Bea Arthur Dies

They say that a parent’s worst fear is surviving their child, and in my mind Estelle Getty, best known as Sophia on "The Golden Girls" left this world last summer satisfied that her longtime co-star (and daughter Dorothy on the show) Bea Arthur would be entertaining us for years to come.

But unfortunately only nine months after Getty’s passing, Arthur succumbed to cancer at the age of 86 early this morning, according to reports.

While best known for her Emmy-winning role of divorced substitute schoolteacher Dorothy Zbornak on the hit NBC series that debuted in 1985, Arthur earlier won an Emmy as the star of the hit 1970's series "Maude."

Playing liberal feminist Maude Findlay on the "All in the Family" spinoff would prepare her for the role of Dorothy, a snarky social commentator who regularly championed the civil rights of women, the elderly and the LGBT community. These roles would cement her status as an LGBT icon, an accomplishment she discussed in a 2001 "Out Magazine" interview.

Admitting that she once considered a lesbian tryst after an unhappy divorce, Arthur proved her allegiance with LGBT folk when asked what in her mind was the single greatest issue gay people face today. "With all the improvements and all the people who've become so much more knowledgeable, there's still an enormous amount of vicious homophobia," she said with classic Maude and Dorothy fearlessness.

Arthur, a native of New York City, began her career on stage in the 1940's, before winning the 1966 Tony for her portrayal of "Vera Charles" in "Mame." In 1974 she would bring this role to the silver screen adaptation.

After leaving "The Golden Girls" in 1992, the acclaimed actress guest-starred on "Malcolm in the Middle" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and in 2005 appeared at the Comedy Central roast of Pamela Anderson, delivering a deadpan reading of excerpts from the blond bombshell’s book "Star: The Novel," in which Anderson provides her fans with anal sex tips. Arthur would also return to the stage and gain another Tony nod for "Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends," a personal collection of stories and songs. In 2008 Arthur was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. Twice married, Arthur is survived by her two adopted sons Matthew and Daniel Saks. But in fact, she was a mother to many. Ask any of the "Daughters of Dorothy" all around the world.

While very much saddened by this late news, I find comfort in the thought that Getty is now with open arms and a "Come here, pussycat," welcoming her TV daughter into the great lanai in the sky.

Bea Arthur will continue to live on in timeless "Golden Girls"episodes that have made many of us laugh till we cried. But we all have our favorite Dorothy moments. What’s yours?

Here are a few clips of the amazing Bea Arthur:

Bea chats with Rosie (includes a clip of Maude's first appearance on "All in the Family"):

Maude (Bea Arthur) hosts a catastrophic telethon:

Bea sings a duet with Rock Hudson:

Dorothy (Bea Arthur) says "Whoa":

Dorothy (Bea Arthur) sings "What'll I Do?":

The Golden Girls opening (Thank you for being a friend):

(Images courtesy of Getty, Yahoo)

Comments

[Sargon Bighorn]

We all grow old and die, what are you, yes you, doing with your life?

Bye Bea we're gunna miss ya! Smooch

[leyvasboy1984]

i just wanted to say me and my bf "someonespecialjay" love the golden girls and we are both sad to hear the news of bea arthurs passing however she will always live on in our hearts and minds and hopefully still be and inspiration for generations to come . . . . . and im sure estelle and bea are looking down and watching us from thier wiccer funiture and enjoying the view.

[Nyte]

I've watched Bea for many years on The Golden Girls. I've enjoyed Bea's performances everywhere. She is one wonderful lady who will be greatly missed. I'm glad to know she stood up for the LGBT community the way she has. She was an icon and will continue to be one thru the memories of her 'children'.

[Michael]

Wow, I am truely saddend by her death, I to am a huge fan of the Golden Girls and always will be.
Pussycat say hello to Mamma for me will you please, and y the both of you rest in peace.
Love Always
Michael K

[Michael]

The end of an era. Loved you much, and miss you more.

[Scott]

And then there's Maude !!!! OH DOROTHY !!! I love what you did on this earth and will continue to laugh with your every word on television show you were in. I thank YOU for making my live a much funnier place over the years. God Bless you and THANK YOU !!! My best to family and personal friends.

:) what an amazing actress !!!!!!!

[Todd Ammerman]

I just want to send my sympathies to all.Bea Arthur,Dorothy,I really thought she was wonderful actor.SHe will very much missed in this household.
Love always
Todd A.

