Estelle Getty’s famous Sophia Petrillo handbag just sold for a huge price. The Golden Girls prop far exceeded its original $10,000 to $15,000 estimate, with a superfan from West Virginia now owning the iconic piece.
Estelle Getty’s signature straw purse from The Golden Girls found a home with a superfan
Julien’s Auctions included Getty’s Sophia Petrillo handbag in its “Ladies of the ’80s” auction. The straw purse sold for $192,000, making it the highest price ever paid for a Golden Girls prop at the auction house. The same purse sold for $9,150 at a 2009 Bonhams auction of Getty’s estate. A director’s chair from Betty White’s estate previously held Julien’s record at $76,800.
Author Jim Colucci explained how Getty found the purse in his 2016 book Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai. Getty’s manager, Juliet Green, remembered that Getty went to Los Angeles thrift stores looking for things to fit Sophia. She wanted a polyester dress, straw hat, gloves and, most importantly, a purse. Getty chose the straw, top-clasping bag that Sophia carried throughout all seven seasons.
According to PEOPLE, Getty also explained the meaning behind Sophia’s purse during a 1996 appearance on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. “When people get old and they’re displaced from their homes, and they have to go live someplace else, what they keep in their purse is the most important things in their lives,” she said. Getty added, “And putting down the purse is like putting down your life.” She later joked, “And whoever wants it is gonna have to pay heavy money for it.”
A West Virginia superfan now owns the famous purse. The buyer chose to remain anonymous but shared excitement about the purchase. “I am super excited to be the new owner of this iconic piece!” the fan said. They also said they watched The Golden Girls with their grandmother and friends while growing up.
The fan already has a fake version of the purse and other Golden Girls memorabilia. They also have a Golden Girls tattoo and called themselves a huge fan. Getty died in 2008 at age 84, but Sophia’s famous accessory continues to hold a special place in fans’ hearts.
TELL US – WOULD YOU PAY $192,000 FOR AN ICONIC GOLDEN GIRLS PROP?
