Bea Arthur

Bea Arthur

Bea Arthur Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 25, 2009.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Beatrice Arthur, the tall, deep-voiced actress whose razor-sharp delivery of comedy lines made her a TV star in the hit shows "Maude" and "The Golden Girls" and who won a Tony Award for the musical "Mame," died Saturday. She was 86.

Arthur died peacefully at her Los Angeles home with her family at her side, family spokesman Dan Watt said. She had cancer, Watt said, declining to give further details.

"She was a brilliant and witty woman," said Watt, who was Arthur's personal assistant for six years. "Bea will always have a special place in my heart."

Arthur first appeared in the landmark comedy series "All in the Family" as Edith Bunker's loudly outspoken, liberal cousin, Maude Finley. She proved a perfect foil for blue-collar bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), and their blistering exchanges were so entertaining that producer Norman Lear fashioned Arthur's own series.

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."

"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.

The comedy flowed from Maude's efforts to cast off the traditional restraints that women faced, but the series often had a serious base. Her husband Walter (Bill Macy) became an alcoholic, and she underwent an abortion, which drew a torrent of viewer protests. Maude became a standard bearer for the growing feminist movement in America.

The ratings of "Maude" in the early years approached those of its parent, "All in the Family," but by 1977 the audience started to dwindle. A major format change was planned, but in early 1978 Arthur announced she was quitting the show.

"It's been absolutely glorious; I've loved every minute of it," she said. "But it's been six years, and I think it's time to leave."

"Golden Girls" (1985-1992) was another groundbreaking comedy, finding surprising success in a television market increasingly skewed toward a younger, product-buying audience.

The series concerned three retirees — Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan — and the mother of Arthur's character, Estelle Getty, who lived together in a Miami apartment. In contrast to the violent "Miami Vice," the comedy was nicknamed "Miami Nice."

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 1992, Arthur announced she was leaving "Golden Girls." The three other stars returned in "The Golden Palace," but it lasted only one season.

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.

Bernice — she hated the name and adopted her mother's nickname of Bea — overcame shyness about her size by winning over her classmates with wisecracks. She was elected the wittiest girl in her class. After two years at a junior college in Virginia, she earned a degree as a medical lab technician, but she "loathed" doing lab work at a hospital.

Acting held more appeal, and she enrolled in a drama course at the New School of Social Research in New York City. To support herself, she sang in a night spot that required her to push drinks on customers.

During this time she had a brief marriage that provided her stage name of Beatrice Arthur. In 1950, she married again, to Broadway actor and future Tony-winning director Gene Saks.

After a few years in off-Broadway and stock company plays and television dramas, Arthur's career gathered momentum with her role as Lucy Brown in the 1955 production of "The Threepenny Opera."

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.

More plays and musicals followed, and she also sang in nightclubs and played small roles in TV comedy shows.

Then, in 1964, Harold Prince cast her as Yente the Matchmaker in the original company of "Fiddler on the Roof."

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 the Tony as best supporting actress and repeated the role in the unsuccessful film version that also was directed by Saks, starring Lucille Ball as Mame. Arthur would play a variation of Vera Charles in "Maude" and "The Golden Girls."

"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."

In 1983, Arthur attempted another series, "Amanda's," an Americanized version of John Cleese's hilarious "Fawlty Towers." She was cast as owner of a small seaside hotel with a staff of eccentrics. It lasted a mere nine episodes.

Between series, Arthur remained active in films and theater. Among the movies: "That Kind of Woman" (1959), "Lovers and Other Strangers" (1970), Mel Brooks' "The History of the World: Part I" (1981), "For Better or Worse" (1995).

The plays included Woody Allen's "The Floating Light Bulb" and "The Bermuda Avenue Triangle," written by and costarring Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna. During 2001 and 2002 she toured the country in a one-woman show of songs and stories, "... And Then There's Bea."

