Eddie-Rue McClanahan was an Oklahoma native and honor graduate of the University of Tulsa. Upon graduation, she headed for New York and made her professional debut in 1957. A distinguished stage actress, she won an Obie award in 1970 in the play Who's Happy Now. She made her Broadway debut in Jimmy Shine opposite Dustin Hoffman. The amazing picture above is from 1967.
Of course, she was best known for her television work, first as Bea Arthur's best friend Vivian in Maude, then as Blanche Devereaux in The Golden Girls. Her Emmy was for the latter in 1987. When asked if she was like Blanche, she said:
“Well, Blanche was an oversexed, self-involved, man-crazy, vain Southern belle from Atlanta — and I’m not from Atlanta.”
No wonder we loved her. I had the privilege of seeing her last year when the Sordid Lives tour came to Dallas. She was obviously in poor health and walked slowly to a chair in the center of the stage. Once seated, however, she told the most wonderful ribald stories in a clear, strong voice. She was a character, a trooper, and a lady.
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