Beatrice Arthur

Beatrice Arthur was a beloved American actress and comedian, best known for her iconic roles on stage and screen. Born in New York City in 1922, Arthur began her career in theater before transitioning to television and film.

Arthur made her Broadway debut in 1955 in the musical "Plain and Fancy." She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "The Threepenny Opera," "Fiddler on the Roof," and "Mame," for which she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 1966.
In 1971, Arthur landed the role of Maude Findlay in the groundbreaking sitcom "Maude." The show tackled controversial topics such as abortion and women's rights, and Arthur's portrayal of the outspoken and opinionated Maude earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the show.
After "Maude" ended in 1978, Arthur starred in her own sitcom, "The Beatrice Arthur Special," and made guest appearances on shows such as "The Golden Girls" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." She also appeared in several films, including "Lovers and Other Strangers" and "History of the World, Part I."
In addition to her acting career, Arthur released several albums throughout her career, including "And Then There's Bea" and "Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends."
Arthur passed away in 2009 at the age of 86, but her legacy lives on through her memorable performances and her impact on the entertainment industry. Her most recent work was a voice role in the animated film "Ponyo" in 2008.