London, Apr 26 : Beatrice Arthur, the Tony and Emmy-winning actress best known for her role as Dorothy Zbornak in "The Golden Girls," has died. She was 86.

The actress had been suffering from cancer and died at her Los Angeles home.

Arthur first appeared in the comedy series "All in the Family" as Edith Bunker''s loudly outspoken, liberal cousin, Maude Finley.

"Maude" scored with television viewers, and Arthur won an Emmy Award for the role in 1977.