GIRLS WHO GET IT-BEA ARTHUR

Most of us know her as 'Dorothy' from "Golden Girls" - a show that is much, much funnier now that I'm an adult. More then anything, it was Bea's wit and comedic timing that I grew to appreciate. Paving the way for the women's movement with comedy, Bea Arthur made being a strong, outspoken, funny woman easier for other generations.

In the 70's there was a program, All in the Family, about a blue-collar "All American" guy and his family. To say the main character Archie Bunker was racist and sexist is being mild, but wounds were still healing from the civil rights movement and some would say he spoke for a generation who were getting accustomed to a "new world".

Bea Arthur got her start in television on that show. She played the cousin of Archie's wife Edith and was the only woman to ever put him in his place. Rare to see on TV in the 70's.

She was tall, strong, liberal, educated, had manners and her wit was unmatched. That was the first and only episode she did on All in the Family, but Bea struck a nerve with audiences, and she was given her own show - Maude.

'Maude' was a woman who represented strong women and the sitcom covered women's issues- juggling a career and single motherhood, and abortion -which was SO controversial at the time - Even the show's theme song was centered around history's independent ladies.

Lady Godiva was a freedom rider she didn't care if the whole world looked.

Joan of Arc with the Lord to guide her she was a sister who really cooked.

Isadora was the first bra burner and you’re glad she showed up. (Oh yeah)

And when the country was falling apart Betsy Ross got it all sewed up.

And then there’s Maude. (6X)

And then there’s that old compromisin’, enterprisin’, anything but tranquilizin',

Right on Maude!

She gave us years of laughter and added humor to women's rights issues,

Bea Arthur is a Girl Who Gets It.

A hilarious clip of Bea at a roast for Pamela Anderson. She reads from a book Pam wrote....again...hilarious.