The Golden Girls was and is still one of the most beloved TV shows of all time. Because of that, many famous faces graced the screen during its eight-year run. Some were already a-list stars, and others were just getting their start in Hollywood. We compiled a few of the biggest guest stars here. 

Mario Lopez Starred in a Heartbreaking Story 

Before Mario Lopez was Bayside’s favorite jock, A.C. Slater, on Saved by the Bell, he was one of Dorothy’s most gifted students named Mario Sanchez in the Season 2 episode titled Dorothy’s Prized Pupil. After Mario wins an essay contest, the authorities learn that he’s an undocumented immigrant, and they seek to deport him. Unfortunately, the story doesn’t have a happy ending. Despite Dorothy’s attempts to keep him in the country, Mario is deported, and the show never mentions him again.

‘The Golden Girls’ Helped Quentin Tarantino Make it Big

Oscar-winner Quentin Tarantino made a cameo in the series, but only the most eagle-eyed fans would have noticed. He appeared as an Elvis Impersonator in the Season 4 episode titled Sophia’s Wedding: Part 1. Tarantino credits the role as his breakthrough in Hollywood. 

“Before I did Reservoir Dogs, I had a very unsuccessful acting career,” he told Jimmy Fallon in 2020. “However, one of the few jobs I did get…and not because I did a wonderful audition, but simply because they sent my picture in and they said, ‘He’s got it!’ was for an Elvis impersonator on The Golden Girls.”

Tarantino explained that he was paid residuals for parts 1 and 2, despite only acting in one episode. It also went on to become part of the Best of Golden Girls, which gave it loads of air time. The pay is what made Reservoir Dogs possible.

Dick Van Dyke Had a Creepy Obsession

Classic TV icon Dick Van Dyke had a hilariously unsettling role in the Season 5 The Golden Girls episode titled Love Under the Big Top. He played one of Dorothy’s suitors, Ken Whittingham. Ken seemed like a perfect prospect at first. The dreamy charmer was a successful lawyer who treated Dorothy like a queen. But he lost his appeal once he admitted he wanted to stop practicing law to chase his dreams of becoming a circus clown. 

George Clooney Held a Stakeout in ‘The Golden Girls’ House

Before George Clooney was breaking hearts as Dr. Doug Ross in ER, he was serving and protecting in The Golden Girls. Clooney played young Detective Bobby Hopkins in the Season 2 installment of To Catch a Neighbor. When the authorities suspect some of the ladies’ neighbors are high-profile gem thieves, they send Hopkins to do undercover work while staying with Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia. 

Burt Reynolds Meets ‘The Ladies of the Evening’

Burt Reynolds made a cameo as himself in one of the most hilarious episodes of The Golden Girls. He stars in The Ladies of the Evening, the Season 2 episode that puts Blanche, Rose, and Dorothy in jail for suspected prostitution.

After Blanche wins three tickets to one of Reynolds’ movie premieres, she can only choose to take two of her friends. Sophia ends up getting the boot. But the ladies miss the premiere when a misunderstanding puts them behind bars. Sophia goes to the event in their place and lands a date with Mr. Reynolds.