Bea Arthur

At 5'10" with an imposing stature and a voice like a foghorn, Bea Arthur was a titan of American comedy. Born Bernice Frankel on May 13, 1922, in New York City, she rose from stage beginnings in 1947 to become a beloved television star. Her breakthrough came in the 1970s as Maude Findlay in the sitcoms All in the Family and its spinoff Maude, and she later cemented her legacy as Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992. Her sharp wit and deadpan delivery made her an icon.

Before her acting career, Arthur served her country. In 1943, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve, one of its first members. After basic training, she worked as a typist at Marine headquarters in Washington, D.C. Her request to transfer to the Motor Transport School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was accepted that June. She then drove trucks and worked as a dispatcher in Cherry Point, North Carolina, from 1944 to 1945. She was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in September 1945.

Arthur's real, natural curves complemented her commanding presence on screen. She used her height and voice to comedic effect, often playing formidable, intelligent women. Her career spanned over six decades, earning her critical acclaim and a lasting place in entertainment history. She passed away on April 25, 2009, at the age of 86. Her work continues to influence comedians and actors today.