Home Article Rue McClanahan: Unveiling the Woman Behind Blanche Devereaux - Her Successes, Spouses, and Tragic Demise

Rue McClanahan: Unveiling the Woman Behind Blanche Devereaux - Her Successes, Spouses, and Tragic Demise

Updated On 29 May, 2023 Published On 29 May, 2023
Rue McClanahan: Unveiling the Woman Behind Blanche Devereaux - Her Successes, Spouses, and Tragic Demise

Rue McClanahan, the fabulous American actress, and comedian, will forever be remembered for her iconic roles on television sitcoms. She brought unforgettable characters to life and left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. Let's find out about her relationships, married life, and tragic death in this article!

Listen up, gossip lovers! Rue McClanahan born on February 21, 1934, the sassy and talented American actress, stole our hearts with her unforgettable roles on iconic sitcoms. From Vivian Harmon on Maude to Aunt Fran Crowley on Mama's Family, she slayed the small screen with her comedic brilliance.

But it was her role as the vivacious Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls that truly put her in the spotlight. And guess what? Rue even snagged an Emmy Award in 1987 for her outstanding performance on the show. She's a true comedy queen, folks, and her legacy in the sitcom world will forever shine bright!

Rue McClanahan's Tremendous Success In Hollywood

Get ready for the juiciest Hollywood gossip, darlings! the 5 feet 3 inches tall actress McClanahan, was a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry at a very young age. She captivated audiences with her unforgettable roles on beloved television sitcoms, leaving an indelible mark on the small screen.

Rue McClanahan was a successful actress in Hollywood.  

It all started on Broadway, where Rue dazzled audiences in the musical "Jimmy Shine" in the late 1960s. From there, she made her way to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, joining the cast of the daytime TV show "Another World" for a brief but memorable stint. But it was her breakthrough role in the groundbreaking comedy "Maude" in the early 1970s that truly set the stage for her success.

Moreover, the late star's true claim to fame came when she stepped into the shoes of the iconic Blanche Devereaux on the hit sitcom "The Golden Girls " whose writer was none other than Marc Cherry. As the vivacious and man-hungry Blanche, she fearlessly shattered stereotypes, portraying older women as still vibrant and sexually active. It was a role that earned her an Emmy Award in 1987 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, solidifying her status as a comedic powerhouse.

But the accolades didn't stop there, my dear gossip enthusiasts! McClanahan received three more Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations for her incredible portrayal of Blanche. She was a true darling of the small screen, captivating viewers with her wit, charm, and undeniable talent.

Beyond the leading name's television success, Rue's illustrious career spanned over six decades and encompassed more than a hundred films, TV, and stage roles. She even graced the pages of literature with her memoir, aptly titled "My First Five Husbands... And the Ones Who Got Away." A woman of many talents, indeed!

In 2005, the gorgeous lady made a triumphant return to Broadway, stealing the show as Madame Morrible in the sensational musical "Wicked." Her versatility as an actress knew no bounds, and she continued to captivate audiences with her guest appearances on popular shows like "The Love Boat", "Starship Troopers alongside Dina Meyer", and "Law and Order."

Similarly, McClanahan's impact on Hollywood and the hearts of fans worldwide cannot be overstated. She was a trailblazer, breaking barriers and leaving a lasting legacy. Her talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication to her craft serve as an inspiration to all aspiring actors. Rue McClanahan, you will forever be remembered as a true Hollywood legend.

Rue McClanahan Was Married Six Times!

Gather 'round, folks, as we delve into the whirlwind love life of the one and only  Starship Troopers actress  Rue, the dazzling star of The Golden Girls. Brace yourselves for a tale of six marriages, each one leaving its mark on the media personality's journey through matrimony and motherhood.

Rue McClanahan was married to six men in her life. 

Let's start at the beginning, shall we? The lady's first venture into wedded bliss was with her former beau Tom Bish, with whom she got married in 1958 but a union that lasted a mere seventeen months and ended in 1959. During this time, they welcomed a son named Mark Bish into the world. Mark became McClanahan's pride and joy, remaining a constant presence in her life.

Moving on to marriage number two, we meet Norman Hartweg, a college friend who captured Rue's heart. They walked down the aisle in 1959 but got separated in 1961. Alas, their time together was fleeting, and they didn't have any children to share in their brief marital bliss.

Next up on the romantic carousel is Peter DeMaio, an actor the beautiful lady met while treading the boards in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and lived a married life from 1964 to 1971. Though their love didn't bear any offspring, tensions arose between Peter and Mark from Rue's previous marriage, making for a complicated family dynamic.

Similarly, enter Gus Fisher, affectionately known as "the Greek," in marriage number four with whom she got hitched in 1976 and separated in 1979. Sadly, this chapter in Rue's life was childless and all too brief, dissolving after a mere year.

In 1984 the big name reunited and married her high school sweetheart, Tom Keel. Despite the sweet nostalgia, their union ultimately crumbled, and no children entered the picture. The divorce proceedings were surely filled with drama and intrigue.

Finally, we arrive at the TV personage's sixth and final marriage, where her last spouse Morrow Wilson stole her heart and they exchanged vows in 1997. Although no little ones graced their union, Rue and Morrow stood by each other's side until her passing in 2010, proving that love can endure even without children in the mix.

In addition, McClanahan's love life was undoubtedly a rollercoaster ride, marked by six marriages and varying degrees of parental bliss. While her last five unions may not have brought forth children, her son Mark remained a steadfast source of love and support throughout her remarkable life.

Cause of Rue McClanahan's Death

The beloved actress and comedian, McClanahan, who stole our hearts with her incredible performances on hit TV shows like Maude, Mama's Family, and The Golden Girls, bid us farewell on that fateful day, June 3, 2010. She was a mere seventy-six years old when tragedy struck.

It was reported that The Golden Palace star's untimely demise was caused by a vicious stroke, caused by a ruptured aneurysm in her brain. Can you believe it? Such a shocking and sudden turn of events for this vibrant and talented lady.

Rue McClanahan died at the age of seventy-six.  

Now, let's talk about the battles she fought throughout her life. Rue had faced a series of health issues leading up to her unfortunate passing. In 2009, she suffered a heart attack that sent shockwaves through her fans' hearts.

And if that wasn't enough, just months before her departure, she had the misfortune of breaking her hip. Talk about a string of misfortunes plaguing this remarkable woman.

However, the big name's strength was evident in her ability to overcome adversity. She had battled breast cancer back in 1997 but miraculously went into remission by 2000. A true fighter till the end, she never let these challenges define her. To add more, the talented woman had a staggering net worth of $5 million at the time of her demise.

Likewise, McClanahan is buried at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Her grave is marked with a headstone that reads "Rue McClanahan, 1934-2010, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Friend".

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