24 Rare, Iconic Photos of Bea Arthur Through the Years
You've got to see this Golden Girl in her younger days.
Born Bernice Frankel, actress Bea Arthur — famed for her work in The Golden Girls — enlisted as one of the first members of the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II. It was only once she eventually started performing in theater that she changed her name. A Broadway success, winning a Tony Award for her role in Mame, she made the move to television in the 1970s, when she starred in All in the Family as Maude Finlay, a role that she reprised in the successful spinoff sitcom Maude, for which she won an Emmy in 1977.
Still, despite all those credits, she’s best known for playing Dorothy Zbornack in The Golden Girls, also winning an Emmy for that role in 1988. Arthur continued to rack up TV and stage credits (and more Emmy nods) right up until her death in 2009. Here, take a look back at Arthur's legendary career through the years.
1957
Belinda Burrell, Nancy Sinatra and Bea Arthur (credited as Jane Ross) rehearse for the Frank Sinatra Show.
RELATED: 24 Photos of the Golden Girls Before They Were Golden Girls
1966
On Broadway in Maude with Angela Lansbury.
1970
Dancing with Gig Young in the movie Lovers and Other Strangers. And yes, that is Cloris Leachman clapping along.
1971
On All in the Family in her role as the outspoken Maude.
1972
A publicity still for her role on her sitcom, Maude.
1972
Relaxing at home with her family.
1973
Strutting her stuff on the catwalk at an event in the mid-70s.
1974
Reprising her role of Vera Charles in the film version of Mame.
1974
At the Directors Guild of America Awards, with Maude (and All in the Family) creator Norman Lear.
1975
At an event in Los Angeles.
1976
Arthur receiving an award from Southern California Chapter of American women in Radio and Television.
1978
An episode of Maude, featuring Arthur's future Golden Girls costar Rue McClanahan.
1979
Looking casual at an event held at the Columbia Ranch in Burbank, California.
1980
Arthur appeared on an episode of Soap and played an angel.
1982
Arthur and Dick Maury at the Media Awards in Century City, California.
1983
With Mary Tyler Moore star Ted Knight at the publicists Guild of American Awards.
1986
Goofing around with her Golden Girls costars Betty White and Estelle Getty.
1987
With a young Whoopi Goldberg at the 1st Annual Comedy Awards.
1989
Celebrating 100 episodes of The Golden Girls with Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan and Betty White.
1990
Arthur joined Lee Remick to honor Angela Lansbury at the TV Academy Tribute.
Angel Madison is a commerce editor for Hearst, covering LEGOs, trending products, toys, plus-size fashion, wellness, home, tech and more. Previously she covered entertainment, pop culture, and parenting for a variety of publications. When she's not at her desk you can find her hanging with her daughter and cat, finding offbeat roadside attractions, or doing crafts.
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