Beatrice Arthur: Thank you for being a friend
Beatrice Arthur, the Tony- and Emmy-winning actress best known for her role as Dorothy Zbornak in TV's "The Golden Girls," has passed away. She was 86 and was suffering from cancer, according to the Associated Press.
The actress died early today at her home in Los Angeles with her family by her side, said family spokesman Dan Watt. He did not give further details.
Tall and husky voiced, Arthur won her biggest audiences for her television roles in NBC's "The Golden Girls" (1985-1992) and CBS' "Maude" (1972-1978). But it was on the stage that she began and ended her career. In 1966, she won the Tony award for best featured actress in a musical for "Mame," in which she co-starred with Angela Lansbury.
In 2002, she returned to New York for her solo show "Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends," which was nominated for a Tony for best special theatrical event.
A version of the show played at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood in 2004.
Her other notable New York stage appearances include the original Broadway production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in which she played Yente, the elderly matchmaker, and "The Floating Light Bulb," written by Woody Allen.
In 1995, Arthur appeared on stage in L.A. at the Tiffany Theatre's production of "Bermuda Avenue Triangle," in which she co-starred with Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor. The Times reviewer wrote that the play was "a great reason to see three seasoned pros serve up the best shtick around."
Arthur also performed at the Pasadena Playhouse in 1997 in a production of Anne Meara's "After-Play."
In an interview with The Times in 2001, Arthur said: "I love performing for different audiences. Their reactions are not always the same. The towns do begin to drift together. Sometimes I forget where I am. But I always leave the light on in the bathroom."
-- David Ng
Photo: Beatrice Arthur performs her solo show. Credit: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times
RIP Beatrice!
Posted by: Brett | April 25, 2009 at 02:45 PM
One of a kind, she'll be missed. Rest in peace, Bea.
Posted by: Pat | April 25, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Thank you Mrs. Arthur, you were/are a sweet and talented lady who will be sorely missed. We will never forget you.
Posted by: Robert Rowley, Tucson, Arizona | April 25, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Bea was a magnificent performer and has brought much laughter and light into our living room over the years. Thank you Bea for your work. We have always loved you.
Posted by: jill | April 25, 2009 at 03:08 PM
Thanks for the great laughs. You will be sadly missed.
Posted by: Margaret | April 25, 2009 at 03:12 PM
We love you Bea. Give it to em in Heavan!
Posted by: Andrea | April 25, 2009 at 03:16 PM
She really was a great actress. A life well-lived and well-spent immersed in the joy of her art. She will be missed.
Posted by: Rachel L | April 25, 2009 at 03:35 PM
She was bigger than life...
Steve Fischler
Posted by: Steve Fischler | April 25, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Rest peacefully Bea. You entertained, comforted and made me laugh like hell. I love you.
Posted by: rick | April 25, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Bea Arthur will be missed. RIP.
Posted by: John | April 25, 2009 at 04:03 PM
What a terrible loss. Bea Arthur was such a talented lady. She will truly be missed. Thank YOU for being a friend.
Our condolences to her family and friends.
Posted by: Bubbas | April 25, 2009 at 04:04 PM
I watch the Golden Girls every day on the Hallmark Channel. she was so funny, so beautiful and talented. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. God bless !!
Posted by: Wendy | April 25, 2009 at 04:59 PM
always liked the show no mater how many times i had sene it
Posted by: derrell dorsett | April 25, 2009 at 06:34 PM
I wonder why they didn't mention her riveting musical performance in the "Star Wars Holiday Special" (1978) as the barkeeper in the cantina on Tattooine?
Posted by: Jim Bryant | April 25, 2009 at 06:42 PM
WOW they don't make them like that anymore.
Posted by: ckc | April 25, 2009 at 07:23 PM
My name is jerry moore and I have been a long time fan of beatrice arthur.Iwatch the golden girls every night with my wife.Nomatter how bad our day goes we all get a smile and laugh from miss arthur and the cast of the golden girls.She will be missed greatly and our thoughts and praers go out to miss arthurs family.
Posted by: jerry moore | April 25, 2009 at 08:37 PM
You will truly be missed, You helped brighten my day each and everyday i always sit and watch the golden girl re-runs if i do not get to watch them i Tivo them. RIP Bea. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. God bless !!
Posted by: Shaye | April 25, 2009 at 11:55 PM
The Golden Girls logo is actually burned into my tv from watching the dvd's so many times. They laughed, they cried, faught and made up....and the list goes on...may you be at peace Bea. Maybe I will meet you in heaven.
Posted by: Sarah | April 26, 2009 at 01:16 AM
I will treasure the letters you sent when you preformed as "Maude". You were a very special lady.
Posted by: Ginny | April 26, 2009 at 03:13 AM
Never gone from us, always part of everyone she came into contact with in every way. A great lady, a wonderful human being, she will live on in the hearts, minds and souls of those who loved her from a distance and close by. Many blessing to your family and loved ones and to you as you continue your journey, keep laughing.
Posted by: Andree Heming | April 26, 2009 at 05:03 AM