I was heartbroken to learn that Bea Arthur died this weekend in her LA home at the age of 86. Already the Web is overflowing with tributes to the distinguished comedic actress, which says so much about her great talent. Reading through some of them, I realize that an entire generation came to know and love her as Maude Findlay. Some even remember her for her stage accomplishments, for which she won a Tony Award.
For me, though, she was the razor-sharp, doting daughter to Sofia on The Golden Girls. Just thinking about the character Dorothy brings a smile to my face, and even when I watched the show as a kid it was clear that only someone of enormous talent could make a character that prickly so likable and hilarious.
In addition to the tributes, it's heart-wrenching to read statements from those who knew her best. Betty White, who played Rose on Golden Girls, told Entertainment Tonight: "I knew it would hurt, I just didn't know it would hurt this much. I'm so happy that she received her Lifetime Achievement Award while she was still with us, so she could appreciate that. She was such a big part of my life."
It's so sad she's gone and amazing how many lives and generations she touched. After the jump, I've included one of my favorite Dorothy and Sofia clips to remember them by. To watch, read more.
Somewhere
Church
Marks and Spencer
"I got you babe" is one of the best clips ever from GG. I loved Bea as Maude and Dorthy! She'll be greatly missed!
1I was so sad to hear this over the weekend.
Rest easy, Bea. You'll be greatly missed.
2I heart The Golden Girls. Dorothy is my favorite character. RIP Bea.
3The "Cher tongue" is priceless. We'll miss you, Bea.
4so so sad....i love Golden Girls, its hilariously entertaining. RIP.
5She was so funny. All the Golden Girls were. She will be greatly missed.
6she lived a wonderful life and gave lots of people joy
86 years is a good run. and,
she lives in in clips like this one.
7I loved watching Golden Girls with my Grandma growing up. We'd watch every week, together. Thank you Bea.
8Great clip, Buzz. Thanks for making me smile in the midst of sadness. Bea Arthur was one class act, for sure.
9They don't make 'em like her anymore. RIP, Bea. You brought smiles to the faces of a lot of people, and that's a wonderful legacy.
10I used to watch The Golden Girls with my mother and when my mother passed away, I re-watched episodes with a bittersweet feeling and sad smile. Her timing was impeccable and her expressions ... hilarious! She will continue to be missed.
11muy triste que se murio bea arthur...lla se reunio con estelle ghetty...las dos se les extranara mucho... que dios las tenga en su gloria...
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