Beatrice Arthur quotes

Beatrice Arthur was an American actress, singer, and comedian, widely recognized for her sharp wit and memorable television roles. Best known for her starring roles in the sitcoms "Maude" and "The Golden Girls," she earned critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. She remains a trailblazer for women in comedy and television. Here are 21 of her quotes:

I... was not too happy to suddenly take on this public role thrust upon me. They just assumed I was the Joan of Arc of the women's movement. And I wasn't at all. It put a lot of unnecessary pressure on me.

Beatrice Arthur

I can't imagine working without and audience.

Beatrice Arthur

Making lasting gifts for animals in our estate plans is perhaps the single most important thing we can do to ensure animals have the strongest possible voice for their protection.

Beatrice Arthur

I suddenly realized that comedy, for me, was just being honest, and playing it for real. I've seen so many wonderful actors who turn into creatures from another planet when they're told they are supposed to be playing comedy. I... was not too happy to suddenly take on this public role thrust upon me. They just assumed I was the Joan of Arc of the women's movement. And I wasn't at all. It put a lot of unnecessary pressure on me. I'd never even been to Wrigley Field. I never even enjoyed baseball that much, but I loved being there, the crowd was lovely, and they all sang with me!

Beatrice Arthur

I watch news programs and I love Comedy Central. I love The Daily Show-it's smarter than anything else. I also like The Critic and Celebrity Death Match and South Park. I love all of that.

Beatrice Arthur

I'm not playing a role. I'm being myself, whatever the hell that is.

Beatrice Arthur

Keep fighting for animals by making compassionate, cruelty-free choices every day and encouraging those around you to do the same.

Beatrice Arthur

You know, the way I'm accepted, I almost feel like Judy Garland, truly. It makes no sense to me because I don't think that I've been any more outspoken... Or maybe I have, I don't know. But everyone I know supports anything that has to do with raising money or with AIDS.

Beatrice Arthur

I believe that you're here on Earth for a short time, and while you're here, you shouldn't forget it.

Beatrice Arthur

There were subjects we tackled that had never been even discussed, like I had an abortion. Nobody ever talked about that.

Beatrice Arthur

I've been a Democrat my whole life. That's what makes Maude and Dorothy so believable, we have the same viewpoints on how our country should be handled.

Beatrice Arthur

In sitcoms, the women are so beautiful, understanding and well-bred. They have humor, but sort of display it with a twinkle of the eye and not a guffaw. But there's no juice in that for me.

Beatrice Arthur

I'd never even been to Wrigley Field. I never even enjoyed baseball that much, but I loved being there, the crowd was lovely, and they all sang with me!

Beatrice Arthur

I really cut my teeth on off-off-off Broadway shows.

Beatrice Arthur

I feel I'm an actress who sings a bit.

Beatrice Arthur

You know, I spend most of my life turning things down. There's a lot of crap out there.

Beatrice Arthur

I suddenly realized that comedy, for me, was just being honest, and playing it for real. I've seen so many wonderful actors who turn into creatures from another planet when they're told they are supposed to be playing comedy.

Beatrice Arthur

But that's one of the nice things about doing a stage show, if something doesn't work out, you have the luxury of working on it over time.

Beatrice Arthur