Bea Arthur, 86: Golden Girls Icon’s Tragic Final Days

Bea Arthur, the beloved actress known for her sharp wit and commanding presence, passed away at the age of 86. Her death marked the end of an era for classic television fans.

The Life and Career of Bea Arthur

Bea Arthur was a trailblazing actress best known for her roles in Maude and The Golden Girls. Born on May 13, 1922, in New York City, she rose to fame as an actress with a deep, distinctive voice and an unmistakable comedic presence.

Arthur first gained widespread recognition for her role as Maude Findlay in the hit sitcom Maude (1972–1978), a groundbreaking series that tackled controversial social issues. She later cemented her legacy as Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls (1985–1992), a role that earned her an Emmy Award.

Beyond television, Arthur had a successful stage career, including a Tony-winning performance in Mame alongside Angela Lansbury. She was also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare.

At the time of her death, Bea Arthur had an estimated net worth of $8 million, reflecting her decades of success in the entertainment industry.

Bea Arthur’s Death

Bea Arthur passed away on April 25, 2009, at her home in Los Angeles, California.

Her cause of death was cancer, which she had been privately battling for some time. She was 86 years old at the time of her passing.

Arthur was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at an undisclosed location, in accordance with her wishes. Her death was mourned by fans, friends, and colleagues who remembered her as a television icon and a pioneer for strong female characters in Hollywood.

Quotes

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“I believe that you’re here on Earth for a short time, and while you’re here, you shouldn’t forget it.” (Bea Arthur)

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“My dream was to become a very small blonde movie star like Ida Lupino and those other women I saw up there on the screen during the Depression.” (Bea Arthur)

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“I really cut my teeth on off-off-off Broadway shows.” (Bea Arthur)

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“No fruit. No veggie.” (Bea Arthur)

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“I… was not too happy to suddenly take on this public role thrust upon me. They just assumed I was the Joan of Arc of the women’s movement. And I wasn’t at all. It put a lot of unnecessary pressure on me.” (Bea Arthur)