When thinking about legendary TV actresses, Bea Arthur’s name often stands out. Her wealth, built through iconic TV roles like Maude and The Golden Girls, and her work on Broadway, makes her a prominent figure. But how did she achieve such financial success?
In this article, we’ll explore Bea Arthur net worth and how her top roles, awards, and financial ventures contributed to her wealth.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Bernice Frankel |
| Popular Name | Bea Arthur |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | May 13, 1922 |
| Age at Death | 86 (April 25, 2009) |
| Parents | Philip Frankel, Rebecca Pressner |
| Siblings | Gertrude, Marian |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Education | Linden Hall, Blackstone College, New School for Drama |
| Marital Status | Divorced (twice) |
| Spouse | Gene Saks (m. 1950–1978), Robert Alan Aurthur (m. 1944–1950) |
| Children | Matthew, Daniel (adopted) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $25 million (at death) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Broadway, Real Estate |
| Height | 1.77 m |
What is Net Worth of Bea Arthur in 2024?
As of 2024, Bea Arthur’s net worth remains steady at an estimated $25 million, reflecting her financial success, especially from The Golden Girls and Maude. This wealth was boosted by her real estate investments, including her Brentwood mansion, and Broadway performances.
Her earnings are comparable to some of her contemporaries, and while she’s no longer alive, her influence continues.
Related People:
- Betty White
- Rue McClanahan
- Estelle Getty
- Gene Saks
- Robert Alan Aurthur
- Angela Lansbury
- Norman Lear
- Mary Tyler Moore
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- Carol Burnett
For those curious to learn about how actresses build significant fortunes, check out more details on the wealthiest female actors here.
Bea Arthur Salary and Finance Overview
How Did She Earn Her Wealth Through Her Acting Career?
Bea Arthur’s financial success can be traced back to her time on Broadway and her breakthrough television roles. Her performance in Mame on Broadway earned her critical acclaim, as well as a Tony Award.
Following this, her roles in All in the Family and Maude made her a household name, propelling her to financial stability.
The iconic role of Dorothy Zbornak in The Golden Girls cemented her position as a television legend, running for 177 episodes.
Arthur’s participation in these long-running shows not only secured her wealth through salary but also through residuals and syndication deals, particularly from The Golden Girls, which remains a popular show in syndication.
Her Highest-Paying Roles on Television
Undoubtedly, her roles as Maude Findlay and Dorothy Zbornak were her highest-earning television performances. These roles earned her a Primetime Emmy Award each and became central to her financial success.
The consistent popularity of The Golden Girls in syndication further enhanced her earnings, making it one of her top-paying roles.
Maude, another groundbreaking show, helped her negotiate better contracts in her later career, including those in guest appearances on shows like Malcolm in the Middle and Futurama.
Awards and Achievements Contribute to Her Financial Success
Her Tony Award for Mame and two Emmy Awards for Maude and The Golden Girls are just the highlights. These prestigious awards helped solidify her demand in Hollywood, allowing her to command higher salaries for her performances.
Other awards and nominations include nine total Emmy nominations, making her the third most nominated actress in that category.
- Tony Award (1966): Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Mame
- Emmy Award (1977): Outstanding Lead Actress for Maude
- Emmy Award (1988): Outstanding Lead Actress for The Golden Girls
- Television Hall of Fame Induction (2008)
- Golden Globe Nominations: Eight nominations for her TV work
Real Estate Investments Increase Her Wealth
In addition to her acting career, Bea Arthur’s investments in real estate played a significant role in her overall wealth. Her Brentwood mansion in Los Angeles, a sprawling 7,000-square-foot property on 3.7 acres, underwent renovations before being sold posthumously for $15 million.
This sale contributed greatly to her financial legacy and was a significant asset in her portfolio.
Other Income Sources Contributed to Her Net Worth
Besides her television and theater work, Bea Arthur was selective about her public appearances and endorsements. One of her few endorsements was a lucrative deal with Shoppers Drug Mart, though she insisted it only air in Canada.
In her later years, Arthur toured with her one-woman show Bea Arthur on Broadway: Just Between Friends. This tour contributed to her wealth through ticket sales and public appearances.
Furthermore, her guest appearances on hit shows like Futurama and Malcolm in the Middle helped sustain her income.
How Did She Contribute to Charity and Her Legacy?
Bea Arthur was not only a wealthy actress but also a philanthropist. She donated $300,000 to the Ali Forney Center, a shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, in one of her final acts of generosity.
This donation went towards the construction of the Bea Arthur Residence in New York, continuing her legacy in a meaningful way.
FAQs about Bea Arthur
What Awards Did She Win Throughout Her Career?
She won two Emmy Awards and one Tony Award. She was also nominated for numerous other awards, including eight Golden Globe nominations.
Who Was Bea Arthur Married To?
She was married twice. First to Robert Alan Aurthur from 1947 to 1950, and then to Gene Saks from 1950 to 1978.
Did She Have Children?
Yes, she adopted two sons, Matthew and Daniel, with her second husband Gene Saks.
What Were Her Most Famous TV Roles?
Her most notable roles were Maude Findlay in Maude and Dorothy Zbornak in The Golden Girls.
Conclusion
Bea Arthur’s financial success was driven by her talent, smart career choices, and real estate investments. For more insights into the financial lives of other stars, explore content on Andomoney.com. Thank you for reading.
