An honorary gay man

"After being in the business for such a long time, I've done everything but rodeo and porno."

A living legend celebrated her birthday yesterday. The lovely Bea Arthur, wicked wit and all, still looks great at the grand old age of 84, and we love her!

Born Bernice Frankel, Bea began her sparkling career in the company of such luminaries as Lotte Lenya, Shirley MacLaine, Sid Caesar and Angela Lansbury. A singer of slightly rasping showbiz numbers, and a fine actress, she is obviously most loved for her seven year stint as the ascerbic Dorothy in "Golden Girls".

I saw Bea live in the West End in her one-woman show a couple of years ago, and her performance and anecdotes were wonderful!



A camp icon, and an honorary gay man - Bea Arthur, we salute you!