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Bea Arthur didn't pay any mind to typecasting
Arthur was known for playing strong-willed women.
Though she was a versatile actor, Bea Arthur gravitated toward strong characters. Known for her acerbic wit and sarcastic sense of humor, Arthur became known in the entertainment industry for playing characters like Maude of All in the Family and Dorothy Zbornak of The Golden Girls.
However, one couldn’t help but wonder whether Arthur felt stifled by the roles she had been playing for years. During an interview with the Associated Press, Arthur revealed that she took no issue with being typecast. “I’m 5-feet-9, I have a deep voice, and I have a way with a line,” said Arthur. “What can I do about it? I can’t stay home waiting for something totally different. I think it’s a total waste of energy to worry about typecasting.”
To Arthur, what really mattered was that the show she was starring in held merit. She complimented The Golden Girls for its high quality. “Whether or not we make it, if the scripts continue as they have been, I won’t have to hide my head and pretend it’s not on that night,” said the actor. “It’s like being back with Norman [Lear].”
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*available in most MeTV marketsIn fact, Arthur seemed to see the significance in being recognized as one iconic character. “I remember Carroll O’Connor being worried about being too closely associated with Archie Bunker,” said Arthur. “It’s silly. He was brilliant as Archie Bunker.”
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