Rue McClanahan’s Love Life and Memorable Relationships

Rue McClanahan, best known for her role as the flirtatious and charming Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, had a personal life that was just as fascinating as her on-screen character’s. While Blanche was known for her countless romantic escapades, McClanahan’s real-life love story was filled with passion, heartbreak, and resilience. Over the years, she was married six times, each relationship shaping her in different ways.

Six Marriages, Six Lessons

McClanahan’s romantic life was marked by a series of marriages, each reflecting a different chapter in her personal journey. Unlike Blanche, who rarely settled down, McClanahan believed in love and was always willing to give marriage another try.

Her first marriage, to Tom Bish, was short-lived but brought her one of the most important people in her life—her son, Mark. Her second marriage to actor Norman Hartweg also ended in divorce, but McClanahan never lost faith in love. She continued searching for a partner who truly understood her, leading to four more marriages: Peter DeMaio, Gus Fisher, Tom Keel, and finally, Morrow Wilson.

Her relationship with DeMaio was particularly turbulent. In her memoir, My First Five Husbands… and the Ones Who Got Away, she described how the marriage was filled with intense arguments. Despite the struggles, McClanahan remained hopeful about love, a quality that mirrored her character on The Golden Girls.

Her Lasting Love with Morrow Wilson

McClanahan’s final marriage to Morrow Wilson, a writer and actor, lasted from 1997 until her passing in 2010. While it wasn’t always smooth sailing, Wilson was by her side through many of her later years, offering companionship and support. He remained deeply devoted to her, even speaking about her legacy after her passing.

A Romantic at Heart

Although she faced multiple divorces, McClanahan never let heartbreak define her. She continued to believe in love, and her lively personality made her a beloved figure both on and off-screen. She often joked that she loved being in love and cherished the excitement that came with each new relationship.

Her experiences in love shaped her perspective on life and added depth to her portrayal of Blanche. While Blanche’s love life was exaggerated for comedy, McClanahan’s own journey reflected the ups and downs of real romance—passionate beginnings, painful endings, and the hope of finding lasting happiness.

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

Rue McClanahan’s love life was as colorful as her career. Though she experienced heartache, she never lost her sense of humor or her belief in love. Through her many relationships, she learned valuable lessons about herself and about the nature of companionship.

Even years after her passing, fans continue to admire McClanahan not just for her acting but for her ability to embrace love fearlessly. Her story serves as a reminder that while relationships may come and go, the courage to love again is what truly matters.