Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan
McClanahan in a publicity portrait for The Joe Franklin Show, c. 1972
Born
Eddi-Rue McClanahan

(1934-02-21)February 21, 1934
DiedJune 3, 2010(2010-06-03) (aged 76)
New York City, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Tulsa (BA)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • comedienne
  • author
  • fashion designer
Years active1957–2009
TelevisionMaude
Mama's Family
The Golden Girls
The Golden Palace
Spouses
Tom Bish
(m. 1958; div. 1959)
Norman Hartweg
(m. 1959; div. 1961)
Peter DeMaio
(m. 1964; div. 1971)
Gus Fisher
(m. 1976; div. 1981)
Tom Keel
(m. 1985; div. 1986)
Morrow Wilson
(m. 1997; sep. 2009)
Children1
RelativesAmelia Kinkade (niece)

Eddi-Rue McClanahan (February 21, 1934 – June 3, 2010) was an American actress, primarily known for her work in television sitcoms. She portrayed Vivian Harmon on Maude (1972–1978), Aunt Fran Crowley on Mama's Family (1983–1984), and Blanche Devereaux on both The Golden Girls (1985–1992) and its spin-off The Golden Palace (1992–1993).

For her performance as Blanche Devereaux, McClanahan received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, winning the award in 1987. She was also nominated for three Golden Globe Awards for the same role.

In 2005, McClanahan appeared on Broadway as Madame Morrible in the musical Wicked.