Arthur and Saks divorced in 1978 after 28 years. They had two sons, Matthew and Daniel. In his long career, Saks won Tonys for "I Love My Wife," ''Brighton Beach Memoirs" and "Biloxi Blues." One of his Tony nominations was for "Mame."

In 1999, Arthur told an interviewer of the three influences in her career: "Sid Caesar taught me the outrageous; (method acting guru) Lee Strasberg taught me what I call reality; and ('Threepenny Opera' star) Lotte Lenya, whom I adored, taught me economy."

In recent years, Arthur made guest appearances on shows including "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Malcolm in the Middle." She was chairwoman of the Art Attack Foundation, a non-profit performing arts scholarship organization.

Arthur is survived by her sons and two granddaughters. No funeral services are planned.



Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press

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May 13, 2025

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January 21, 2025

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January 19, 2025

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2230 Entries

Spencer

May 13, 2025

Happy heavenly th103 birthday bea Arthur

Cindy Jacobs

January 21, 2025

Rest in peace...

Luff Spencer

January 19, 2025

Remembering bea Arthur and Sid melton

Luff Spencer

January 19, 2025

On show the golden girls salvadore petrillo played Dorothy farther in heaven with you

Tony Spirito

November 27, 2024

Elaine Haraway

September 19, 2024

I loved her in EVERY segment of The Golden Girls! I still watch that show on Hallmark and hope it goes on forever. I watch it before going to sleep at night with a smile on my face. Those Golden Girls were truly awesome actresses, and were my all-time favorites. I am 81 years old in 2024.

Luff Spencer

September 6, 2024

Bea Arthur moments my favourite show slam door on my husband Stanley zbornak played herb Edelman met girls

Luff Spencer

September 6, 2024

Bea Arthur moments my favourite show mother played Estelle Getty shady pines pageant Sonny’ and Cher my favourite one

Cindy Jacobs

August 27, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Joe Murphy

June 4, 2024

Semper Fi

Luff Spencer

April 26, 2024

Luff Spencer

April 26, 2024

Anniversary bea Arthur one day 2009 and 2024

Luff Spencer

March 4, 2024

Remembering bea Arthur and Norman Lear

Luff Spencer

March 4, 2024

Your friend Norman Lear in haven with you

Luff Spencer

November 26, 2023

In haven with your husband

Luff Spencer

August 19, 2023

Dear Matthew and Daniel my name is Spencer luff lived Paris Ontario Canada I am sorry lost bea Arthur like her my favourite the golden girls
Rest in place bea Arthur

Natalie Hawkins

July 3, 2023

i wood keep your memory live for your family and for my also you my sister i always wanted and i love you

Spencer

February 19, 2023

I love bea Arthur not went her go to haven I want meet her still alive l love her the golden girls

Spencer

November 4, 2022

Rest in place bea Arthur thank you Broadway mame

Spencer

November 4, 2022

Remembering bea Arthur and Angela Lansbury

Spencer luff

October 18, 2022

Remembering bea Arthur and Angela Lansbury

Spencer luff

October 15, 2022

Loved the golden girls playing Dorothy zbornak loved her my favourite mother playing Sophie Estelle Getty Dorothy said oh ma
Rest in place bea Arthur

Spencer luff

October 13, 2022

Bea Arthur you in haven with Angela Lansbury rest in place bea Arthur

Spencer luff

October 11, 2022

Rest in place bea Arthur and Angela Lansbury

Spencer luff

October 11, 2022

Rest in place bea Arthur and Angela Lansbury

The golden girls

March 8, 2022

Rest in place Betty white bea Arthur Rue mc clanahan Estelle Getty

The golden girls

January 26, 2022

Rest in place
Bea Arthur Rue mc clanahan Estelle Getty
Betty white

Laura Garcia

March 24, 2021

I just love this lady. I only know her through TV but her character came through each one she played. She was just one of those actresses, you know you're watching HER. She was so elegant & beautiful and such an exceptionally gifted woman. I'm still watching her sitcoms and enjoying them just as much as when they first came out. Something about her seems so special, I just had to write. God bless Bea for sharing herself with the world ❤

andrew cason

February 24, 2021

dear bea arthur may god bless you in heaven your friend andy

The series finale, <br /> The Golden Girls<br /> Dorothy's wedding to <br /> Blanche's uncle Lucas

