The Wall Street Journal.The exterior of the 1950s-era house was used for establishing shots of the house shared by Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Dorothy (Bea Arthur), Sophia (Estelle Getty) and Rose (Betty White) on the NBC sitcom throughout its first season. It was later replicated on a studio backlot for subsequent seasons.Also Read: 'The Golden Girls' Episode With Blackface Gag Pulled From HuluThe original owners’ son, James C.