And then Maude Died

Bea Arthur, the actress most famous for the lines "Shady Pines, Ma" and "God is going to get you for that, Walter," has died from cancer at age 86.

Arthur began her television career in the 1970's as Maude, the outspoken liberal cousin of Edith Bunker on the sitcom "All in the Family." She later reprised the role in the self-eponymous comedy following the trials of a progressive liberated woman in suburban New York.

In the 1980's she starred as one of four retired women sharing a house in Miami on the show "The Golden Girls." As the wise-cracking Dorothy, Arthur kept her crazy mother in check as well as her housemates, the nymphomaniac Blanche and the dim witted Rose.

Last year Estelle Gerry, who played her mother on the seven-season series, died. Now only two Golden Girls are left, Rue McClanahan and Betty White.

Before she died, Arthur starred in a one-woman show on Broadway, in which she discussed her life and career. The album, Just Between Friends, is available on Amazon.

Bea Arthur, golden girl, bra burner, freedom rider, is dead at age 86. She will be missed.

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