Bea at the 1987 Emmys (Photo by Alan Light) With her acerbic wit, machine gun voice, and imposing stature, Beatrice Arthur is a singular performer. Born Bernice Frankel in New York City on this day in 1922, Bea served as a Marine and worked a brief stint as a medical laboratory technician before enrolling in the famed Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research. There she worked alongside luminaries like Marlon Brando, Gene Saks (whom she later married), and Elaine Stritch (who eventually lost a "Golden Girls" role to Bea). Bea's big break on the boards came in 1954 when she was tapped to play Lucy Brown in "The Threepenny Opera." Other significant roles followed, including Yente in the original "Fiddler on the Roof," and her iconic portrayal of Vera Charles opposite Angela Lansbury's titular "Mame" -- a role which won her a Tony Award. Though the stage was her first love, television made Bea a star. Throughout the '50s and '60s, she played bit parts on the shows of Steve Allen, Jack Parr, and Perry Como. And then, in 1972, came "Maude" -- a hugely successful series spun-off from "All in the Family," where Bea played Edith Bunker's outspoken, liberal cousin. Maude Findlay served as the perfect antithesis to Carroll O'Connor's bigoted, narrow-minded Archie Bunker. The controversial show, covering topics as far-ranging as pornography, abortion, marijuana laws, and plastic surgery, was a tremendous success with critics and audiences throughout its six seasons, and earned Bea her first Emmy. She followed "Maude" with various jobs on the big and small screens until "The Golden Girls," which garnered her a second Emmy as Dorothy Zbornak, whose biting quips still resonate in syndication. More recently, Bea has appeared on popular sitcoms, roasts, and variety shows; been active in AIDS research and animal rights; and toured with a one-woman show. She once remarked, "My training has been total; I've done everything except stag movies and rodeos." One glance at her resume reveals that's no exaggeration. Of course there's still time -- we don't know about stag movies, but we'd sure love to see her rustling cattle in a ten-gallon hat. Anyone know her agent? Suggested Sites... Bea Arthur in the Lime Light - comprehensive fan site dedicated to the steely-voiced actress and singer. Beatrice Arthur - Wikipedia - overview of Bea's life and career. Bea Arthur on Flickr - all the photos of Bea you could ever want, and then some. Maude - TV.com - dedicated to everyone's favorite feminist rabble-rouser, Maude Findlay. Golden Girls Central - your source for everything Golden Girls. Thank you for being a friend.

Directory categories: Beatrice Arthur, The Golden Girls, Maude, Comedy Shows

Archived under: Actors, Bea Arthur, Broadway, Entertainment, Performing Arts, TV, The Golden Girls

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