Bea Arthur Biography: TV Show, Spouse, Children, Obituary, Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents

Bea Arthur was an American actress and comedienne best known for her sharp wit and iconic roles in classic television sitcoms.

She rose to fame as Maude Findlay in Maude and solidified her legacy as Dorothy Zbornak in The Golden Girls.

With a career that spanned theater, film, and television, Bea was celebrated for her commanding presence, dry humor, and groundbreaking portrayals of strong, independent women.

Profile

• Full Name: Bernice Frankel
• Stage Name: Bea Arthur
• Born: May 13, 1922
• Age: 86 (at the time of her death in 2009)
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Comedienne
• Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
• Parent: Philip Frankel (father), Rebecca Frankel (mother)
• Siblings: Gertrude Frankel, Marian Frankel
• Spouse: Gene Saks
• Children: Matthew Saks, Daniel Saks
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $25 million

Early Life and Education

Bea Arthur was born on May 13, 1922, in New York City, New York, United States. She was 86 years old at the time of her passing on April 25, 2009. Her birth name was Bernice Frankel.

Bea was the daughter of Philip Frankel and Rebecca Frankel, who were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. She was raised in a Jewish household and practiced Judaism throughout her life. She had two sisters, Gertrude and Marian Frankel.

During her childhood, her family moved from New York to Cambridge, Maryland, where she spent most of her early years. Bea attended Linden Hall School for Girls in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and later enrolled at Blackstone College for Girls in Virginia.

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, she pursued her passion for acting and studied at the Dramatic Workshop of The New School in New York City under the guidance of German director Erwin Piscator. Her early training in theater laid the foundation for a successful and impactful career in the performing arts.

Career

Bea Arthur’s career began in theater during the 1940s, after she completed her training at the Dramatic Workshop of The New School in New York City.

She started with off-Broadway productions and gradually earned recognition for her strong stage presence and deep, commanding voice. Her early work included appearances in stage plays and musicals, including a standout role as Lucy Brown in The Threepenny Opera.

Her breakthrough on Broadway came in the 1960s when she originated the role of Yente the Matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof. She later earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance as Vera Charles in Mame (1966), starring alongside Angela Lansbury.

Her talent for combining comedy with bold character portrayals quickly made her a standout in the theater world. Bea transitioned to television in the 1970s, where she gained national fame for her role as Maude Findlay, first introduced on All in the Family.

Her performance was so powerful that it led to the spin-off series Maude (1972–1978), where she portrayed a liberal, outspoken woman navigating social and political issues. The role earned her a Primetime Emmy Award and widespread critical acclaim.

In 1985, Bea Arthur took on what would become one of the most iconic roles of her career — Dorothy Zbornak in The Golden Girls. The sitcom became a cultural phenomenon, running until 1992 and earning Bea another Emmy Award. Her chemistry with co-stars Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty made the show a classic in television history.

Beyond television, Bea appeared in several films, including Lovers and Other Strangers (1970) and Mame (1974). She also returned to the stage in the early 2000s with her one-woman show Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends, which showcased her storytelling and musical talents.

Awards and Nominations

• Primetime Emmy Award – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Maude (1977)
• Primetime Emmy Award – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for The Golden Girls (1988)
• Tony Award Nomination – Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Mame (1966)
• Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations throughout her career
• Inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame

Personal Life

Bea Arthur, the American actress and comedienne, was married twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage was to Robert Alan Aurthur, an American screenwriter and film director. They were married from 1944 until their divorce in 1950.

In 1950, she married Gene Saks, a well-known American director and actor. Their marriage lasted nearly three decades, ending in divorce in 1978. During their time together, they adopted and raised two sons: Matthew Saks and Daniel Saks. She stood at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters).

Filmography

Film:

• That Kind of Woman (1959)
• Lovers and Other Strangers (1970)
• Mame (1974)
• The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
• For Better or Worse (1995)

TV series:

• Maude (1972–1978)
• The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
• The Golden Palace (1992–1993)
• Guest appearances in Malcolm in the Middle, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and more

Stage work:

• Fiddler on the Roof
• Mame
• Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends

Net Worth

Bea Arthur had an estimated net worth of $25 million at the time of her passing in 2009. Her wealth came primarily from her long and successful career in entertainment, which spanned theater, television, and film.

She earned substantial income from her iconic television roles in Maude and The Golden Girls, both of which enjoyed widespread success and syndication.

In addition to acting, Bea also made money from her work on Broadway, including her acclaimed one-woman show Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends. Over the years, she invested wisely and maintained a comfortable lifestyle, leaving behind a legacy both financially and artistically.