Rue McClanahan: 1934-2010

Rue McClanahan has died at the age of 76 after suffering a massive stroke.  From Vivian to Blanche, the Emmy winning actress had a knack for creating iconic characters. 

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. 

Rue McClanahan Suffers Stroke

From New York Lazy Circles Bureau Chief Doug comes the sad news that Rue McClanahan has had a stroke.  You may recall that she was hospitalized in November for heart by-pass surgery.  Apparently it occurred shortly after the surgery and she has been in a nursing facility undergoing rehab.  Keep her in your thoughts and prayers. 

Rue McClanahan Hospitalized

Blanche Devereaux herself, Rue McClanahan is in the hospital with "acute cardiac illness." She has been forced to miss a tribute to herself to be held at the Castro theater in San Francisco on November 14.

“My darlings, I’m just devastated that I am going to have to miss my own tribute at the Castro Theatre,” she said in a statement on Wednesday from her hospital room. “Unfortunately, my doctor has laid down the law, and I’m currently having some maintenance on the old ticker. Trust me, I’d much rather be in San Francisco having fun and being adored by all of you.”


According to Entertainment Weekly, she had heart by-pass surgery and is expected to recover fully. I saw her in person recently when the Sordid Lives tour came to Dallas. Frankly, she didn't seem well. She came onstage slowly and sat down to tell her stories. Let's hope EW is right and she's back to her old self again soon.