalgic revival of the classic game show "Match Game."
BETTY WHITE, RUE McCLANAHAN, BEA ARTHUR and ESTELLE GETTY -- aka Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia -- made waves in the late '80s as Miami retirees on TV's "The Golden Girls." But tragically, while her co-stars have gone on to appear in a variety of new projects, Estelle had to bow out due to a debilitating disease.
Now, ET has a personal letter from Estelle's caregiver, PAUL CHAPDELAINE, detailing the frail star's condition and her day-to-day life.
BETTY WHITE, RUE McCLANAHAN, BEA ARTHUR and ESTELLE GETTY -- aka Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia -- made waves for seven years as Miami retirees on "The Golden Girls," and over the weekend the women were honored in Hollywood for their contributions to the TV world.
ET was the only crew allowed inside the festivities at the Museum of Television and Radio's tribute to the long-running NBC show, which was a part of the 2006 WILLIAM S. PALEY Television Festival.
Former "Golden Girls" star RUE McCLANAHAN is one busy lady. Not only is the sassy septuagenarian currently starring on Broadway in Wicked and airing a Hallmark TV movie, "Back To You & Me," this weekend -- she's also writing a new tell-all book about her five failed marriages -- and hubby No. 6!
"We met in May of 1997; two-and-a-half weeks later we were engaged," says the 71-year-old Rue about her current betrothed, writer/actor/producer MORROW WILSON, who is six years her junior. She adds that for their Christmas Day nuptials, "He grew a beard and a mustache for the wedding day because he didn't want people to think I was robbing the cradle."
Last November, ET reported that Golden Girl ESTELLE GETTY was suffering from dementia, so when JANN CARL caught up with RUE McCLANAHAN on the set of "Hope and Faith," the first thing she asked for was an update on Estelle's health.
"The last time BETTY WHITE went to see her, after Betty left, the fella that takes care of Estelle said that Estelle said to him, 'That was a nice woman,'" Rue tells Jann. "And when I called her on the phone, the only thing she was able to say back to me was, 'Yes.'"
ET has learned that ESTELLE GETTY, 81, the actress who played the lovable and quick-witted Sophia on the hit show "The Golden Girls," is suffering from dementia. Despite recent tabloid rumors that she is dying, Getty's former castmates set the record straight Thursday night, saying she is "not near death ... not near death at all."
Tonight on ET, the cast opens up to our JANN CARL about their friend's battle with dementia.
BradBesseyET: Jon Gosselin brought roses to Kate today as they arbitrate the end of their marriage in PA.
ETNOW: Taylor Lautner on Kristen Stewart: We Have a Similar Relationship to Jacob & Bella http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/11/81249/index.html
ETNOW: Taylor Lautner says now that 'New Moon' is out he's ready for Thanksgiving, "family, food and football." RT @BradBesseyET @OfficialTL
ETProdSharlette: TWILIGHT-NEW MOON breaks all records. Midnight crawlers brought in 26.27 Million last night. WOW congrats vampires and wolves, ET has it!
BradBesseyET: Taylor Lautner says now the wait is over for Twilight: New Moon, he's ready for Thanksgiving and "family, food and football." @OfficialTL
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Catch Hollywood's brightest stars out on the town!
Donning their most dazzling duds, Hollywood's loveliest ladies and sexiest studs descended upon legendary hotspot the Chateau Marmont for the 14th annual GQ Men of the Year bash. Take a look at Hollywood's biggest names as they light up Los Angeles!
GQ's page-turning "Men of the Year" issue hits newsstands Nov 24.
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