Fibs and Facts of Bea Arthur
Updated 04.25.09

Lets clear the air :)

Fib: Bea Arthur quit the Golden Girls because she didn't get along with the other girls.

Fact: Wrong. Bea Arthur felt it was time to move on in her life, just like she did when she quit Maude. It was her personal decision and it had nothing to do with anything else. Both Golden Girls and Maude still had strong ratings when she opted to leave. She wanted to get back to her first passion, theatre. She did just that!

Fib: Bea Arthur is a lesbian.

Fact: No! Bea is currently divorced, but had been married twice, the latter for 25 years to Gene Saks. Now I know that just because she married a guy, that it doesn't necessarily mean that she isn't a lesbian. But the fact is... she isn't. She does fully support the gay community!


Other popular questions often asked:

Question: When is Maude Season 2 DVD going to come out?

Answer: Sony has not made any announcement as of yet to its release, be sure that it will be posted on this site immediately once announced!

Question: Will Lifetime have an Intimate Portrait of Bea as they did with the other Golden Girls?

Answer: YES! Finally! Premiered January 20th, 2003 on Lifetime. Click here for more info.

Question: Can I get Golden Girls and/or Maude on DVD?

Answer: Yes and Yes! Click here!

Question: Has Bea been in the Marines?

Answer: In Bea's interview with the Archive of American Television, she denies ever being in the Marines. However, during the WWII period, there had been talk of a enrollment for a short period, which has been brought up numerous times.

Question: Was Bea Jewish?

Answer: You bet, that is why I felt stupid after sending her a Christmas card. The following year I made sure to wish her Happy Holidays instead :)

Question: Is it true that one of Bea's favorite shows is South Park?

Answer: Absolutely! She thinks its one of the most unique and funniest shows on television today.

Question: When was Bea Arthur born?

Answer: Her birthdate is May 13th, 1922. She passed away April 25, 2009 at the age of 86. Click here to read more about this.

Question: Did Bea have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Answer: Bea played the character of Dorothy on the Golden Girls. The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that the character Dorothy had was based after the creator of the Golden Girls, Susan Harris.

Question: How tall is Bea?

Answer: 5'10"

Question: Was there bad blood between Bea and Betty.

Answer: False, however, people believe what they want to believe.

Betty White on Bea's passing :: "I knew it would hurt, I just didn't know it would hurt this much.. I'm so happy that she received her Lifetime Achievement Award while she was still with us, so she could appreciate that. She was such a big part of my life." As her loyal huge fan, Bea was such a big part of my life!

Question: I loved Bea's clothes, who is the designer/where can I buy them.

Answer: I really don't know anything on this subject... and if one day I have more information on Bea's clothes, I will post it here. Very popular question.

Question: How much cheesecake has Bea eaten?

Answer: None! Bea hates cheesecake! Sorry to break all of your dreams!


Questions asked about the founder of this site:

Question: How many times have you seen her show?

Answer: I have seen 'And Then There's Bea' 3 times in Chicago in 2001 and again in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, April of 2005. I have also seen her performance in 'Strike up the Band' the year before in Chicago.

Question: How many times have met her?

Answer: 4. First time was the night before her opening performance here in Chicago at Sidetracks bar. Then again outside her dressing trailer at the venue she was performing at. And again at Voltaire's cabaret, also in Chicago. Finally, in Mount Pleasent, back stage, after the show.

Question: How long have you been a fan of Bea?

Answer: Since the first run of Golden Girls in 1985. My appreciation has grown tremendously ever since.

Question: What is your favorite performance of Bea's?

Answer: TV :: Maude | Movie :: Lovers and other Strangers; Mame | Theatre :: And then there's Bea/Bea Arthur on Broadway (I'm too young to have seen her in her original glory!)

Question: Who the hell do you think you are?

Answer: See for yourself www.lgt2.com