Bea Arthur's breakthrough roles in theater and television showcased her immense talent and versatility as an actress. In 1954, she gained critical acclaim for her performance in the Off-Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera1. A decade later, she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Vera Charles in Mame (1966), opposite Angela Lansbury12. Arthur's comedic timing and powerful stage presence made her a standout in the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof (1964), where she played the memorable role of Yente the Matchmaker14.

Arthur's television breakthrough came with her appearance as Maude Findlay, Edith Bunker's outspoken cousin, on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family in 197113. The character was so popular that it led to the creation of the spin-off series Maude (1972-1978), which tackled controversial topics such as women's rights and abortion125. Arthur's portrayal of the liberal, feminist Maude Findlay earned her an Emmy Award and cemented her status as a television icon12. Her ability to balance humor with serious subject matter made Maude a groundbreaking series that paved the way for future shows to address important social issues35.

Bea Arthur's portrayal of Dorothy Zbornak in the hit sitcom The Golden Girls (1985-1992) is one of her most iconic television roles. The show, which followed the lives of four older women sharing a house in Miami, was groundbreaking for its time, as it featured a cast of mature actresses and tackled issues such as ageism, sexuality, and feminism12.

As the sarcastic and quick-witted Dorothy, Arthur delivered many memorable lines and moments throughout the series. Her character, a divorced substitute teacher, often engaged in humorous banter with her mother, Sophia (played by Estelle Getty), and roommates Rose (Betty White) and Blanche (Rue McClanahan)13.

The Golden Girls was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous accolades, including several Emmy Awards. In 1988, Bea Arthur won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her performance in the episode "My Brother, My Father"14. In this episode, Dorothy and her ex-husband Stan pretend to still be married when her Uncle Angelo visits, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings1.

The show's success and Arthur's portrayal of Dorothy Zbornak helped to challenge stereotypes about older women and paved the way for more diverse representation on television25. The Golden Girls remains a beloved classic, with Arthur's performance as Dorothy standing out as one of the most iconic roles of her career35.

Maude, which aired from 1972 to 1978, was a groundbreaking sitcom that significantly impacted television by addressing controversial social issues head-on. The show, created by Norman Lear, featured an outspoken, liberal feminist protagonist, Maude Findlay, played by Bea Arthur. One of the most notable and contentious storylines was "Maude's Dilemma," a two-part episode in which Maude decides to have an abortion at the age of 47. This storyline aired just months before the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade and sparked significant backlash, including protests and refusals by some affiliates to broadcast the episodes125. Despite the controversy, the episodes drew high ratings and brought the topic of abortion into mainstream conversation, highlighting the show's role in pushing the boundaries of what could be discussed on television23. Maude paved the way for future shows to tackle complex social issues, making it a landmark in television history14.