Golden Girls star Arthur dies at 86

She died peacefully at her Los Angeles home on Saturday with her family at her side,.

Dan Watt, who was her personal assistant for six years said: ‘She was a brilliant and witty woman. Bea will always have a special place in my heart.’

Arthur was a stage actress who got her TV break in the Seventies sitcom All In The Family – based on Till Death Do Us Part – as Edith Bunker's liberal, feminist cousin, Maude Finley. She was such a success in the small role that she was given her own series as Maude, which ran for six years.

After that she starred in the short-lived 1983 sitcom Amanda's – an unsuccessful American version of Fawlty Towers – in which she took the almost recognisable role Basil Fawlty role. Two years later Arthur was cast in The Golden Girls, playing divorcee Dorothy Zbornak, until the show ended in 1992.

In recent years, Arthur made guest appearances on shows including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Malcolm in the Middle.

Here is a trailer for the Fawlty Towers remake Amanda's (as well as another sitcom called Condo):

Published: 26 Apr 2009