The Queen of Swords – sharp as a tack, quick with a line, fluent in the language of forked tongue. She is the Queen you don’t cross, you don’t even think about crossing her, she is tough as nails with a silky soft side reserved only for those closet to her. The friends who have earned the right to be part of her inner circle (think Rose Nyland & Blanche Deveroux) will never have to wonder if she’s in their corner or not.

I am an ardent fan of the Golden Girls.
I adored Bea’s turn as Femputer in Futurama.
About 15 years ago I saw her at the Metropolitan Opera House. Bold as ever and larger than life she diverted from the script and started to ad lib; culminating in the orchestra’s drummer granting what I completely believe to be the highest honor possibility – a rim shot at the Met.

She stole the show to be sure. I can’t even recall what Opera it was. I think it may have been the Daughter of the Regiment.

Rest in Peace Bea.