Biography
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.
Acted in 102
2020s
- 2022
Golden Girls 3033
Blanche Devereaux (voice) (archive sound) · 1 episode
- 2021
Forever Golden! A Celebration of the Golden Girls
Blanche Devereaux
2000s
- 2008
Generation Gap
Kay
Sordid Lives: The Series
Peggy Ingram · 12 episodes
- 2005
Back to You & Me
Helen Ludwick
- 2004
Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock
Mrs. Hardy (voice)
- 2003
The Golden Girls: Lifetime Intimate Portrait Series
Blanche Devereaux (archive footage)
- 2002
The Women
Countess DeLage
- 2001
Nuncrackers
Reverend Mother
- 2000
The Moving of Sophia Myles
Mary-Margaret
1990s
- 1999
The Lot
Priscilla Tremaine · 1 episode
A Saintly Switch
Aunt Fanny
- 1998
Rusty: A Dog's Tale
Edna Callahan
Nunsense 3: The Jamboree
Mother Superior
- 1997
- 1996
Innocent Victims
Marylou Hennis
- 1995
- 1994
A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story
Grandma Stephens
Nunsense 2: The Sequel
Rev. Mother Superior Sister Mary Regina
- 1993
Message from Nam
Beatrice Andrews
Nunsense
Rev. Mother Mary Regina
- 1992
- 1991
- 1990
The Dreamer of Oz
Matilda Joslyn Gage
To My Daughter
Laura Carlson
After the Shock
Sherra Cox
Modern Love
Mrs. Evelyn Parker
1980s
- 1989
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Movie
The Wickedest Witch
Avarissa
The Man in the Brown Suit
Suzy Blair
- 1988
- 1987
- 1986
Picnic
Flo Owens
- 1985
The NBC All Star Hour: Let's All Be There
Movie
- 1984
- 1983
The Skin of Our Teeth
Fortune Teller
- 1982
The Day the Bubble Burst
Barbara Arvey
- 1981
Word of Honor
Maggie McNeill
- 1980
Gridlock
Adele Sherman
1970s
- 1979
Topper
Clara Topper
- 1978
Rainbow
Ida Koverman
Apple Pie
Ginger-Nell Hollyhock · 2 episodes
Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force
Mat's Mother
Having Babies III
Gloria Miles
A Different Approach
Movie
- 1977
- 1976
- 1973
Blade
Gail
- 1972
The Rimers of Eldritch
Cora Groves
- 1971
Some of My Best Friends Are...
Lita Joyce
Hogan's Goat
Josey Finn
They Might Be Giants
Daisy Playfair
- 1970
1960s
- 1969
- 1967
- 1965
Angel's Flight
Dolly
- 1964
- 1963
Five Minutes to Love
Sally 'Poochie'
- 1961
Hollywood After Dark
Sandy
Produced 2
Appearances15
2020s
- 2025
- 2021
The Golden Girls: Ageless
Self (archive footage)
2010s
- 2018
Betty White: First Lady of Television
Self (archive Footage)
- 2010
Gaze
Self (archive footage)
2000s
- 2009
- 2003
The Golden Girls: Their Greatest Moments
Self / Blanche Devereaux
- 2002
NBC 75th Anniversary Special
Self
1990s
- 1997
Lugosi: Hollywood's Dracula
Self
- 1993
- 1990
Night of 100 Stars III
Self
Rue McClanahan: The Cat Care Video Guide
Herself
1980s
- 1988
