Barbara Thorndyke

Barbara Thorndyke appeared in the Season 3 episode, Dorothy's New Friend. She is a local novelist who sets all her stories in Florida. She is played by Bonnie Bartlett.

Overview
Dorothy Zbornak met Barbara Thorndyke at a lecture the author was attending, and the two immediately struck up a friendship. Later, Dorothy invites Barbara to meet her roommates. However, Barbara is snooty and treats Rose and Blanche condescendingly. Rose and Blanche try to warn Dorothy about Barbara, but she doesn't believe them and accuses them of being jealous. However, Dorothy soon discovers Barbara's true colours when Barbara reveals to Dorothy the restaurant they're going to won't serve Sophia's gentleman friend because he's Jewish, yet Barbara is tolerant of their policy because, in her own words, "They serve a great breakfast and the parking is free". Realising Rose and Blanche were right about Barbara all along, Dorothy ends their friendship and sends her packing by telling her "Let me spell it out for you. Go to hell".