[Lonnie]

So sad to hear the passing of Bea Authur.....a great actress.....advocate to the gay community....and a wonderful role model...Bea you will be greatly missed....."Goodbye Pussycat"

[Jason]

What a great article and tribute to a comedic legend. I have loved her for years and she will be sorely missed. There aren't many like her in Hollywood, Broadway or anywhere else.

Good bye Bea/Maude/Dorothy! You made a difference!

[zarxo]

A good actress, missed. Maude was godo too.

I was just watching this the other day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ggiy5IRAYw&feature=related

[Moose]

All I can say is that show will live on forever just like I love Lucy the golden girls all ROCK....
Peace to you Bea and Estelle

[AJ]

Bye Bye Bea, the world won't be the same without ya. Thank god we'll always have our DVDs of Golden Girls. Say hi to Estelle, we'll miss you both.

[chris]

Rest in Peace, Dorothy Zbornak.

and to the yutz who put this story together, could you have found a LESS flattering picture than the one you used. Really, its like spitting on a grave.

[Laun]

Very good actress she will be missed.

[alan]

One of my favorite Dorothy moments occurred when the girls were voting to see who would have to move out of the house in order to meet the city housing codes. As Blanche read the names from each piece of paper, Bea's glances, which were delivered with perfect comic timing, were the perfect buildup to realizing that she was unanimously chosen. She didn't have to say a word to effectively move her audience. You will be dearly missed.

[scooter1974]

Bea Arthur will be missed. MAUDE, THE GOLDEN GIRLS. She was a true actress! I will remember you Bea

[Ian]

Bea Arthur will be truly missed. Bea, thank you for being a friend.

[arthur]

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND SAYS IT ALL FROM THE GLG COMMUNITY REALLY

[Enrique]

On behalf of myself and family we send our condolences to Bea Arthur Family! As an young individual growing up with the Golden Girls on television daily, was fond of the sitcom and became a big fan of Bea Arthur role in the Golden Girls as Dorothy Zbonak. She'll be missed and love for a long time to come!

[Shandy]

I'm not sure I can get through this posting without breaking down... oh, here come the tears already... I have lived and breathed The Golden Girls since their pilot show all the way through the seasons and even now in re-runs. In Texas, The Golden Girls is on 1014 hours a day, and even though I've watched 99% of the episodes, I can and will never get enough. The best times with my mom are spent watching the show because I see my mom in almost every character. One of my aunts is just like Blanche.

I was sad when I heard about Estelle's passing, but even more so about Bea. Maybe it's because her passing is a reminder how close my mom could be next in line. I will honor your life as much as I can while watching the show and always be thinking of you...

[RandyCracker]

Always loved her...My best friend and I used to sing "Bosom Buddies" from "Mame" to each other when we were drinking at bars before he passed. Two of the funniest lines ever to be on TV where hers from the "Golden Girls": re Blanche's temporary depression over menopause "She could be in a coma. Put a man within two miles of her and she would roll over and shave her legs." And to Rose (really a reply to Sophia) while they are in a hospital waiting for Blanche's granddaughter "Oreo" to be delivered: "It doesn't matter what you do, you'll never please your parents. They'll just keep nagging you and nagging you until want to choke them, but you don't because you're in a hospital with resuscitating equipment." Don't worry Bea, "God will get you."

[Johnny K.]

I loved the Golden Girls and Bea Arthur was one of my favorite characters from the show. It's so sad that we've now lost half the cast of the show. First Estelle Getty and now Bea. She was an amazing actress. Her timing was perfect and nothing was funnier than when she had her tirades with Estelle Getty (Sophia). Bea will be sorely missed but I will always remember her as the gay-loving woman she was who had a heart accepting of all no matter who they were. She will always be funny, witty Dorothy Zbornak to me. I know she's now in heaven with Estelle doing all they can to help make this a more gay-accepting world. May she rest in peace.

[Butch_WI]

She has brought laughter and tears to millins over the years she willbe greatly missed. She had talent and class. All the ladies of Golden Girls did. They just dont make em like that anymore. Rest in peace up there, we miss you down here.

[Jared]

just yesterday, i remember referring to the golden girls at work with a friend of mine and laughing about a certain episode we both remembered. i guess you never realize what you had until it is gone. im only 18, but i remember growing up watching golden girl reruns on lifetime. it really saddens me to hear about the death, she will never be forgotten!

[Prince_N_Lvr]

No matter how crazy things got, you can always count on Dorothy and the ladies to put a smile on your face. Bea, you are a true treasure and will be deeply missed.

Thank you for being a friend...

Rest in peace Pussycat!!

[G]

i went through a golden girls marathon on youtube just last night and remember her what'll i do song and loved it.

