In shocking news that kinda makes perfect sense, The Smoking Gun found the World War II MILITARY records of gay icon and PETA supporter Bea Arthur.
Seriously? For real-real…
Known then as Bernice Frankel (pre-marriage, pre-entertainment career…), she joined the Marines in 1943, and served until 1945 when WW2 ended.
The Smoking Gun reports: As part of the enlistment process, Arthur underwent interviews that resulted in the production of “personality appraisal” sheets. One such analysis described her conversation as “Argumentative” and her attitude and manner as “Over aggressive.” In a handwritten note, the Marine interviewer remarked, “Officious–but probably a good worker–if she has her own way!”
In an interview by The Archive of American Television (below), she denies rumors of her military service, with a sly, dismissive smile.
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Les Sterling is an artist living in Seattle and a freelance contributor to Seattle Gay Scene.
ohmigod! That's hilarious…and interesting.
Bea was Bea even when she was 20.