Thank You for Being a Friend.

Could this be like, the worst day ever? Sadly, Bea Arthur passed away. The woman was 86 and a national treasure.

You know, she was 86 so it's not exactly tragic, but still - she was one of those people you just kind of felt better knowing was around. And not because at 5'10" with the voice of a gangster she could probably scare off potential attackers - it's because no one could deliver a zinger with withering acidity and impeccable comedic timing quite like Bea. From "Maude" to "The Golden Girls", Bea kept us in stitches and herself in a neverending array of sack-like schmattes.

Farewell, Bea - the world is better for having had you in it. You know she's pointing in the direction she's headed in this pic.

P.S. I just read that in 1996, Bea was on "Judge [freakin'] Judy", called as a witness to a defendant who was somehow affiliated with PETA. I NEED TO SEE THIS. If you can track down a video clip, please post it below!