Home : R.I.P. : Bea Arthur Dies at 86

R.I.P.
Bea Arthur Dies at 86

Posted Apr 25th 2009 3:38PM by TMZ Staff

Bea ArthurA family spokesman for Bea Arthur says the actress has died.

Spokesman Dan Watt says Arthur had cancer, but did not offer any further details. Arthur passed away at home early this morning.

Arthur is most well-known for her roles in "The Golden Girls" and "Maude."

Rue McClanahan who played Blanche Devereaux on "The Golden Girls" issued the following statement about Bea's passing to TMZ: "37 years ago she showed me how to be very brave in playing comedy. I'll miss that courage and I'll miss that voice."

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46. commen sense why are people like you on this planet and Bea is gone, just go away.
Bea have a wonderful journey.

Posted at 4:38PM on Apr 25th 2009 by John

47. She was on an episode of Malcom in the Middle. She was hilarious.

Posted at 4:41PM on Apr 25th 2009 by Jules

48. I love u bea i watch u every night and morning for life.............. R.I.P

Posted at 4:41PM on Apr 25th 2009 by Powerrangergeek

49. So enjoyed watching anything in which Bea Arthur played a role. She had the best dead-pan line deliveries, dry wit and forceful dialogue of any actress from her generation. Her commanding deep voice, often laced with sarcasm and those priceless facial expressions will remain legendary, never to be duplicated. Her ability to convey warmth and affection with such a style speaks to her amazing talent as a character actor. We will miss you, Bea, but will continue to visit you often in living rooms across the world. God Bless.

Posted at 4:41PM on Apr 25th 2009 by A Fan In Texas

50. I grew up watching the Golden Girls, and I loved the dynamic of Sophia and Dorthy's relationship. Bea had the wittiest sense of humor. I am crying for this tremendous loss. The golden girls is so unique because generations later people, especially young people, still love the show now just as much as adults did in the 80's. It is a true reflection of what great writers and excellent actors - regardless of age - can accomplish when given the opportunity. Rest in Peace Bea, we will miss you tremendously.

Posted at 3:52PM on Apr 27th 2009 by goldengirlfan

51. Awww-I didn't know she had been ill. Loved her and all the Girls in "Golden Girls".Rest In Peace,dear lady. I will miss
you.

Posted at 4:49PM on Apr 25th 2009 by Pink Dahlia

52. When I watch The Golden Girls, I'm immediately brought back to a good times and happy memories in my life. Both my grandmother were still alive and they would come up to my parents house for the weekends and we would all sit around the TV and watch the Golden Girls, together as a family. It was my grandmothers who loved that show and turned me into a fan. Those days are gone now, both my grandmothers passed on a while ago but every time I watch that show I'm brought right back to those great days when my whole family was still intact. Good bye Bea, and thanks for helping crate great memories with my family.

Posted at 4:49PM on Apr 25th 2009 by john

53. To Miss Arthur's family, My deepest sympathy! She was a very tatented actress that will be greatly missed.

Posted at 4:53PM on Apr 25th 2009 by Linna

54. Bea was truly a one in a million woman. Her individual style of acting, her dry, sharp, sarcastic sense of humor. And then she turned it around in the blink of an eye and broke your heart with hear warm sensitivity. I grew up watching her with my Grandmother and watch her to this day. RIP Ms Arthur. You will be missed.

Posted at 4:51PM on Apr 25th 2009 by Jen

55. I was reading the comments thinking I'm sure no one is mean enough to say something stupid until I reached number 34! You are a sad and mean person. She was a fantastic lady. RIP.

Posted at 4:49PM on Apr 25th 2009 by youki

56. WOW, WILL BETTY WHITE BE NEXT? SHE WAS BORN IN 1922 SAME AS BEA.. AGED 87. JUST SAYIN..

Posted at 4:50PM on Apr 25th 2009 by 3 hot chics & 1 pimpin gangsta

57. Thank you for being a friend....

Posted at 4:49PM on Apr 25th 2009 by Doug Grattan

58. Thank you so much for how many times you have made me laugh, look at something a different way, or just kept me intrigued. You could sing, dance, act, and do each one extremely well. Loved you in Auntie Mame, to anything else I ever saw you perform. A true class act at all times.

Posted at 4:49PM on Apr 25th 2009 by honesty

59. Wow-it's so nice to see that I am not the only one who still watches the Golden Girls everyday!! Bea will be sorely missed, but the laughter she gave us will live on and on!!

Posted at 4:53PM on Apr 25th 2009 by KJ

60. RIP BEA. Where ever you are, may you make those laugh and happy like you made me.

Posted at 4:54PM on Apr 25th 2009 by Qam

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