Bea Arthur

Actress, Activist

May 13, 1922 New York City, New York, United States

April 25, 2009 Los Angeles, California, United States

Gene Saks (m. 1950–1980), Robert Alan Aurthur (m. 1947–1950)

Bea Arthur was an American actress, comedian, singer, and animal rights activist. She was famous for her 'Emmy Award' winning television roles. She served in the ‘US Marine’ during the ‘Second World War’ and then trained to be a professional stage actor. She earned a 'Tony Award' for her portrayal of ‘Vera Charles,’ her most remembered stage character, in the play 'Mame.' She went on to feature on the television series 'All in the Family,' portraying ‘Maude Findlay’ as a guest artist. She then earned her own show titled 'Maude.' Her character ‘Maude’ was a strong female who tackled a number of sociopolitical issues prevalent at that time. It was one of the first television characters that didn't shy away from talking about a vast range of sensitive topics like Vietnam War, domestic abuse, gay rights, and abortion. Arthur continued to expose a number of social taboos in her next hit show 'The Golden Girls' where she portrayed ‘Dorothy Zbornak.’ Thanks to her portrayal of characters like ‘Dorothy’ and ‘Maude,’ Arthur became a perfect example for an independent woman and a spokesperson of LGBT rights. She also worked with PETA in order to eradicate animal cruelty.