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Goodbye, Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak

Golden Girls star Beatrice Arthur died Saturday of cancer, the Associated Press reports. She was 86.

Known to older generations as "Maude," she was best know to '80s fans as "Dorothy Zbornak," a retiree living in Miami Beach with Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty. Golden Girls ran from 1985 to 1992 before Arthur left the series, reportedly saying she didn't like working as part of an ensemble cast.

In 1983, Arthur starred in another TV series, Amanda's, an U.S. version of Britain's Fawlty Towers. But the series was canceled after only nine episodes. She also had a hilarious role in Mel Brooks' History of the World Part 1 (1981), playing the unemployment office clerk. ("Oh, a bulls--t artist!")

TOP 5 DOROTHY ZBORNAK LINES FROM GOLDEN GIRLS:

5. "You'll have to excuse my mother. She suffered a slight stroke a few years ago which rendered her totally annoying."

4. "You're a furry little gnome and we feed you too much."

3. "Now look here... You withered old Sicilian monkey!"

2. "Of course you hate communism, it's because you were raised a fascist."

1. "How come whenever my ship comes in it's leaking?"

Comments

g smirthwaite May 07, 2009

goodbye to a world class actress who touch many people with comedy goodnight bea x x

Brian Apr 30, 2009

In loving memory of a true and original "Golden Girl". God bless you my dear friend, you will be missed dearly Bea. In our hearts and in our homes always. A special place awaits you in Heaven with Estelle...................Forever Golden

MsG Apr 28, 2009

Goodbye, Miss Bea...only till we see you again with the Master. You were such a great actress and classy lady and I STILL watch you everyday on the Hallmark channel with the other 'girls'. You will be missed by one and all. I still remember you as Maude, too. I was a kid when you did that show. May you shine in Heaven as you did on the stage and tv...

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