Beatrice ‘Bea’ Arthur
Beatrice Arthur, known for her iconic roles in "Maude" and "The Golden Girls", was an award-winning actress, comedian, and singer whose career spanned six decades.
TV Actress
May 13, 1922
Taurus
April 25, 2009
86
New York City, New York
Beatrice ‘Bea’ Arthur was an iconic American actress, comedian, and singer who gained prominence for her portrayal of Maude Findlay in the sitcoms “All in the Family” and “Maude,” as well as Dorothy Zbornak in the beloved sitcom “The Golden Girls.” Her career spanned over six decades, earning her numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Grammy Award.
Born in New York City, Bea Arthur attended Washington Irving High School and later studied drama at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School. She started her acting career in Broadway productions like “The Threepenny Opera” and “The Blue Angel.” Arthur gained recognition as Maude Findlay in “Maude,” earning multiple Emmy Award nominations. She achieved international fame as Dorothy Zbornak in “The Golden Girls,” winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Notable film appearances include “Mame,” “History of the World, Part I,” and “For Better or Worse.”
Throughout her career, Arthur received several awards, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for “The Golden Girls” in 1988, a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress รขยย Television Series Musical or Comedy for “Maude” in 1977, a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for “Mame” in 1966, and a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for “Here We Go Again” in 1984.
Married three times, Bea Arthur had two sons from her first marriage. She was an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a supporter of various charities. Arthur served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was a talented singer who released several albums. Known for her quick wit and sharp sense of humor, Bea Arthur’s portrayal of Dorothy Zbornak remains an iconic character in television history.
