Legendary actress Bea Arthur, star of the hit shows The Golden Girls and Maude died on Saturday. She was 86.
The tall, deep-voiced actress died peacefully at her Los Angeles home with her family at her side. She died of cancer.
Arthur was born Bernice Frankel in New York City in 1922. When she was 11, her family moved to Cambridge, Md., where her father opened a clothing store. At 12 she had grown to full height, and she dreamed of being a petite blond movie star like June Allyson. There was one advantage of being tall and deep-voiced: She was chosen for the male roles in school plays. It led to a long stage career on Broadway.
In a 2008 interview with The Associated Press, Arthur said she was lucky to be discovered by TV after a long stage career, recalling with bemusement CBS executives asking about the new “girl.” Her first television role was in the landmark comedy series All in the Family as Edith Bunker’s outspoken, liberal cousin, Maude Finley.
“I was already 50 years old. I had done so much off-Broadway, on Broadway, but they said, `Who is that girl? Let’s give her her own series,’” Arthur said.
Maude scored with television viewers immediately on its CBS debut in September 1972, and Arthur won an Emmy Award for the role in 1977.
In The Golden Girls (1985-1992) she played the daughter of Estelle Getty’s character, who ‘lived together’ in a Miami apartment with Betty White and Rue McClanahan.
As Dorothy Zbornak, Arthur seemed as caustic and domineering as Maude. She was unconcerned about the similarity of the two roles. “Look — I’m 5-feet-9, I have a deep voice and I have a way with a line,” she told an interviewer. “What can I do about it? I can’t stay home waiting for something different. I think it’s a total waste of energy worrying about typecasting.”
The interplay among the four women and their relations with men fueled the comedy, and the show amassed a big audience and 10 Emmys, including two as best comedy series and individual awards for each of the stars.
In 2008, when Arthur was inducted in the TV Academy Hall of Fame, Arthur pointed to the role as the highlight of her long career.
“A lot of that had to do with the fact that I felt, `Ah, yes, I belong here,’” Arthur said.
Arthur’s biggest Broadway triumph came in 1966 as Vera Charles, Angela Lansbury’s acerbic friend in the musical “Mame,” directed by Saks. Richard Watts of the New York Post called her performance “a portrait in acid of a savagely witty, cynical and serpent-tongued woman.” She won a Tony Award for the role.
“There was no one else like Bea,” said “Mame” composer Jerry Herman. “She would make us laugh during `Mame’ rehearsals with a look or with a word. She didn’t need dialogue. I don’t know if I can say that about any other person I ever worked with.”
Angela Lansbury said, “Bea Arthur and I first met when we did ‘Mame’ together in 1965. She became and has remained ‘My Bosom Buddy’ ever since. I am deeply saddened by her passing, but also relieved that she is released from the pain. I spoke to Matt, her son, yesterday and I was aware that her time was imminent. She was a rare and unique performer and a dear, dear friend.”
In recent years, Arthur made guest appearances on shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Malcolm in the Middle. She also toured Australia appearing at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Arthur is survived by her sons and two granddaughters.
Source: Etonline, Associated Press
it’s interesting to see older pictures of Bea Arthur, in a certain light, one might say that she looked like Catherine Zeta Jones…
Such sad news, heard about it yesturday. RIP Bea.
Definetly a great actress indeed, never saw her on Maude but in Golden Girls she was brilliant as Dorothy.
Two of the best sitcoms I’ve seen to be honest, sad to think she’s gone. Hopefully someone at Foxtel will use the opportunity to revive either of her great shows (Golden Girls has been off the air since last year and haven’t seen Maude since I was a kid)
RI.P Bea we love you. Thanks for all the laughs xxx
RIP Dorothy ~
GG are legends of TV!!!
There goes one of the best Simpsons jokes ever…
Krusty: “Did you deliver the 10000 roses to Bea Arthur’s grave?”
Assistant: “No, How many times do I have to tell you, she’s not dead?!”
R.I.P I have been a fan of Bea’s for many years and her passing is a sad loss. The Golden Girls was a brilliant forum to display the exceptional talents of four very gifted ladies. Thank you for being our friend, Bea.
I just heard about this tonight. I am very sad
We’ll miss you Bea
Thanks for typos guys.
RIP Bea. Her character Dorothy was my favourite from the Golden Girls.
You’ve got one two many “and” ‘s in the first sentence.
rest in peace, bea.
the world will be a darker place without you and your mighty wit …… and your perfect delivery of the comedic line.
what a sad day.
A great actress, no matter the role. Just a few years ago she appeared of Futurama as The Mighty Femputer, and was hilarious. She was also the best thing (along with Art Carney) about the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. But to me she’ll always be Dorothy Zbornak. RIP.
Everyone that would have worked with her, will thank her for being a friend.
RIP – will Broadway dim it’s light again?
Look out heaven here she comes……. a great actress here and she will be in heaven. May she always play to packed houses up there.
She was a fantastic actress, and will be missed by all.
PS. David:
“The tall, deep-voiced actress died peacefully at her Los Angeles home with her family at her side. She had cancer, Watt said, declining to give details.”
Who is Watt?
very sad, a talented and funny actress, rest in peace.
Oh that’s really sad….slowly we’re losing our Golden Girls. She’ll be forever remembered on our DVDs.
That’s sad news… I’ve recently been watching the first seasons on DVD and enjoying them as much as I did when they were first screened.
No mention of her crowning achievement in the Star Wars Holiday Special? David for shame!
She was the level-headed one iirc… RIP.
rip… I loved the show