Jenifer Baribault

January 27, 2021

Here is Maude with Bea Arthur the 1st episode to the final one that when Maude becomes the Congresswoman she made us laugh with anything she say or do, yet when she speaks her mind about women's lib or one of her telethons, yet she appear on All in The Family to help out when everyone was sick, Archie give her a hard time and Thank for being a friend traveling the roads back again, your heart is blue pure of confidence The Golden Girls she played Dorothy Zbornak a divorce woman, a mother, she was a English to, i love the finale series episode when she got married to Blanche's uncle Lucas . Also thanks for the memories that you have given to us, she was talented she was a Comedian, Singer & Activist. My thoughts & prayers are with you

Ann Micallef

July 25, 2020

Thank you for being my friend on times when it was needed.
This is a lovely thing to have all the people who care so much to say something lovely about you you will live on and I really hope your works do.

July 24, 2020

She ease the best ❤❤

Suzanna Eckchum

May 7, 2020

What can I say, I loved everything about Bea Arthur!! Thank you Bea for giving the world such beautiful everlasting memories!!

Linda Nile

April 4, 2020

Beatrice, the mold broke when G-d made you! What an incredible soul, a teacher, a master of talent even after you leave the earth plane...for generations to come! Thank you for being a friend....

Lucy

March 8, 2020

Excellent actress

Barbara Bogart

March 1, 2020

Thank God for giving you so much talent & thank you for using it to the fullest.

December 5, 2019

Bea Arthur(aka Maude Findlay, Dorothy Z.) Made me laugh when no one else could. A legend. A Hero.

June 16, 2019

Miss Arthur was one of the best comedians ever! I first saw her on 'All in the Family', and nearly laughed myself silly. 'Maude' was another terrific show. And who can forget her role as Dorothy on 'Golden Girls'? She will be missed. Thank you, Miss Arthur, for your wit, sarcasm, and of course, your humor.

Eddie Baggett

April 2, 2019

Just a kind word about your career and how you entertained so many in such a charming way

shelly kowalski

January 29, 2019

I love Golden Girls and watch the reruns over and over again I don't think I could ever get tired of it.

Lisa Murrey Ransom

January 20, 2019

B.IG HEARTED
E.XCEPTIONAL
A.DMIRED
T.HOUGHTFUL
R.EMARKABLE
I.RREPLACEABLE
C.OMPELLING
E.XQUISITE

A.UTHENTIC
R.ESPECTED
T.ALENTED
H.ONORABLE
U.NIQUE
R.EMEMBERED AND LOVED BY ALL

I WATCH THE GOLDEN GIRLS EVERYDAY♡

REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE.

NEVER GONE, NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN.

Lisa Marie

January 15, 2019

Dear bea I miss you and I wish you were still on the earth. You are sweet and funny and I will always love you.

andy caason

August 31, 2018

dear bea Arthur may god bless you in heavenyour friend andy

August 27, 2018

sweet,funny,beautiful woman that will always be missed

Miki Cunningham

August 2, 2018

She is a wonderful person. And my favorite on the golden girls. Thank you Bea Arthur for being my idol. I do hope we have a chance to know one another. I do love you Dorothy Zbornak.

Chrissy Herron

July 6, 2018

Oh where do I begin...I have watched the golden girls since I was a little girl. Probably going on 23 years now. It was something that my mother and I would watch together. We where die hard golden girls fans. Since my mother passed 2 years ago, I carry on the same routine. I watch the show in the morning and before bedtime. It's the only thing that helps me sleep and brings me comfort. It makes me feel close to my mom. Thank you for all of the memories, wit. Sarcasm and laughter. I love the show! You where and will always be a tremendous person and actor. RIH

sandra

June 24, 2018

rip and thanks for the laughs on the golden girls.

