Golden Girls Purse Used by Estelle Getty Fetches $192,000 at Julien's Auction

At Julien's 'Ladies of the '80s' auction, a straw top-clasp purse used by Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo throughout all seven seasons of The Golden Girls fetched an impressive $192,000. Getty discovered the purse at a thrift store and it became part of her collection after she was cast in the show. Following the series, it traveled with her to The Golden Palace and remained with her until her passing in 2008. In 2009, the purse, along with a pair of glasses worn by Getty in character, was sold at Bonhams for $7,500. Initially, the purse was estimated to sell for between $10,000 and $15,000. Getty's manager, Juliet Green, verified that the purse was among items collected by the actress. During a 1996 appearance on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Getty shared the purse's emotional significance for elderly individuals displaced from their homes. The auction also showcased other memorabilia from The Golden Girls, including Rue McClanahan's annotated script and Betty White's handwritten note card, as well as items from Dynasty and various other stars.