Rue McClanahan
A veteran television actress and Broadway star of the 50s, Rue McClanahan was an actress noticed by television executive, Norman Lear. Lear cast her in a number of television shows, including "All in the Family" (1971) with 'Carroll OConnor' and "Maude" (1972) with Bea Arthur. McClanahan next co-starred with Vicki Lawrence, Ken Berry, Betty White and Carol Burnett in "Mama's Family" (1983) for three years, and after it was canceled by NBC, McClanahan was probably best known for her role as the saucy, sharp southern belle, Blanche, in "The Golden Girls" (1985). She once again worked with Bea Arthur and Betty White, and with relative newcomer Estelle Getty. All four of the women won Emmy Awards for their roles. After Bea Arthur left the show after eight seasons, McClanahan, White and Getty returned for a brief spin-off in "The Golden Palace" (1992). In the mid-nineties, McClanahan was diagnosed with cancer, but was able to fight it successfully. In addition to lending her talents to a number of made for TV films, McClanahan has also appeared on the big screen in recent years co-starring with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in the comedy Out to Sea (1997) and with Casper Van Dien in Starship Troopers (1997). McClanahan also spends her time joining and helping organizations against cancer, AIDS, and cruelty against animals.
Known for
ActingBirthday
February 21, 1934Deathday
June 3, 2010Gender
FemaleKnown Movie Credits
73Place of birth
Healdton, Oklahoma, USAAlso known as
Patti Leigh, Patty Leigh, Rhue McClanahanCast credits
Starship Troopers
Biology TeacherThe Man in the Brown Suit
Suzy BlairThis World, Then the Fireworks
Mom LakewoodFive Minutes to Live
PamelaOut to Sea
Mrs. Ellen CarruthersThe People Next Door
DellaHollywood After Dark
SandyRusty: A Dog's Tale
Edna CallahanFive Minutes to Love
Sally 'Poochie'A Holiday to Remember
Miz Leona / Clay's AuntHogan's Goat
Josey FinnA Different Approach
Angel's Flight
DollyRainbow
Ida KovermanTopper
Clara TopperNuncrackers
Reverend MotherNunsense 3: The Jamboree
Mother SuperiorNunsense 2: The Sequel
Rev. Mother Superior Sister Mary ReginaNunsense
Rev. Mother Mary ReginaAnnabelle's Wish
Scarlett (voice)