Rue McClanahan Passes Away at 76
Another one of TV's Golden Girls is gone. Rue McClanahan has died at the age of 76.
She passed away at 1 a.m. this morning after suffering a stroke. She will be missed.
McClanahan, who played man-happy Blanche Devereaux on the still-popular '80s sitcom, suffered a minor stroke this year recovering from bypass surgery.
Today, McClanahan “had her family with her. She went in peace,” her manager said.
Golden Girls ran from 1985-1992. Last year, McClanahan's co-star, Bea Arthur died from cancer. Estelle Getty died in 2008, while the lone surviving star, Betty White, is currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence in her career at age 88.
R.I.P. Rue McClanahan (1934-2010).
Born in Healdton, Okla., Rue lived in six towns by the time she was 8. Her father was a builder who moved from one project to another. She found solace in acting.
After four years at the University of Tulsa, McClanahan moved to New York, where she worked as a part-time file clerk while trying to find jobs in the theater.
Her first job was off Broadway, in 1957, and she finally hit Broadway in 1969. TV work came after, but it wasn't until Golden Girls that she truly found fame.
She was married six times, including to actor Morrow Wilson, whom she wed in 1997 and who survives her, as does a son, Mark Bish, from her first marriage.
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August 16th, 2010 3:48 PM
why aren't my comments being posted??
August 16th, 2010 3:44 PM
I have always been a fan of Rue, and watched her in her other shows. I was so happy she landed the role in Golden Girls and got to SHINE like never before. I watch the show to this day. I will miss her, and my condolences to her family and friends and fans.
June 7th, 2010 6:26 PM
I have watched the show right up to now in mt area Its like loosing a part of my family you bring people into your home from TV beleive it or not MY blessings go out to the family I will watch as long as its on and She will live forever in my heart.
June 5th, 2010 3:13 PM
Rest in Peace - to the best Golden Girl ever! Please don't compare Sex and the City 2 with the Golden Girls! There is no comparison. They can never be replaced.
Rank: Z-Lister
June 4th, 2010 12:56 AM
Another celeb gone, goodness!
RIP Blanche, she was an amazing Golden Girl.
June 3rd, 2010 4:27 PM
Rue was truly amazing. My heart goes out to her family because they obviously are in mourning.
I guess this is the end of Blanche Devereaux, the Golden Girl who captured my heart. :-)
WE WILL MIS YOU RUE!
Rank: Z-Lister
June 3rd, 2010 3:48 PM
Blanche was always the best Golden Girl. Who doesn't love a permiscuous old lady? haha
June 3rd, 2010 3:34 PM
RIP Blanche.
PS - Someone needs to make a new 2010 Golden Girls. Oh wait, they already have that it's called Sex and the City 2.