When you think of Bea Arthur, the first thing that comes to mind is probably her iconic role as Dorothy Zbornak in The Golden Girls. But long before she became a TV legend, Bea had another incredible chapter in her life—serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Believe it or not, this tough-as-nails actress didn’t start out in Hollywood. She actually began her career in a completely different field before realizing her true calling. Let me tell you, this woman had guts, determination, and a story that’ll leave you inspired.

How Bea Arthur Became a Marine

Let’s rewind to 1922. That’s when Bernice Frankel—yes, that was her birth name—was born in New York City. Fast forward to February 13, 1943, when the U.S. government made a bold announcement: they were calling on women to join the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Bea answered that call just five days later. Can you imagine? Here she was, a young woman in her early 20s, deciding to step up and serve her country during one of its most challenging times.

In her own words, Bea wrote, “I was supposed to start work yesterday but heard last week that enlistments for women in the Marines were open, so decided the only thing to do was to join.” Talk about taking action! Bea wasn’t just throwing her hat in the ring; she was ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work. And that’s exactly what she did.

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After completing her training at the Women Reservists School at Hunter College in Manhattan, Bea served as both a driver and dispatcher at the U.S. Marine Corps air station in Cherry Point, North Carolina. By the time she was discharged in the fall of 1945, Bea had earned the rank of staff sergeant. Pretty impressive, right?

From Hospital Technician to Drama School

After hanging up her uniform, Bea didn’t jump straight into acting. Instead, she briefly pursued a career as a medical technician, working at a local hospital. But something inside her told her there was more out there. In the late 1940s, Bea decided to take a big leap and enroll in drama school. This decision changed everything.

At drama school, Bea found herself surrounded by a group of incredibly talented individuals, including future stars like Tony Curtis, Rod Steiger, Walter Matthau, and Harry Belafonte. Reflecting on this experience later in life, Bea said, “It was a hell of a group. Everyone has done quite well.” Talk about being part of an all-star lineup!

The cast of 'Golden Girls' — Moviestore/Shutterstock

A Career Takes Off

Bea’s passion for theater truly took off when she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in the 1966 production of Mame. But her journey didn’t stop there. In 1971, Bea joined the cast of All in the Family, playing the unforgettable character Maude Findlay. Her performance was so memorable that it led to her starring in her own sitcom, Maude, the following year.

Then came 1985, and with it, the opportunity to join the cast of The Golden Girls. As Dorothy Zbornak, Bea delivered some of the sharpest, funniest, and most heartfelt moments in television history. Her portrayal earned her an Emmy Award in 1988. Even after The Golden Girls wrapped, Bea continued to make appearances on shows like Dave’s World, Malcolm in the Middle, Enemies of Laughter, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Despite passing away on April 25, 2009, at the age of 86 from lung cancer, Bea’s legacy lives on. Her impact on theater, television, and film is undeniable. As she once said, “Someone once accused me of trying to turn a sitcom into an art form. I really believe that’s what I was trying to do.” And she succeeded in spades.