Sisters Hillary Wasicek (37), and Melissa Gluck (43), took the inaugural “The Golden Girls” convention at Chicago’s Navy Pier to heart. The two women flew from California to participate in elaborate cosplay as Blanche and Dorothy on Friday. Because of the series’ themes of friendship becoming family and inclusion, it has held a special place in their hearts. The convention experience is enhanced by the fact that they can dress up in wigs, as they did previously on a “Golden Girls’ cruise.
It’s a fun way to show respect and appreciation for someone you admire. It makes you feel more part of the community,” stated Wasicek. She plans to change her costume each day. “We met so many people, and heard so many different stories. It’s almost like “These are my people.”
Gluck says that meeting other “Golden Girls” fans gives her a “greater appreciation of the show.” “Now, I have my husband and son involved.”
The Golden-Con: Thank you for Being a Fan event runs through Sunday and gives those who loved the NBC sitcom a chance of coming together. Over 2,000 people are expected to attend. It starred Bea Arthur and Rue McClanahan as well as Estelle Getty, Betty White, the last “Golden Girl”, who died in December. It was renowned for its portrayals of their characters, who lived in Miami and dealt with later issues like ageism and LGBTQ rights.
Panels and Q&As are held with guests or those who worked behind-the scenes at the con. A vendors market will be open with booths selling “Golden Girls”-themed candles, masks, and other merchandise. The market features a replica of Sophia’s famous purse and a recreated kitchen so fans can take photos. Two separate drag queen groups will also be performing tributes.
Bonnie Bartlett (an actress best known for her roles on “St. Elsewhere” as well as “Boy Meets World”, are among the guests. In a third-season episode, she played a stubborn new friend of Dorothy’s. Two-time Emmy winner, however, was not opposed to the idea of a fan convention.
Bartlett stated, “I ran around chasing Betty Grable or people like that.” “I was a huge fan of Betty Grable when I was a child. This is why I get it. It’s not something my husband understands, but it is mine.”
Stan Zimmerman was a TV producer, and his second writing job was on the original season. He never dreamed that he would be able to meet fans almost 40 years later. He doesn’t take fame for granted, especially in an industry that is volatile.
Zimmerman stated, “So I have seen the trajectory of popularity, but nothing like this now.” “It’s amazing to see young people who were not born when it was written know every line.
The original idea behind the “Golden Girls” extravaganza wasn’t to be a trivia night at a bar. Zack Hudson, a social worker for seniors, approached Brad Balof, a friend and fellow fan, about putting on an event in November. The plan was to book a community centre, but interest from outside the U.S. grew.
Hudson stated that all they did was to make one announcement via social media. It just kinda grew from there. We reacted to this by trying to accommodate as many people as possible. We are now.
Hudson, Balof (a nightclub manager) and Balof’s brother Brendan (a Phoenix resident with event planning experience), organized a small army from volunteers and staff. For the past few months, the entire group has had to juggle their regular jobs with convention planning. Hudson found all of the panelists. Although they were able to secure sponsorships, most of Golden-Con’s funding comes through ticket sales.
According to them, the interest was also increased because Golden Girls devotees were seeking an outlet to grieve White. There is a booth that sells hundreds of notecards, so fans can write their favourite memories about the show and what it meant to them.
Brad Balof stated, “This is an opportunity to pay that much respect to a show they loved and the actresses who made it shine.” The show’s timeless appeal is due to its humor, which isn’t dependent on any particular situation or geographical location. It’s just that funny.
