By Donna Sachet—
What a career! The name Bea Arthur is certainly familiar to our readers, perhaps as television characters Maude or Dorothy Zbornak, but we doubt that you know the variety, breadth, and depth of her career, much less her personal life. We recently spoke with Dan Watt, who spent the last years of Bea’s life by her side sharing Hollywood stories, Broadway memories, and casual suppers together. From that rare glimpse into the life of this extraordinary woman, Dan has produced a documentary film that will premiere in San Francisco at The Balboa Theatre on October 12—after showings at The Orinda Theatre—and we can’t wait to join you there.
Bea’s early fascination with acting and stage performance led her to New York City’s New School, where she received training that would carry through her entire life, leading to roles in New York productions in the 1940s before there was an Off-Broadway like The Three Penny Opera, then the role of Yente in the Broadway premiere of Fiddler on the Roof, and starring opposite Angela Lansbury in Mame earning Bea a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Comedy Role in 1966. But audition opportunities were limited for Bea, offering few roles for a woman of her physical stature and deep vocal delivery. It was not until television called that Bea Arthur became a household name.
Bea was 49 years old when her friend Norman Lear invited her to guest-star in the hit television series All in the Family as the one character who faced off with Archie Bunker without trepidation. Her appearance was so impressive to CBS executives that they insisted she have her own series. And so the character and series Maude was born, bringing her to the attention of many of our readers and leading to an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1977. Surprisingly to many, she chose to end her role as Maude after six seasons, explaining that she thought the character had said what she had to say … a remarkable choice for the lead in a wildly successful television series.
In 1985, Bea was presented with the opportunity that brought her into many of our lives, a co-starring role in The Golden Girls. As Dorothy Zbornak, she became an instant favorite as the sane anchor in this crazy Miami home, tackling controversial topics, addressing outdated stereotypes, and delivering perfectly timed one-liners. The role earned Bea her second Emmy in 1988. After seven seasons, she chose to end her role and The Golden Girls wrapped in 1992, quickly going into endless reruns across the nation and in many of our own Gay bars.
After so many disparate successes over such a long career, Bea Arthur came to San Francisco in 2001 with An Evening With Bea Arthur, a one-woman tour de force. Here’s where our life intersected with hers. As part of the promotion for the show, we joined popular film expert and now fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist Jan Wahl at A Different Light Bookstore in the Castro (the location is now Fabulosa Books) for an intimate interview and brief Golden Girls Look-Alike Contest. After years of admiring Bea Arthur, I was thrilled to spend an hour or so in her lively company, relishing her stories, enjoying her candor, and sharing a bit of San Francisco with her. The place was packed and Bea beamed. After our little impromptu event, she offered us as many tickets as we wanted to the show at the Alcazar Theatre and we gladly brought nearly two rows of admirers. With just Bea and Billy Goldenberg on piano, out came memories, songs, and laughter. This is probably the closest we ever got to what Dan Watt shared with Bea Arthur for nearly seven years and now he is sharing that experience with us.
We can’t wait to see interviews with some of her friends, to hear some of the timeless Broadway and Hollywood stories, and to get a glimpse into the things that continued to interest Bea Arthur for her entire life. This woman knew and/or worked with Tallulah Bankhead, Sid Caesar, Lucille Ball, Norman Lear, Dame Edna, and Coco Peru. She was on the frontlines in the battle against stigma and ignorance about AIDS from its earliest days, often in the background and against the advice of others. She carefully selected charitable causes that resonated with her, making personal appearances and monetary contributions. When Dan asked her how she wanted to be remembered, she thoughtfully replied, “as a classically trained actress who hopefully left something behind that people enjoyed.” Mission accomplished, Bea Arthur.
So, please join us on Monday, October 12, at 7:30 pm for Bea Arthur, The Documentary with a Q&A with Producer and Director Dan Watt afterwards. We can hardly wait!
Bea Arthur, The Documentary
The Orinda Theatre
Saturday, October 10, 6:30pm
Sunday, October 11, 1:15 pm
https://www.orindamovies.com/
The Balboa Theater
Monday, October 12, 7:30 pm
https://www.balboamovies.com/
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at
empsachet@gmail.com
Arts & Entertainment
Published on September 24, 2026
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