Bea Arthur: None Better
Golden Girls
Today’s post isn’t a typical writing-related offering but a short note of acknowledgement and appreciation for one of my comedic heroines, Bea Arthur.
Aside from the fact that she passed away on my birthday, I always felt a special kinship with the tallest and biggest Golden Girl. No one–not even my current favorite comedienne Kathy Griffin–could touch Bea and her brand of absolutely perfect, deadly serious humor delivery. A dry wit we’re going to miss.
I do know she was quite a talented actress outside of the Golden Girls, but that was the extent of my Bea Arthur involvement. All in the Family was a bit before my time (and not all that entertaining) and Maude was as well. However, I’ll never hear her name and not associate her with Dorothy Zbornak. In fact, when I mentioned to the kid that Bea Arthur had passed away, he asked, “Who’s that?” I replied, “Dorothy.” Just one name and he knew instantly. (We watch a lot of good, old-fashioned 80s tv in my house…lol). Now that’s a tribute. A male high school junior who knew her character by first name…
When my friend Joanna and I traveled to Chicago one summer years ago to hang out with our friend Deb for a week, we got into a Golden Girl rut. Watched it every night. More than once, we all fought over who would get which role when we all entered the rest home together. Deb wanted to be Dorothy, Jo was/is Sophia and I, as the witty younger one, was titled Blanche. (We never did find a Rose. Maybe that was Elle…). I liked being the young one, but secretly I wanted to be Dorothy. Smart, sassy, worldly, didn’t put up with anyone’s BS and a big girl role model. What a total gem.
Bea deserved every accolade she received–and more. If dry wit is ever a part of your writing, you’d be wise to watch and learn, friends. You’ll never find another better.
Do you have a favorite Golden Girl episode or Bea Arthur line? We’d love to hear…
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It's pretty simple, really. I'm a writer who loves writing about writing, and sharing all the tricks of the trade with other writers. And when I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing. I have a hunch you know what I mean :)