Celia

June 4, 2018

May you Rest In Peace, and Thank you for your wonderful memories of the Golden Girls! I watch them every morning and every night!

Mary Shipley

May 22, 2018

I love the golden girls they got me through some tough lonely times still today I watch them ever night they are so comforting thank you for the many years of latter love friend ship memories

Patricia Hammond

April 29, 2018

I just can't get enough of "Golden Girls". I watch it two or three times a week on Netflix. I especially love your part of Dorothy. Thank you for your wonderful work. RIP

Claudette Walton

April 2, 2018

I LOVE the hilarious reruns of Maude! How refreshing to see the classics on tv again! Hope you're laughing up there with all of us!! You are GOLDEN. I watch Maude daily. There is a God and he's got you. We're all just taking turns . RIP❤ Forever a fan

January 25, 2018

R.I.P YOU will be missed

Peter Sarafino

October 11, 2017

You touched our lives so crassly, yet so gently at the same time. I began following your career at age 8 in 1972, as Maude: "God will get you for that, Walter!" I wish Bea & Louise Lassiter ("Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman!") had (been) teamed-up to do a female star version of Neil Simon & Garry Marshalls's TV hit: "The Odd Couple." Bea as a scathingly dismissive Felicia/Felix would've killed audiences for many seasons! RIP, Bea...

Linda Fields

September 24, 2017

Rest in piece,you will be greatly missed,thanks for your contribution to the entertainment world.

Sue Myers

September 23, 2017

Ms. Arthur was a feminist role model of mine while I was in high school. r.i.p.

Hillary Graves

September 23, 2017

I watched the golden girls for many years they were all so funny loved the show I will miss u bea thanks fir the laughs and memories love u bea for ever

Shelia Wright

August 15, 2017

Watching Golden Girls and Maude both at the same time. Both shows are timeless.

Marsha Munroe

August 5, 2017

R. I. P.

James coenelius

July 26, 2017

I wish that I could have met you.
My wife and I watch Golden Girles every evening.
Loved you in the show. We are so sorry for your family's loss.
James Paul & Wife

Gale Peetros

June 22, 2017

Rip Dorothy you are missed

Robyn Allen

June 11, 2017

Watching Maude and Golden Girls marathon such a talent you were Ms. Arthur. RWG.

Barb Lunsman

May 30, 2017

Bea was a great women to watch on tv. I so would of loved to meet her. I watch girls every single day
God bless her.....

Riki Alexander

May 29, 2017

Miss you.
Love you.

Ryan Farnan

May 22, 2017

I loved the Golden Girls. I so sorry that Mrs Arthur passed.

Sue Tierney

May 5, 2017

Always the laughter to be remembered,sleep in peace. A big fan

barrry white

April 25, 2017

u were the greatest

Paulina Mescale

April 2, 2017

My mom loved U Golden Girls. .thx for makn her last days great

Tijuana Jones

April 1, 2017

To the Arthur family; I would like to offer
My deepest sympathy on the passing of
Your beloved Ms Arthur. I pray she went
home to be with Jesus Christ and the angels

Respectfully Yours.


Mrs. Tijuana Jones

March 10, 2017

Watching Golden Girls right now. 3.10.2017

Jean Williams

February 7, 2017

I love you ,I love watching the show you the one with the brain

Riki Alexander

February 5, 2017

Miss you
Love you

Tammy Embry

December 17, 2016

YOUR AN ANGEL NOW. GOD BLESS YOU. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US LAUGHING FOR SO MANY WONDERFUL YEARS

Jami Williams

December 14, 2016

I have loved you ever since I started watching The Golden Girls 20 years ago. You were a classy lady and will always be missed. RIP

R. Pezzy

December 10, 2016

I still love watching The Golden Girls! Bea Arthur, you were one of the best! R.I.P.!

Sue Chick

December 1, 2016

Bea~{Maude} you are a Classic beauty. Loved the scarves , boas you wore and your voice. Bless your spirit, as you Live on,, Best actress and shows!

