Bea Arthur
Biography
Beatrice Arthur was born Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922, in New York City, and was raised in Brooklyn, New York City. She passed away on April 25, 2009, at the age of 86. Arthur was an American actress, comedian, and singer who began her career on stage in 1947. She attracted critical acclaim for her stage work before achieving worldwide recognition for her television roles. Her television career included work in the 1970s as Maude Findlay in the sitcoms All in the Family and Maude, and later in the 1980s and 1990s as Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls. Throughout her career, she won several accolades, including the 1966 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for playing Vera Charles in Mame, as well as Emmy Awards.
Career overview
Beatrice Arthur, born Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922, was an American actress and comedian. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, Arthur began her career on stage in 1947, attracting critical acclaim before achieving worldwide recognition for her work on television beginning in the 1970s. She became known for her roles as Maude Findlay in the popular sitcoms All in the Family and Maude, and later in the 1980s and 1990s as Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls.
Arthur won several accolades throughout her career, beginning with the 1966 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for playing Vera Charles in Mame, followed by Emmy Awards. Her career spanned television and film, including work associated with productions such as Futurama, Omnibus, and All in the Family. She passed away on April 25, 2009.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
75 titles- The Golden Girls: 40 Years of Laughter and Friendship - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2025) as Self / Dorothy Zbornak (archive footage)
- Henry Fonda for President (2025) as Maude (archival footage)
- Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed (2023) as Self (archive footage)
- Golden Girls 3033 (2022) as Dorothy Zbornak (voice) (archive sound)
- Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age (2021) as Self
- The Golden Girls: Ageless (2021) as Self (archive footage)
- Forever Golden! A Celebration of the Golden Girls (2021) as Dorothy Zbornak
- Betty White: First Lady of Television (2018) as Self (archive Footage)
- O.J.: Made in America (2016) as Self (archive footage)
- Back to the Grind (2007)
- Comedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson (2005) as Self
- Broadway's Lost Treasures II (2004) as Vera Charles (segment "Mame")
- Comedy Central Roasts (2003) as Self
- The Terry and Gaby Show (2003)
- Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There (2003) as Self
- The Golden Girls: Lifetime Intimate Portrait Series (2003) as Dorothy Zbornak (archive footage)
- The Golden Girls: Their Greatest Moments (2003) as Self / Dorothy Zbornak
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000) as Larry's Mother
- Malcolm in the Middle (2000) as Mrs. White
- Enemies of Laughter (2000) as Paul's Mother
- Futurama (1999) as Femputer (voice)
- Beggars and Choosers (1999)
- The N.Y. Friars Club Roast of Jerry Stiller (1999) as Self
- So Graham Norton (1998) as Self - Guest
- Emily of New Moon (1998) as The Voice
- The View (1997) as Self
- Judge Judy (1996) as Self - Defendant's Witness
- A Benefit Celebration: A Tribute to Angela Lansbury (1996) as Self
- For Better or Worse (1995) as Beverly Makeshift
- Ellen (1994) as Bea Arthur
- Jerry Herman's Broadway at the Hollywood Bowl (1994) as Self
- Intimate Portrait (1993) as Self
- Dave's World (1993) as Mel Bloom
- The Golden Palace (1992) as Dorothy Hollingsworth
- Boulevard Bio (1991) as Self
- The Earth Day Special (1990) as Dorothy Zbornak
- Night of 100 Stars III (1990) as Self
- Empty Nest (1988) as Dorothy Zbornak
- Mickey's 60th Birthday (1988) as Self
- My First Love (1988) as Jean Miller
- Irving Berlin's 100th Birthday Celebration (1988) as Self
- Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC (1988) as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Happy 100th Birthday, Hollywood (1987) as Self
- Jay Leno's Family Comedy Hour (1987) as Self
- All Star Party for Clint Eastwood (1986) as Self (uncredited)
- Walt Disney World 15th Anniversary (1986) as Self
- The Golden Girls (1985) as Dorothy Zbornak
- The NBC All Star Hour: Let's All Be There (1985)
- a.k.a. Pablo (1984)
- P.O.P. (1984) as Rosalyn Gordon
- Amanda's (1983) as Amanda Cartwright
- Night of 100 Stars (1982) as Self
- History of the World: Part I (1981) as Dole office clerk (uncredited)
- The Sensational Shocking Wonderful Wacky 70's (1980) as Self
- The Beatrice Arthur Special (1980) as Herself
- The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) as Ackmena
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Cameo (uncredited)
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Host
- People's Choice Awards (1975) as Self
- Dinah! (1974) as Self
- Mame (1974) as Vera Charles
- Maude (1972) as Maude Findlay
- All in the Family (1971) as Maude Findlay
- Lovers and Other Strangers (1970) as Bea Vecchio
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self - Co-Host
- That Kind of Woman (1959) as WAC (uncredited)
- The Gift of the Magi (1958) as Mrs. Abercrombie
- Tony Awards (1956) as Self - Host
- The George Gobel Show (1954) as Self
- Max Liebman Presents (1954)
- Omnibus (1952) as Ugly Witch
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Mrs. Abercrombie
- Studio One (1948)
- Bambi (1948) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Bea Arthur best known for?
Bea Arthur is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Agent Kim Reactivated (2026), Comedy Central Roasts (2003), Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There (2003), The Count of Monte-Cristo (1975).
When and where was Bea Arthur born?
Bea Arthur was born on May 13, 1922 in New York City, New York, USA. They passed away on April 25, 2009.
How many credits does Bea Arthur have?
Bea Arthur has accumulated over 75 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1948 to 2025.
What is Bea Arthur's background in cinema and television?
Beatrice Arthur was born Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922, in New York City, and was raised in Brooklyn, New York City. She passed away on April 25, 2009, at the age of 86. Arthur was an American actress, comedian, and singer who began her career on stage in 1947. She attracted critical acclaim for her stage work before...