Profile of Rue McClanahan on Famous Like Me

McClanahan as Blanche on The Golden Girls

Rue McClanahan (born Eddi Rue McClanahan on February 21, 1934 in Healdton, Oklahoma) is an American actress, best known for her roles acting alongside Bea Arthur on the television sitcoms Maude and The Golden Girls.

In the former series, broadcast from 1972 to 1978, McClanahan played Maude Findlay's best friend, Vivian Harmon. In the latter series, broadcast from 1985 until 1992, McClanahan portrayed the man-crazed Southern belle, Blanche Devereaux.

She began acting on stage in New York City in 1957, but her breakout role was of maniacal nanny Caroline Johnson on Another World from July 1970 - September 1971. In the show, while taking care of twins Michael and Marianne Randolph, Caroline fell in love with their father, John, and began poisoning their mother, Pat. Due in part to McClanahan's performance, the short-term role was extended to over a year before Caroline was finally brought to justice after kidnapping the twins. McClanahan expected negative fan reaction but was generally popular, even getting one letter advising her on the best poisons to kill Pat with. Unlike a number of actors who become famous after leaving soaps, McClanahan has always praised daytime drama and the people who work in it.

A lifelong animal rights advocate, McClanahan was one of the first celebrity supporters of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. She is also a lifelong Democrat voter. In December 2003 she wrote a letter informing Democrat John Kerry that his pheasant hunting had cost him her vote.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer and survived with the help of cancer expert Dr. Larry Norton and her sixth husband, the much younger Morrow Wilson. She is also the mother of one child, a son, Mark Bish, from a previous marriage.

In May 2005, McClanahan took over the role of Madame Morrible in the hit Broadway musical Wicked, following actress Carole Shelley's departure from the show.

Selected TV Work

• Another World (cast member from 1970-1971)
• Where the Heart Is (soap opera) (cast member from 1971-1972)
• Maude (1972-1978)
• Mama's Family (cast member from 1983-1985)
• The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
• The Man in the Brown Suit (1989)
• The Golden Palace (1992-1993)
• A Saintly Switch (1999)

Selected Filmography

• They Might Be Giants (1971)
• Out to Sea (1997)
• Starship Troopers (1997)
• The Fighting Temptations (2003)

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