`Golden Girls' star Bea Arthur dies at 86

ratherbwatchinGG · 04-25-2009, 04:11 PM

Being a fan of this woman it's a sad day indeed.

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.

James"Thunder"Early · 04-25-2009, 04:13 PM

I just read this on another board, very sad news.

Brian Damage · 04-25-2009, 04:14 PM

Oh wow, this is a shock!

catlover79 · 04-25-2009, 04:16 PM

We love you, Bea!! Thanks for the memories and laughs.

TJL · 04-25-2009, 04:25 PM

That's too bad.

Her deadpan remarks and reactions to her Golden Girls co-stars were always funny.

Ohio8 · 04-25-2009, 04:26 PM

I didn't know that Bea had cancer.

Joker85 · 04-25-2009, 04:38 PM

Wow. Two of them in less than a year. A very sad day indeed. RIP Bea Arthur. You, your wit, humor, and incredible talent will be sorely missed.

Smartboy · 04-25-2009, 04:46 PM

I find it amazing that this one post managed to generate so many responses in just fifteen minutes! Also, because the person who started this thread is still relatively new to the site, I would like to say, welcome aboard!

boechsner · 04-25-2009, 05:15 PM

A sad day indeed, she will be missed.

ZeldaGilroy · 04-25-2009, 06:16 PM

This is such sad news.

She will be missed.

OOliver · 04-25-2009, 06:27 PM

I can't believe it myself (didn't know she had cancer, either). She always seemed like one of those larger-than-life celebrities who would live forever. I guess she always will - in our hearts and in our memories.

I noticed that her co-star Lucille Ball (from the 1974 movie "Mame") died 20 years ago tomorrow. 'Mame' and 'Vera'...together again.

Godspeed, Ms. Arthur!

80sTrivia · 04-25-2009, 06:30 PM

Goodbye, Bea. Thank you for being a friend....

angel676 · 04-25-2009, 06:42 PM

I just learned about Bea Arthur's passing. I can't believe this, 2 of our 4 favorite girls have passed away, this is depressing news.

I had no idea she had cancer. This is a sad day for all us GG fans. Rest In Peace Bea, we all love you!

FBH75 · 04-25-2009, 06:46 PM

about it I came straight to this board to read comments. I still picture in my mind that all 4 of the GG are still living in Miami together and they are still getting into mischief.

scotsguy · 04-25-2009, 06:48 PM

Now there are two Golden Girls in heaven,RIP Bea and Estelle,thanks for the laughs xx

04-25-2009, 04:11 PM	#1
ratherbwatchinGG Frequent Poster Member Join Date: Apr 06, 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 87	`Golden Girls' star Bea Arthur dies at 86 Being a fan of this woman it's a sad day indeed. 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.

04-25-2009, 04:13 PM	#2
James"Thunder"Early Moderator Member Join Date: Feb 23, 2004 Location: The Apollo Posts: 6,861	I just read this on another board, very sad news. __________________ Esther Anderson: Get thee behind me, Satan, but I'm gon' get behind you, 'cause I'm gonna put my foot in your--- Peggy Mitchell: Get outta my pub!

04-25-2009, 04:14 PM	#3
Brian Damage Moderator Forum Legend Don't Mess With My Ba-Ba! Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: Someplace playing footsie with Patty Posts: 50,539	Oh wow, this is a shock! __________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3

04-25-2009, 04:16 PM	#4
catlover79 Moderator Forum Legend RIP Uncle Dick Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 50,643	We love you, Bea!! Thanks for the memories and laughs. __________________ In loving memory of Richard Wayne Hinkle - December 11, 1941 - July 6, 2010 "Kevin Costner told me that True was his and his wife's song. I'm not sure if that's a good thing because they split up soon after." - Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet)

04-25-2009, 04:25 PM	#5
TJL Forum Veteran Heat Miser Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New York City - Hot and sticky? There's an app for that! Posts: 16,178	That's too bad. Her deadpan remarks and reactions to her Golden Girls co-stars were always funny. __________________ Roll up your sleeve. From the neck down..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce I wanna friend you!!!:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TLevier

04-25-2009, 04:26 PM	#6
Ohio8 Senior Member Member Join Date: Jul 29, 2003 Location: Wherever you aren't. Posts: 5,111	I didn't know that Bea had cancer. __________________ "Some are dead and some are living. In my life I've loved them all." -- The Beatles

04-25-2009, 04:38 PM	#7
Joker85 Forum Regular Back in St. Olaf... Join Date: Oct 18, 2003 Location: Alabama Posts: 449	Wow. Two of them in less than a year. A very sad day indeed. RIP Bea Arthur. You, your wit, humor, and incredible talent will be sorely missed.

04-25-2009, 04:46 PM	#8
Smartboy Senior Member Member Join Date: Aug 06, 2007 Location: South Orange, NJ Posts: 2,080	I find it amazing that this one post managed to generate so many responses in just fifteen minutes! Also, because the person who started this thread is still relatively new to the site, I would like to say, welcome aboard!

04-25-2009, 05:15 PM	#9
boechsner Senior Member Member Join Date: Oct 18, 2000 Location: Burnett, WI Posts: 1,874	A sad day indeed, she will be missed.

04-25-2009, 06:16 PM	#10
ZeldaGilroy Senior Member Dobie and Zelda Forever! Join Date: Nov 14, 2000 Location: I don't know...I'm probably lost! Posts: 3,608	This is such sad news. She will be missed.

04-25-2009, 06:27 PM	#11
OOliver Forum Regular Member Join Date: Jan 28, 2009 Location: Providence RI Posts: 420	I can't believe it myself (didn't know she had cancer, either). She always seemed like one of those larger-than-life celebrities who would live forever. I guess she always will - in our hearts and in our memories. I noticed that her co-star Lucille Ball (from the 1974 movie "Mame") died 20 years ago tomorrow. 'Mame' and 'Vera'...together again. Godspeed, Ms. Arthur!

04-25-2009, 06:30 PM	#12
80sTrivia Senior Member Pop Culture Soothsayer Join Date: May 23, 2002 Location: How Do We Sleep While Our Beds Are Burning? Posts: 6,725	Goodbye, Bea. Thank you for being a friend.... __________________ Goodbye, Rue. We'll love & Miss you forever: Thank You for Being a Friend: A Golden Girls Trivia Book! The Totally Awesome 80s TV Trivia Book

04-25-2009, 06:42 PM	#13
angel676 Senior Member Member Join Date: Feb 09, 2000 Location: Mansfield, Ohio Posts: 2,459	I just learned about Bea Arthur's passing. I can't believe this, 2 of our 4 favorite girls have passed away, this is depressing news. I had no idea she had cancer. This is a sad day for all us GG fans. Rest In Peace Bea, we all love you! Last edited by angel676 : 04-25-2009 at 07:27 PM.

04-25-2009, 06:46 PM	#14
FBH75 Occasional Poster Member Join Date: Apr 09, 2009 Location: Marion, NC Posts: 13	I just read that she passed away and it made me feel so sad. As soon as I heard about it I came straight to this board to read comments. I still picture in my mind that all 4 of the GG are still living in Miami together and they are still getting into mischief.

04-25-2009, 06:48 PM	#15
scotsguy Forum Regular Member Join Date: Nov 25, 2002 Location: Edinburgh,Scotland Posts: 423	Now there are two Golden Girls in heaven,RIP Bea and Estelle,thanks for the laughs xx

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