Arthur scored five Emmy nominations and one win for the role.
The rest of us always took a moment before we said anything, maybe edited it.
But she never did.
Credit: AP Images
And that was rather odd, because she was a very shy, private person."
After exitingGolden Girlsin 1992, Arthur worked sparingly.
Since 2000, she made guest-starring appearances onCurb Your EnthusiasmandFuturama.
EW.com will be catching up with more of Arthur’s friends and colleagues as the weekend goes on.
She was such a big part of my life."
She became and has remained ‘My Bosom Buddy’ ever since.
I am deeply saddened by her passing, but also relieved that she is released from the pain.
I spoke to Matt, her son, yesterday and I was aware that her time was imminent.
She was a rare and unique performer and a dear, dear friend."
The stage was dark, and she came out in the highest of heels and dressed to kill.
I never forgot that.
There was no doubt this was a television star.
Bea was the last one to take anything like that for granted.
She never saw herself that way.
But those of us working with her knew we were working with a golden comedic touch."
Bea was possibly the easiest person to write for.
You never had to give Bea any direction.
She always came in very well prepared, but she gave you so much more than what you wrote.
Just her looks would get laughs.
We were fortunate enough to get her.
That voice certainly was a signature.
She was a commanding presence.
She was a force.
I really can’t imagine anyone taking her place.
She was deeply supportive of me at the start of my career.
Her warmth wasn’t superficialit was genuine and bespoke true compassion.
Michael Slezak, with additional reporting by Dan Snierson and Adam B.
