Sally Struthers Remembers Bea Arthur’s Unfiltered Humor
Bea Arthur’s Unfiltered Wit: Sally Struthers Remembers Their Supermarket Gossip Sessions
Supermarket Encounters, Sharp Wit, and a Friendship Built on Laughter
Sally Struthers is looking back with deep fondness—and plenty of laughter—at her cherished friendship with the late Bea Arthur. The All in the Family star, now 77, recently opened up about her memorable encounters with the Golden Girls icon, recalling Arthur’s legendary sharp tongue and no-holds-barred commentary on their mutual acquaintances.
During an appearance on the Let’s Talk About That! With Larry Saperstein and Jacob Bellotti podcast, Struthers shared how she and Arthur, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 86, would often run into each other while grocery shopping. Those unplanned meetings turned into impromptu roast sessions right in the middle of the store aisles.
“I would run into her at the supermarket, and she would trash everyone we ever knew,” Struthers recalled, laughing. “We would stand in the aisle and she’d say, ‘What do you think about so-and-so?’”
But as Struthers tried to offer a kind word, Arthur often wouldn’t have it. “Oh, she can’t be, because she’s a f—ing a–hole!’” she would exclaim, much to the amusement—and bewilderment—of fellow shoppers.
“People in the store were like, ‘What’s going on in aisle five?’” Struthers joked.
A Friendship Built on Wit and Candor
Struthers expressed nothing but admiration for Arthur’s unfiltered honesty and wicked sense of humor, recalling those candid conversations as some of her most treasured memories.
“I loved how filthy she was,” she admitted with a grin. “She was a big deal. I loved her.”
Arthur, best known for her portrayal of Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls, had a reputation for her biting wit and commanding presence both on and off the screen. Her ability to mix sharp humor with heartfelt moments made her a television legend, and it seems her real-life personality was just as dynamic.
Struthers’ recollections offer a warm, humorous glimpse into Arthur’s larger-than-life personality and the kind of friendships she built—ones filled with humor, irreverence, and genuine affection. Even years after her passing, Arthur’s legacy as a beloved performer and unapologetically candid friend continues to shine through those who knew her best.
