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New York City is a place that attracts people from all over the world. As a result, we’ve seen quite a few famous faces come out of the city or settle down to make their homes there. Here’s a spotlight on just one of those celebrity personalities.

Beatrice “Bea: Arthur (1922-2009) - If you don’t know the name of Bea Arthur, then you have lived a sheltered life indeed. With more than 70 years of time in the limelight, she had a career that would make any Hollywood performer jealous. Acting, comedy, singing - Arthur did a little of everything. Most may remember her primarily for her seven year stint on The Golden Girls, but Arthur’s legacy is much greater than that.

In addition to coming from humble origins, Arthur started theater at an early age. She also served some time in the US Marine Corps during World War II, if you can believe it. Arthur would reach the age of 50 before finally making the transition to television and movies. She started on the hit sitcom All in the Family and made such an impression that she had her own spin-off, Maude. The character she played on that show would become a recognizable symbol of the women’s liberation movement as well as a dramatic vehicle to address many serious and often undiscussed subjects of society.

Toward the end of her career, Arthur returned to the stage and performed on Broadway for a time. In 2008, however, cancer would finally win out. Though she is no longer with us, all the changes she helped inspire are still here.

Photo courtesy of CBS TV Network via Wikicommons