Golden Girls

Television icon (and feminist favorite) Rue McClanahan passed away this morning at the age of 76. She was best known for her role as Blanche Devereaux on the classic sitcom The Golden Girls (though I probably didn't have to tell you that). Blanche was always my very favorite of the four Golden Girls. I loved her Southern wit and charm and her unabashed sexiness (oh, and I thought her flowing pajama robes were the height of glamor).

Though us feminist TV fans will miss Rue something fierce, she leaves behind a legacy that won't be soon forgotten. She was a pioneer when it came to representations of older women on television, never apologizing for her sexuality or her age. Thank you for being a friend, Rue McClanahan!

It's the latest episode of Bitchcast! Taking cues from Issue 46, the podcast includes an interview with a feminist blogger who's wise but not old, an interview with members of the Meerkat Media Collective about their recent documentary where generations collide, an excerpt from the Old issue of Bitch, and a chat with one of the 90s biggest stars. Plus tunes from the Swedish melodic pop band JJ. Stream it below, download the epsiode here, or subscribe via iTunes or RSS.

Transcript and podcast script after the jump!

This week's installment of Adventures in Feministory goes out to a very special lady, one who broke barriers for older women in the entertainment industry like nobody's business: Estelle Getty. (And no, this post isn't just an excuse to talk about her fabulous exercise video, but yes, the video is included after the jump.)

It is a sad day for fans of the incomparable Bea Arthur, who died of cancer Saturday. Arthur was revolutionary on so many fronts, on both stage and screen, bringing feminist issues like abortion and ageism to light while crushing gender stereotypes. She proved the snake eye, a commanding voice and a confident swagger were just as fit for the ladies as they were for the fellas. She played funny, smart and unrelenting sarcasm to a tee. She was one of a kind. She will be missed.