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'Imperious' Arthur Was a 'Thunderbolt'

Comedian broke new ground in Maude , Golden Girls

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 26, 2009 5:58 PM CDT

(Newser) – Bea Arthur may not have been television’s most iconic actress, “but no woman ever made so many people so happy by being so imperious, so decisive, so just plain bossy,” Ken Tucker writes in Entertainment Weekly. No one defied or upstaged her on Maude or Golden Girls, but no one “resented her for that. Indeed, this was the source of her thunderbolt comic power.”

A theater actor, Arthur broke into television on All in the Family and “became the center of an age where sitcoms actually produced political firestorms,” Associated Content writes. A political foe of Archie Bunker, her character lived on in Maude, where "the famed 'abortion' episode" was a television "landmark." Arthur “allowed you to both identify with her and to admire her,” Tucker concludes. “There was a lot to admire.”

Bea Arthur and Cy Coleman at the party for the opening night of 'Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends' at Sardi's in New York City.
Bea Arthur and Cy Coleman at the party for the opening night of 'Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends' at Sardi's in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Actresses Bea Arthur (L) and Rue McClanahan attend the after party for the opening of the play 'Just Between Friends,' January 29, 2002 at Sardis in New York City.
Actresses Bea Arthur (L) and Rue McClanahan attend the after party for the opening of the play 'Just Between Friends,' January 29, 2002 at Sardis in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Actress Bea Arthur signs copies of 'The Golden Gilrs Season 3' DVD at Barnes & Noble on November 22, 2005 in New York City.
Actress Bea Arthur signs copies of 'The Golden Gilrs Season 3' DVD at Barnes & Noble on November 22, 2005 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Hall of Fame inductee actress Bea Arthur gestures while speaking at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences 2008 Hall of Fame Ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008.
Hall of Fame inductee actress Bea Arthur gestures while speaking at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences 2008 Hall of Fame Ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
This Dec. 25, 1985 file photo shows the stars of the television series The Golden Girls during a break in taping in Hollywood, Calif.
This Dec. 25, 1985 file photo shows the stars of the television series The Golden Girls during a break in taping in Hollywood, Calif.   (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)
In this Jan. 10, 2005 file photo, Bea Arthur performs during A Celebration of Cy Coleman at the Majestic  theatre in New York.
In this Jan. 10, 2005 file photo, Bea Arthur performs during "A Celebration of Cy Coleman" at the Majestic theatre in New York.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
This April 26, 2004 file photo shows actress Bea Arthur leaving after testifying before the Senate Business and Professions Committee.
This April 26, 2004 file photo shows actress Bea Arthur leaving after testifying before the Senate Business and Professions Committee.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
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Highlights from The Golden Girls.   (yorkchester321)

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Beatrice Arthur could get a huge laugh with just a long, hard, silent stare. When she opened her mouth, her ringingly authoritative voice brought forth another wave of laughter. - Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
kokuaguy
May 22, 2009 4:03 AM CDT
That's stinky, inky....
inky
Apr 27, 2009 6:22 AM CDT
He was a great old gal. Sorry Bea, but you knew someone would say it!

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