A Marine's Story: Staff Sergeant Beatrice "Bea" Arthur



Staff Sergeant Beatrice "Bea" Arthur was born Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York.

While young, her family relocated to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and she attended the Linden Hall School for Girls in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

In early 1943, in response to World War II, Staff Sergeant Bea Arthur enlisted in the U.S Marines and was assigned to office duties and truck driving. She received an honorable discharge in 1945 at the end of the war.

Staff Sergeant Bea Arthur began working as an actress after her service, starting with off-Broadway performances at the Cherry Lane Theater and quickly moving to Broadway, including the 1964 premiere of Fiddler on the Roof.




Moving to television, she became known for playing the outspoken feminist Maude (Edith's cousin) in the series All in the Family. Maude's character was ultimately spun off into its own sitcom, which earned her several Emmys and a Golden Globe. However, Staff Sergeant Arthur's most famous role began in 1985, when she was cast as Dorothy in The Golden Girls.

After the Golden Girls sitcom ended, she continued to act, mainly as a guest star. Her acting career, spanning seven decades, is admirable in an industry known for quickly churning through people.

A committed animal rights activist, she was also a well-known feminist and advocate for the elderly. Staff Sergeant  Arthur died on April 25, 2009, from cancer. Her ashes are spread throughout Miami, Florida.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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