Bea Arthur was known to legions of fans the world over for her deadpan portrayal of Golden Girl Dorothy Zbornak, and for the bird of prey-like strength of her feet. Her unapologetically flamboyant style of dress (at a time when living one’s life as an openly gay man was to flirt with personal ruin and career disaster) necessitated its very own fashion vocabulary, inspiring such timeless phrases as “cowl neck,” “slouch boot,” and “turkey necktie couture.”
Bea Arthur as Lurkey Brown in Bertolt Brecht’s The Hennypenny Opera.
Of course, Bea was best known for her star turn on The Golden Girls (1985-1992), but her achievements on the stage and on the small screen don’t stop there. Bea initially made her name in the classic Off-Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera (1954), and went on to star in the original Broadway productions of Fiddler on the Roof (1964) and Mame (1966). In the 70’s, Bea created a sensation on TV, playing the ultra-liberal title character on Maude (1972-1978), a sitcom which boldly tackled such tough, now-obsolete issues as racism and women’s rights. Little public recognition has been given, however, for Bea’s fearless stunt work in Cannonball Run, and for her stunning portrayal of Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy. Additionally, Bea was the first to introduce a 26-year-old Kristy McNichol to the sex act known as the “Empty Nest,” leading both actresses to a successful and intensely satisfying spin-off.
The Empty Nest: Step One…
Unfortunately, the years took their toll on Bea’s health and wellbeing, and by the end of her life she was largely composed of donated plasma, gristle, and weave. Surrounded by friends and family, she finally lost her battle with cancer on Saturday, April 25, 2009. Bea’s body was instantly cremated by her own trademark slow burn.
In celebration of the life of this staunch supporter of animal rights, gay rights, and the rights of gay animals, Breeder’s Digest would like to offer you—the disembodied ghost of Bea Arthur—our highest honor: The Lifetime Achievement Award for Female Impersonation. You’ve more than earned it, with the legacy of overdone double-takes, superfluous musical numbers, asymmetrical blouses, and gravel-voiced laughter you leave behind.
Bea’s celestial smocks make perfect Heaven wear!
Thank you for being a friend.
Breeder's Digest 