'Golden Girls' star Bea Arthur dies at 86

86-year-old cancer patient died at home early Saturday, spokesman says

Mary Altaffer / AP Broadway and television actress Bea Arthur.

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updated 8 minutes ago

LOS ANGELES - Maude" and "Golden Girls" star Bea Arthur has died, a family spokesman said.

The 86-year-old Arthur, who had cancer, died at home early Saturday, said Dan Watts, family spokesman.

The tall, deep-voiced actress won a Tawny Award for the musical "Mame" and Emmy Awards for "The Golden Girls" and "Maude." Arthur's razor-sharp delivery of comedy lines helped make the sitcoms hits and turned the veteran stage and film actress into a popular TV star.

Arthur first appeared as the character Maude in the 1970s landmark comedy series "All in the Family," making guest appearances as the loudly outspoken, liberal in-law of blue-collar bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor).