'That's exactly why I have to watch it today, Dorothy, to find out what happens. That's why they always say, "stay tuned for the continuing story of ANOTHER WORLD.'
As someone whose dream was to be a television writer, I couldn't wait to dive into Stan Zimmerman's The Girls, from Golden to Gilmore. I took the plunge this past weekend, and finished it all by Sunday night. As exciting as it is to start a book you're looking forward to reading, it's also sad when you finish. This especially true when you're transported to a world you enjoying spending time in. As much as you love being invited in, it still stings a little when you're also ushered out with the final pages.
Zimmerman and his writing partner James Berg wrote three episodes in the first season of The Golden Girls. I know many of you remember the stories, and some of their the classic lines. No matter how many times it comes on TV, I still love scene in Flu Attack when the ladies are all on the couch. Many of you I'm sure can quote Blanche's line wondering electrical appliance Dorothy is hiding under her blanket. For me, it was line about the soap opera Another World. That soap was my mother's favorite and I remember her reciting a similar line when my siblings and I begged her to switch the channel so we could watch cartoons afterschool.
I can only imagine what adventures the four women might have gotten into if Zimmerman and Berg's contracts with the show had gone beyond the first season. Sure, there were other great writers creating their stories, but Zimmerman and Berg certainly made their mark by the stories they wrote and the understanding they had for the ladies living in Blanche's four bedroom Miami home.
So often when I read a show business biography, I trudge through the first few chapters, usually the subjects childhood, to get to juicy parts once they finally arrive in Hollywood. With The Girls, I think reading about Zimmerman's childhood was one of my favorite parts of the book. Anyone who has had a dream, especially about being an actor or writer, can relate to Zimmerman's journey. We all went through years of feeling like an outsider, walking beside or behind the rest of world. We all weren't as lucky to have had a mother as supportive as Zimmerman had. She really is the main girl in The Girls, and such an core part of why so many other wonderful women followed.
Although being let go from The Golden Girls was a setback, it also paved the way for future opportunities. Zimmerman spent a year as a producer and writer during the 1993/1994 season of Roseanne. Despite the looney Roseanne has become, Zimmerman is generally respectful writing about the star his time on the show. Don't get me wrong, he's honest, but doesn't take the easy jabs that Roseanne makes so tempting.
The most interesting part of the section on the show, was an image Zimmerman shared of his mother visiting the set. He and his mom are standing in the iconic Conner kitchen, just a few feet from John Goodman. There seemed to be a rule on the set that writers and guests didn't talk to the cast, so Zimmerman was not able to introduce his mother to Goodman. This rule seemed to be a part of many of the sit-coms Zimmerman worked on in the 80's and 90's.
In addition to The Golden Girls and Roseanne, Zimmerman also wrote for shows including; Pauley, Rita Rocks and the film A Very Brady Sequel. Zimmerman also worked on the script for The Brady Bundh movie, but although paid, was not given credit. His next most well known job, was producing and writing for the 2004/2005 season of The Gilmore Girls.
I think my favorite part of the section on Zimmerman's time on The Gilmore Girls, was his comments about the working style of Amy Sherman-Palladino, (interesting...) and the close relationship he formed with Liz Torres. (Miss Patty) Loved reading about his time visiting Torres, and like Zimmerman, given her years in Hollywood, I'm sure she has so many great stories to tell. Maybe there's a follow-up book there....
There are so many other great stories in the book, including his small role in the casting of Matt Czuchry as Logan. I don't want to share too much however, so will just end the post with some shots of Rory stable of hotties. If you love the shows I mentioned, or just a fan of television and the process of writing or creating, check out The Girls. You can order it easily on Amazon HERE:
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