Less Food for Your Money, Bush’s Last-Minute Gift to Crappy Nursing Homes, How to Help Seniors During This Recession, Boomer and Seniors Benefit from the Obama Stimulus Plan, Republicans to eliminate Social Security and Medicare, Is A Reverse Mortgage Right for You, GOP Badly Mistaken About Social Security, Seniors and Boomers Free Help with Health Care, 7 Ways You Can Still Retire During a Recession, Make A Difference Be a Volunteer, The Shameful Impoverishment of Our Elderly, Seniors and Boomers Can Work From Home, PBS Show Focuses on Seniors Under Siege in the Recession, A Public Health Insurance Plan Part III, A Public Health Insurance Plan Part II, A Public Health Insurance Plan Part I, Peterson Foundation Assault On Social Security & Medicare, When Should You Begin Receiving Social Security Benefits, What is Dementia and How to Deal With It, Congress Passed Bill to Help Retirees, The U.S. Needs A Single Payer Health Care System, GoliathJobs Announces Launch of JobsOver50.com, Seniors Drink Your Coffee, Do Not Support AARP Payroll Tax Cut Campaign, President Obama Senior and Social Security Agenda, Americans Should Support Single-Payer Healthcare Bill HR 676, Home Buying and Refinancing Mortgages in 2009, States Making Drastic Cuts in Medicaid Coverage, Social Security Ready to Enroll 10000 Boomers a Day, Additional Sleep Lowers Calcification in Coronary Arteries, FDA Approves First Prostate Cancer Drug in Years

Goodbye Golden Bea Arthur

Posted on April 27th, 2009 by Iwaller

Bea_Arthur.jpgTelevision star and icon Beatrice “Bea” Arthur died April 25, 2009 at her home surrounded by her family.  I know Bea held a special place for seniors and boomers alike.

‘Bea’ was born Bernice Frankel in New York City in 1922, and made her first television appearance in the hit comedy series “All in the Family” playing Edith Bunker’s feminist, liberal cousin, Maude Findlay. Bea’s razor-sharp exchanges with bigot Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O’Connor, were so entertaining; producers created a spin-off TV series for Arthur, and called it “Maude.” Bea’s portrayal of an outspoken wife and mother living in an upper-class suburb garnered her several awards, including an Emmy in 1977.But to most people she will likely best be remembered for her role as Dorothy Zbornak, a divorced substitute teacher on the hit television series (which debuted in 1985) “The Golden Girls”, which also starred her TV roommates Rose played by Betty White’ Blanche played by Rue McClanahan; and Sophia Petrillo played by Estelle Getty who died July 22, 2008 at the age of 84.

 ”Bea was such an important part of a very happy time in my life and I have dearly loved her for a very long time. I’m grateful that she received her much deserved ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ when she did, so she could enjoy it,” co-star and friend Betty told Access Hollywood in a statement on Saturday. “How lucky I was to know her.” Betty said “I knew it would hurt, I just didn’t know it would hurt this much.”

“Thirty seven years ago, she showed me how to be very brave in playing comedy,” Rue said in a statement. “I’ll miss that courage. And I’ll miss that voice.”

Arthur also took Broadway by storm in 1966 along with costar Angela Lansbury, in the musical “Mame.” She won a Tony as best supporting actress for her performance as Vera Charles.

I was one of millions of Americans who watched Bea and the Golden Girls for decades.  Even to this day, I still get my nightly ‘fix’ of the show on late night TV, seeing episodes hundreds of times and still I laugh and am entertained by 4 gutsy older women who displayed both comedic humor tinged with a life lesson on every show. 

Whether playing ‘Cher’ or threatening Sofia with ‘Shady Pines’ her wit and humor always generated a laugh.
When I heard about Bea’s passing I must admit I got a lump in my throat, feeling I had lost a dear friend as she had become such a part of my TV life.  Even though I never met her or any of the “Golden Girls’ they all became a huge part the lives of many of us.  This was another sad day along with the loss of Estelle almost a year ago.  Comedy today does not seem to strike the same ‘funny bone’ for me as those from years gone by as it did with the ‘Golden Girls’, or Archie Bunker or The Jefferson’s. 

To Bea’s family and friends, may she live on in wonderful memories and thanks for sharing her with the world.  ‘Good bye’ my dear Bea.

Filed under: Inspiration and Humor

Leave a Reply

« »

  • Categories

  • Links to Site

  • Disclaimer

    This is a personal weblog, the opinions expressed by the author and contributors on American Retired Seniors are their own and are provided AS IS with no warranties, and confers no rights. The information contained at this blog/website ("blog") is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. By using this blog, you understand that no attorney-client relationship is created between you and the author or publisher. This blog should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in your state. This blog may be changed without notice and is not guaranteed to be complete, correct or up-to-date. The author or publisher is not responsible for the content of any linked sites. This blog, and its author or publisher, are in no way affiliated with any governmental or private agencies. The authorsI reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive, profane, rude, or anonymous comments) so keep it polite, please.

  • Support Our Troops

    Go to AnySoldier.com

  • Meta