Bea Arthur
A towering presence with a razor-sharp wit, she gave voice to formidable, unapologetic women who defied television's expectations.
1922–2009 (age 87)·American actress and comedian·Birthday: May 13·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Bea Arthur's deep, distinctive voice and statuesque frame became instruments for delivering some of television's most memorably caustic lines. As Maude Findlay, she tackled social and political issues head-on in the 1970s, creating a blueprint for the outspoken sitcom lead. Then, as Dorothy Zbornak on 'The Golden Girls,' she perfected the art of the withering, intellectual put-down, often serving as the show's grounded, sardonic heart. Her comedy was built on impeccable timing and a profound understanding of her characters' intelligence, making her humor feel earned and powerful rather than simply silly. Arthur's Broadway roots, including a Tony Award for 'Mame,' informed her commanding stage presence, which she translated perfectly to the living rooms of America.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Bea was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Bea Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Bea's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 80
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2009Died at 87
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
Key Achievements
- Won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress for her role as Dorothy on 'The Golden Girls'.
- Received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in 'Mame'.
- Starred in the groundbreaking CBS sitcom 'Maude,' a spin-off of 'All in the Family'.
- Earned a lifelong reputation as a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare.
- Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to television.
Did You Know?
She served in the United States Marine Corps as a truck driver and typist during World War II.
Arthur was one of the first members of the original 1955 cast of 'The Threepenny Opera' off-Broadway.
She turned down the role of Jessica Tate on the sitcom 'Soap' before it went to Katherine Helmond.
Her first marriage was to director Robert Alan Aurthur, whose surname she adapted for her stage name (changing the 'u' to 'e').
A passionate animal rights activist, she narrated a PSA for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
“I have one of those faces that just can't be slapped on a lunch box.”