Years ago i said....."i will wear a black armband when the simpsons goes off the air or when bea arthur dies"

She was in Bannf Alberta about 100 miles from me and I MISSED HER.

Goodbye funny lady you will be missed a lot

[zane]

Bea was one lady who made people smile, no matter what corner of the world we live in, she will be greately missed!

[Don]

We will miss you pussy cat!

[Brandon Sills]

all i can say is legends will continue on even in the afterlife. what she left behind will always create the fond memories of such amazing people like herself.

her time had come, and we all will have to remember what she gave us all, just like when our blood leaves us. we remember what they gave us, including life.

[Tyler]

Bea Arthur, thank you for sharing your talent, love and compassion. My heart is broken...we all have lost such a wonderful lady and friend.
Eat lot's of cheesecake with Estelle
in heaven now!
Love Tyler in Pa
xoxoxo

[jamestownNY]

Bea will be sadly missed as well as Estelle but will never be forgotton. i own all 7 seasons of golden girls on dvd and i watch them all the time. i will be sure to empose these dvd on my neices and nephews as well to gain their interest. it amazes me how this cast of 4 along with their exceptional acting attracted the younger HIP croud and that my friend is great wholesome telivision.

[Terry J.]

Thanks for the memories, my you rest in peace. Thanks for being a friend and enteraining us for some many wonderful years!!! you will be missed, we love you

[Edd]

Bea I always find comfort when i am sick or can't sleep and I can watch a "Golden Girs" episode.....its like home.....

[Edd]

May your Soul Rest in Peace

[Top040]

A phrase once coined by another icon: We Laughed, We Cried, We Became A Part Of It...
Thanks for all your WONDERFUL memories Bea because we certainly did.

[Josh]

Miss you lots Bea rest in peace your in our hearts and prayers forever.

[LL_Boi505]

i will not say goodbye because i do not believe this is good-bye rather than we'll meet again soon...

i love you bea, god speed my friend

[That Blue Jeans Guy]

Bea Arthur was one of my favorite actresses of all time. I appreciate her all the more for the fact that she was a true friend of the GLBT community. She will be missed.

[Jason]

Thank you for being a friend.

[The Truth]

Rest in Peace, Bernice Frankel!

You gave us all some good laughs and good times.

[Nathan]

All our Golden Girls are leaving us. I'm just heartbroken :(

[Blake]

Bea is a national treasure that will truly be missed. She was such an amazing performer on stage as well as on tv. I am deeply saddened by the loss of my favorite golden girl.

[Drew Darling]

"There goes Maude"

RIP Bea.

one of the best comic minds of all time.

miss ya xx

[CoasterCub76]

On only two occasions can I remember shedding a tear upon hearing of the death of a celebrity. The first was when Lucille Ball left us, and the second was today upon hearing the news about Bea Arthur. As many of you have, I grew up watching "The Golden Girls" on Saturday nights on NBC. My folks would go out to a bar or bowling league, and I would spend time with these four funny, sweet old ladies who made everything seem so much better. They were like four additional Grandmothers who made me laugh. Perhaps it's from them that I have such a fondness for cheesecake. I've since lost both of my own Grandmothers, and now, with the loss of Bea Arthur, I've now lost two of my additional four. Rest in Peace, Dorothy. Say Hello to Sophia, Granny, and Grandma Peggy for me.

[James]

thanks Bea for all the good laughes you allowed us to have. I know all is well with you in heaven now rest on my sweet heart. Love you all on the golden girls

[LeoEdgewater]

I remember one of Bea Arthur's appearances on "All in the Family" and the exchange she had with her nemesis, Archie.

Maude: You know what I like about you, Archie?

Archie: No Maude...what's that"

Maude: NOTHING!

When it came to the gay community and the issues that confront us, all I can say about Bea Arthur is...Thank you for being a friend!

You gave us so much and we'll have our memories to keep you in our hearts and minds. Rest in Peace, Bea, and say hello to Estelle. We love you.

[randy]

In Loving Memory of Bea Arthur
You are a queen in my eyes. You are a wonderful actress, and will be greatly missed by all your fans. You will live on in our lives as Maude, or Dorothy and for decades to come you will be missed. You were such a great help to the GLBT community, and we thank you from our hearts. You and Estelle have fun in Gods' Kingdom of peace and tranquility.
Love ya girls... Randy

[jimmyjo]

rip bea

[Jason P.]

My heart is broken. I've always looked up to Bea.
My thoughts and prayers are with Bea's family, friends and fellow fans.
God Speed, Rest well sweetheart.

[Lenny]

Thanks for being a friend.....Miss you.