Rue McClanahan, 1934-2010
Rue McClanahan, who played sexed-up Blanche Devereaux--a randy Southern belle who was as quick with the bons mots as she was with the double entendres--on The Golden Girls from the mid-'80s to the early '90s, died Thursday at age 76 of a stroke. McClanahan died within two years of her Golden Girls costars Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty, leaving Betty White as the only surviving Golden Girl.
McClanahan was born February 21, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma, as Eddi Rue McClanahan. Though most fans knew her from her outstanding work on Girls, McClanahan actually had an impressive TV acting career spanning five decades. She made memorable appearances on All in the Family and Maude in the '70s, and had a regular role on Mama's Family in the early '80s. McClanahan also starred in several made-for-TV films, as well as big-screen features including Out to Sea with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.
"Rue was a close and dear friend. I treasure our relationship," White, 88, said in a statement. "It hurts more than I ever thought it would, if that's even possible." Golden Girls fans everywhere agree. --A.T. Hurley
cartoon face on June 03, 2010 at 06:58 PM
She is greater
sensations on October 20, 2010 at 12:49 AM
McClanahan was born February 21, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma, as Eddi Rue McClanahan. Though most fans knew her from her outstanding work on Girls,