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Monday, 27 April 2009

REMEMBERING BEA ARTHUR...


Beatrice Arthur, an icon of '70s TV as the star of Maude, and then one of the staples of '80s TV as one of the leads in The Golden Girls, has died at age 86. A family spokesman told AP the Emmy and Tony Award winner had cancer, and died peacefully at her home in Los Angeles


Arthur's best-known roles came in popular sitcoms that didn't shy away from the serious issues of the day. On Maude, which aired from 1972-1978, Arthur's pantsuit-wearing, feminist title character had an abortion, which resulted in a flurry of viewer protests. Arthur scored five Emmy nominations and one win for the role. The ribald, hilarious Golden Girls -- which over seven seasons tackled hot-button issues such as menopause, homophobia, suicide, and racism -- found Arthur playing gruff, wisecrack-spewing divorcée Dorothy Zbornak, who shared a Miami home with her mother and two loopy friends. Arthur picked up four more Emmy nods and one win as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for the role.


Earlier in her career, Arthur tasted success on Broadway and on the big screen, even winning a Tony Award for her roles as Vera Charles, formidable pal of Angela Lansbury's title character in Mame. She would go on to play the same role in the musical's big-screen adaptation, though in that instance opposite Lucille Ball.


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.


For gays and lesbians, Arthur leaves behind a legacy as a beloved icon, perhaps best remembered as Dorothy on The Golden Girls, the acerbic and stoic schoolteacher who cared for her elderly mother with the help of her close friends. 


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?

12 comments:

  1. My moments..., i have a lot, i love ´"shut up rose", or the trip to St. olaf, many, many, many....

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  2. I was sad when I heard she died. I grew up watching her and I remember the ground breaking episode of Maude when she was trying to decide whether or not she should have an abortion. I was young but I knew it was a big deal. I still watch Golden Girls.

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  3. So sad ... she will be missed.

    XOXOXOXO

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  4. Hey! I remember Maud but I don't remember that abortion! I'd love to see THAT episode! But I do remember the pantsuits and that TRADEMARK SCARF! Anyhoo...did you know I SPLASHED you? Come over to my blog and see! Bravo brotha on a job well done. Play on playa........

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  5. I can remember tuning into Maude on the designated evening it was broadcasted in my area many years ago, I was so taken by this lady, she was strong and independant, her character on the show brought it out! Walter didn't stand a chance, and Vivian was her neighbor and drinking buddy. Bea Arthur will be missed, I still catch reruns of Golden Girls and sometimes Maude.

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  6. "the great lanai in the sky"

    I love it

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  7. I can honestly say I felt the sharp, stabbing twist of real sorrow when I heard this news. She was old, by anyone's standards, but in our collective consciousness, she was still the Bea Arthur in Golden Girls. She always will be.

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  8. My favorite Dorothy moment is in Season 6 Episode 135, Dorothy (Bea trice Arthur) and Stan start talking again on the phone acting like it wasn't Stan. As she states in the show "Big Quake in California. LMFAO." You would have to see it to get it! Hillarious. RIP Beatrice Arthur.

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  9. oh sorry I meant Dorothy start talking to him.

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  10. yes, I saw this on the news...and it was really sad. I dont really remember her in any movies...but I remember her as one of the Golden Girls...and I did watch that frequently..

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  11. Ima miss u Dorothy! Thanks for being a friend.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOICE...

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