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.

Rue McClanahan is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 31 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes The Golden Girls: 40 Years of Laughter and Friendship - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2025), The Fighting Temptations (2003), Starship Troopers (1997), Annabelle's Wish (1997), Intimate Portrait (1993), The Golden Girls (1985), Maude (1972), Columbo (1971). The recorded credits span 1961 to 2025, including 4 movies and 27 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.