Emerson Phillips
This past weekend’s inaugural “The Golden Girls” convention at Chicago’s Navy Pier drew some 3,000 fans of all ages from all over the world.
Sisters Hillary Wasicek, 37, and Melissa Gluck, 43, flew in from California and dressed up Friday – wigs and all – as the characters of Dorothy and Blanche. Which they’d done before on a ‘Golden Girls’ cruise.
The series has always held a special place for them because of its themes; friends becoming family, and inclusiveness.
“It’s a fun expression of showing respect and appreciation for something you admire. It just makes you feel more a part of it,” said Wasicek, who plans to wear a different costume every day. “We just met so many people and heard so many stories. It’s like ‘These are my people.’”
The show, which ran from 1985-1992, starred Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty and Betty White — the last remaining “Golden Girl” who died at age 99 in December. It was revered for showing their characters, who shared a house in Miami, dealing with issues later in life like ageism, sex and LGBTQ rights.
The convention in Chicago was named “Golden-Con: Thank You For Being a Fan.”
According to event co-producer Zack Hudson, fans flocked to the convention from as far away as Australia, England and Ireland for the three-day event. Attendees participated in a number of themed activities, including live parody shows, autograph sessions with stars and producers, trivia competitions, a disco party, and a costume contest.
They also paid their respect to White and the other three leading ladies on the beloved sitcom, who starred on the show for seven seasons.
White’s death followed the passing of her co-stars Estelle Getty (2008), Bea Arthur (2009) and Rue McClanahan (2010).
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