Beatrice Arthur - Archive Interview Part 2 of 5

See the full interview at http://emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/beatrice-arthur

Actress Beatrice Arthur talks about the origins of her stage name and how she started out in plays, off and on Broadway. She then talked about her first movie roles and her appearances on The George Gobel Show and Caesar's Hour. She described her other early appearances on television in The Seven Lively Arts, Omnibus, Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall and Star Trek and her role in the play and feature film Mame (with Angela Lansbury and Lucille Ball, respectively). She talked about her appearances on All in the Family as the liberal cousin Maude. She described her role as Maude, her relationships with Jean Stapleton, Carroll O'Connor and Norman Lear. She then discussed the controversial issues and topics that the series Maude tackled, (such as alcoholism, abortion, death, infidelity and feminism). Arthur also talked extensively about working with Norman Lear on All in the Family and Maude, watching the show 20 years after it first aired and why she eventually left the show. She then briefly talks about her series Amanda's. Arthur then speaks affectionately about The Golden Girls.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• archive
• american
• television
• interview
• emmy
• tv
• legends
• history

[yardleyaloe]

No. There's nothing wrong with Bea. She is just old. Kindly accept that.

[jkoch49]

growing up as a gay boy in the 70's, Bea's character, Maude, was one of my role models. When I was being picked on, I assumed Maude's demeanor and overcame much adversity. It helped my self-esteem. I am eternally grateful for having Bea Arthur as one of my life heroes. She will be missed.

[showtimepoppy]

Thanks for uploading this!

I do think that many theatre people weren't being objective about the Mame cast. So many people were so upset that Angela Lansberry didn't play Mame, that I think there was a huge campaign to bash Lucille Ball. As a regular person watching the movie, I loved it! I'm happy Lucille played Mame. I'm not saying Lucille would be better in the role than Angela, but it was still a gem and I'm sorry some people couldn't bring themselves to enjoy it.

[dextersmith2000]

WOW this interview series is a jewel!

[tweetingrobin1969]

@tall32guy im glad youre with me on this one!!!!.

[tweetingrobin1969]

@dweebcentric she might not remember cause shes aged , ill like to see when you hit her age and see if you can keep it up ....shes a great lady!!!

[SassySuzi]

I agree with Bea re the Mame movie. Lucy was not right for the part and the Time magazine review agreed - "Miss Ball has been molded over the years into some sort of national monument, and she performs like one too. Her grace, her timing, her vigor have all vanished." and "Beatrice Arthur, the rage right now as television's Maude, brings the movie to life whenever she appears. She tucks Mame under her arm and walks away with it, although not far enough. "

[trschaefer]

She was a fascinating woman. I love hearing about her life and career. Thanks for posting this.

[paddyjoejr1]

You Are Nuts, She Was Still Gergous! & Very Sexy Too!

[tall32guy]

She was an old woman! What do you expect? LOL And I happen to think she looked great in this one, but to each their own.

[mexluver05]

She made the film Mame, Its a shame she felt like that. Forget Lucy I love Lucy, I do but Bea made the Movie.

[mrbronte100]

Bea Arthur was never in Star Trek--she was in a Star Wars special in the 70s.