October 17, 2016

She was a most talented actress I m watching the golden girls right now. Rip sweet lady. Tami Rosa

MARGARET Williams

October 16, 2016

Margaret

Ms.steven Harvey

September 21, 2016

My mother and I have watched ms. Arthur on TV for years ,although the golden girls was one of our favorites. I always enjoyed her acting.

George Lara

September 18, 2016

I am sadden by the passing of this Beautiful woman who made me laugh and smile when I was down and out. You will always be missed. Rest in peace Dear Maude

Vivian Edwards

August 29, 2016

For all the years of laughter and pure enjoyment you brought to so many and even now after you are gone and your legacy lives on eternally THANK YOU! RIP

Carrie Hunt

August 22, 2016

This woman was amazing!! I enjoy watching her everyday as Dorthy on The Golden Girls! She was brilliant!

Valenda Newell

July 2, 2016

SIMPLY PUT........"THE GREATEST"

Rita Hagan

April 22, 2016

Love bea arthur great actresd love y bee arthur

Rita Hagan

April 22, 2016

Love bea arther be miss

kevena carlton

April 17, 2016

rip. may god bless your soul.

March 5, 2016

You were and are Loved..................

Kimberly Coleman

February 24, 2016

There is not a day that goes by that I don't watch The Golden Girls. She was my on screen grandmother. I truly miss her wit and presence. She was and still is a "tower" of laughter and I will always pay her tribute by watching her shows.

Tabatha Cimerol

January 29, 2016

One of my most favorite actresses ever ...Positive brilliant ... Reminded me a great deal of my grandmother who was a couple of years older ... Innovative and progressive spirit ... Every time I see her in a re run of Maude or All in the Family it is priceless ...and of course The Golden Girls but we can't all be on this earth forever ... True loss of this woman ... She is warmly remembered by all ... I smile every time I see her on old shows on TV ...RIP beautiful lady ❤

Lakeshia Garner

January 23, 2016

ALWAYS LOVED THE SHOW BEA WAS THE BEST OF THEM ALL. SHE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.. R.I.P

January 2, 2016

I loved watching her through out the years. I will continue to she makes me laugh.

Alan Gaskell

December 8, 2015

An absolute legend. There'll never be another

diane burns

November 24, 2015

I grew up watching Bea Arthur on the Golden GIrls and Maude. She was an extraordinary actress and very deserving of her emmys. I especially loved her in the Dorothy role on the Golden Girls.-DIane BUrns Raleigh,Nc

Cieara Mapps

November 22, 2015

I'm only 18 and countlessly beat myself up about not meeting and not finding this woman sooner. Her work of art is genius! I really wish I had gotten the chance to meet and learn from her. She is my inspiration to all things comedy and singing. My lord she could sing the pants off of you. Not to mention she was such a beautiful person! I'm just always in awe of her and the work she has done. Rest easy sweet lady!

LISA CUNNINGHAM

October 23, 2015

YOU ARE A WONDERFUL ACTRESS.LOVED YOUR PERSONALITY, VERY BLUNT. NOTHING FAKE ABOUT YOU. YOU WILL BE MISSED.

Michael Horrall

September 14, 2015

I met Bea Arthur in Chicago when she was doing her one woman show And Then Theres Bea. She was fun and funny to talk to. So glad I got the chance to meet her, a highlight in my life!

Sky

September 2, 2015

To a very special lady. RIP Always

Sky

September 2, 2015

I was quite young when "Maude" aired. Grown a little, when "The Golden Girls" came into our home. The laughter was shared with my Mother and I, and now its being shared with my 7yr old grand-daughter, who just adores "The Golden Girls". "Bea Arthur, you are one of a kind, and shall be remembered by always" See you in (HEAVEN.)

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May 13, 2025

Spencer posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2025

Cindy Jacobs posted to the memorial.

January 19, 2025

Luff Spencer posted to the memorial.