Television
Year Inducted: 2009

Rue McClanahan

Eddi-Rue McClanahan was born on February 21, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma. She graduated with honors from the University of Tulsa, where she studied German and theatre, before launching a flourishing career in theatre, television, commercials, and film. Known for her remarkable comedic timing and vivacious energy, Rue is most famous for her portrayal of Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, a hit NBC series that ran from 1985 to 1992 and earned widespread critical acclaim.

Rue’s acting career began in 1957 in New York City, and she made her Broadway debut in 1969, starring as Sally Weber in the musical Jimmy Shine alongside Dustin Hoffman. In 1970, she landed her first major role on the NBC soap Another World, where she played the menacing nanny Caroline Johnson. She followed that with a notable role on the CBS soap Where the Heart Is, portraying Margaret Jardin, a character with dubious motives.

Between 1972 and 1984, Rue appeared in numerous television roles, most notably as Vivian Cavender Harmon in the beloved CBS sitcom Maude, a role that earned her critical recognition. But it was in 1985, when Rue joined The Golden Girls, that she truly found a role that suited her comedic prowess. As the witty, man-hungry Blanche, Rue showcased her exceptional talent for comedy.

“I’m playing a man-crazy, self-centered widow, and I’m having a lot of fun doing it!” Rue remarked about the role.

She also expressed her joy in reuniting with Bea Arthur and Betty White, her co-stars from Maude and Mama’s Family respectively, alongside the hilarious Estelle Getty.

The Golden Girls brought a fresh, humorous perspective to the lives of older women, with Rue’s portrayal of Blanche constantly stealing the spotlight. The show garnered 65 Emmy nominations, 11 Emmy wins, and four Golden Globe Awards. Rue herself received the 1987 Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.

In 1992, Rue reprised her role as Blanche in the spin-off The Golden Palace, where her character, eager to become a business mogul, convinces her friends to purchase a Miami Beach hotel.

Rue continued to act on both stage and screen, staying active as an animal rights advocate and achieving success as an author. Reflecting on her time with The Golden Girls, Rue once said, “I was washing my face the other day and thought, ‘What if I was working today and walked onto the soundstage and Bea and Estelle were there?’ Those days were truly golden.”

Rue McClanahan passed away on June 3, 2010, in New York City.