The world has lost its third Golden Girl with the death early this morning of Rue McClanahan. “She passed away at 1am this morning,” her manager told People magazine. “She had a massive stroke.” She was 76 years old.
Aside from her beloved Golden Girls character, aging Southern belle Blanche Deveraux, McClanahan appeared in such sitcoms as Mama’s Family and Another World. She began her career as an actress, making her Broadway debut in the 1969 musical Jimmy Shine. After Golden Girls, McClanahan did both film and charity work. She was especially committed to the fight for animal welfare. We will, of course, be posting a larger tribute later. But for now, click here to watch our favorite McLanahan videos. Thank you, Rue, for being a friend!