HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Beatrice Arthur, the Emmy-winning actress best known for her starring roles on the hit television sitcoms "Maude" and "The Golden Girls," died Saturday. She was 86.
Dan Watt, a family spokesman and Arthur's longtime personal assistant, told The Associated Press that the beloved star had been suffering from cancer.
"She was a brilliant and witty woman," said Watt, who said the actress died peacefully at her home surrounded by family. "Bea will always have a special place in my heart."
Arthur first appeared in the role of Maude Findlay on the hit television sitcom "All in the Family." Her character was the liberal cousin of Edith Bunker and eventually became the center of the spin-off "Maude." The series debuted in 1972 on CBS and aired for six seasons, with the role earning Arthur a best actress Emmy in 1977.
Arthur went on to star in her second hit sitcom when she landed the role of Dorothy Zbornak on "The Golden Girls" in 1985. The role earned Arthur her second best actress Emmy in 1998.
The New York City native began her career on stage and won a Tony Award in 1966 for the musical "Mame."
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