Golden Girls TV star Bea Arthur dies 86

Beatrice “Bea” Arthur (May 13, 1922 - April 25, 2009) was an American comedian, actress and singer. In an ongoing career spanning seven decades, Arthur achieved success as the title character, Maude Findlay, on the 1970s sitcom Maude, and as Dorothy Zbornak on the 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls. Arthur won an Emmy for each of those roles.

Death of Bea Arthur

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 ccording to

Early life
Arthur was born Bernice Frankel to Philip and Rebecca Frankel in New York City on May 13, 1922. Her family soon moved to Maryland where her parents operated a women's clothing shop. She attended the now-defunct Blackstone College in Blackstone, Virginia where she was active in drama productions. She became a medical technologist before World War II.

Theater
Arthur began her acting career as a member of an off Broadway theater group at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City in the late 1940s.

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Dorothy says Whoa! - Golden Girls

Bea Arthur's filmography & Television credits continues next page