Rue McClanahan
Explore the life and legacy of Rue McClanahan (1934–2010), beloved American actress best known as Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls. Learn her biography, career milestones, personality, quotes, and influence.
Introduction
Rue McClanahan was an American actress, comedienne, author, and television star whose charm, wit, and boldness won her a special place in pop culture. She is most famous for playing the sultry, funny, and spirited Blanche Devereaux on the hit sitcom The Golden Girls. Over a career spanning more than five decades, McClanahan captivated audiences in stage, television, and film, as well as in her advocacy and personal storytelling.
Early Life and Family
Rue McClanahan was born Eddi-Rue McClanahan on February 21, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Dreda Rheua-Nell (née Medaris), a beautician, and William Edwin “Bill” McClanahan, a building contractor.
Her name combined elements of her parents' names: “Eddi” from Edwin and “Rue” from Rheua. She later dropped “Eddi” as it was often mistaken for a male name.
McClanahan was raised Methodist and had Irish and Choctaw ancestry; her great-grandfather, according to her memoir, was Choctaw and named Running Hawk.
Her family moved several times during her childhood due to her father’s work. She graduated from Ardmore High School in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in 1953.
For college, McClanahan attended the University of Tulsa, where she majored in German and Theater, graduated cum laude, and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Career and Achievements
Early Career & Theater
McClanahan’s acting journey began in the late 1950s. She made her stage debut in 1957 in the play Inherit the Wind.
She appeared Off-Broadway and later in Broadway productions, with her Broadway debut in 1969 in Jimmy Shine opposite Dustin Hoffman.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she took on television guest roles and small parts, steadily building her reputation.
Breakthrough TV Roles
Her first major TV break came when Norman Lear cast her as Vivian Cavender Harmon on Maude (1972–1978) — the show that significantly raised her profile.
She later starred as Aunt Fran Crowley on Mama’s Family (1983–1984), before her career-defining role came in The Golden Girls.
From 1985 to 1992, McClanahan portrayed Blanche Devereaux, a vivacious Southern belle, on The Golden Girls. The series and her performance earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations; she won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1987.
After Golden Girls, she continued as Blanche in its spin-off The Golden Palace (1992–1993).
She also appeared in films (e.g., Out to Sea in 1997) and in Broadway musicals (she once played Madame Morrible in Wicked).
In theater in her later years, she participated in The Women (2001–2002) and other stage productions.
Her autobiography, My First Five Husbands … and the Ones Who Got Away, was published in 2007.
Her final acting credits include appearing in Sordid Lives: The Series (2008) and a Law & Order episode in 2009.
Personality, Beliefs & Advocacy
Rue McClanahan was known for her vivacious personality, candor, and courage. She often embraced bold roles, strong comedic timing, and an openness about her life.
She was an animal rights advocate and a vegetarian. She was among the earlier celebrities to support PETA.
McClanahan also supported LGBTQ rights, including same-sex marriage, and appeared in benefit events for equality.
On health, she overcame a breast cancer diagnosis in 1997 (a lumpectomy and chemotherapy) and later had heart surgery and a minor stroke before her death.
McClanahan was married six times and had one son, Mark Bish, from her first marriage. Her sixth marriage was to Morrow Wilson, to whom she was married until her death (though she and Wilson separated in 2009).
Death
On June 3, 2010, Rue McClanahan died in New York City at age 76 following a brain hemorrhage.
She had been hospitalized after cardiac surgery and suffered a minor stroke earlier in 2010.
No funeral was held; instead, memorial services were held later in New York and Los Angeles.
Memorable Quotes
Here are a few of Rue McClanahan’s more memorable lines and reflections:
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“I didn’t know anything about breast cancer when I got it.”
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“People always ask me if I’m like Blanche… and I say, ‘Well, Blanche was an oversexed, self-involved, man-crazy, vain Southern Belle from Atlanta — and I’m not from Atlanta!’”
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“I take the longest to get ready of anyone. I’ve been going in two hours before the show every performance.”
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“The first clothing line I had was called Very Rue. Then we changed the name and moved to QVC, and the name became A Touch of Rue.”
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From the Golden Girls character Blanche Devereaux (quote attributed in scripts):
“Nobody ever believes me when I’m telling the truth. I guess it’s the curse of being a devastatingly beautiful woman.”
Her quotes reflect self-awareness, humor, and the playful persona she embodied.
Legacy and Influence
Rue McClanahan’s legacy is multifaceted:
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Iconic television persona
Her role as Blanche remains one of the most beloved and memorable characters in television history, especially with The Golden Girls being widely syndicated and cherished by new generations. -
Pioneering roles for older women
The Golden Girls was groundbreaking in centering older women as leading characters. Rue’s performance helped shatter some age and gender stereotypes in television. -
Open discussion of health & aging
By speaking publicly about her cancer, surgeries, and later life, she contributed to destigmatizing health issues for women and older adults. -
Advocacy
Her work for animal rights and social justice causes is part of her enduring imprint beyond performance. -
Enduring cultural resonance
The Golden Girls remains in cultural memory; Blanche’s sensuality, wit, and confidence continue to inspire tribute, analysis, and affectionate fandom.
Rue McClanahan’s blend of humor, vulnerability, boldness, and warmth made her an enduring figure in TV history.