The Empowered Legacy of Rue McClanahan

For millions of fans, Rue McClanahan will always be remembered as the vivacious, Southern belle Blanche Devereaux on the groundbreaking sitcom The Golden Girls. However, her career extended far beyond Miami’s pastel-hued kitchen. After The Golden Girls wrapped in 1992, Rue McClanahan continued to blaze her own trail across television, film, and theater—demonstrating that her talent and charisma knew no bounds. This article explores Rue McClanahan’s post-Golden Girls career, her contributions to entertainment and activism, and how she remained a cherished icon until her final days.

A Broadway Return: Rue Reclaims the Stage

After the massive success of The Golden Girls, McClanahan returned to her roots in theater. Trained in classical acting and a graduate of the University of Tulsa, Rue had long held a deep passion for the stage. In the mid-1990s, she graced Broadway with performances that proved her comedic timing and emotional depth were just as powerful live as they were onscreen.

In 1997, she starred as Madame Morrible in the early readings of Wicked, long before it became a Broadway sensation. Though she didn’t remain with the show for its Broadway premiere, her theatrical presence added prestige to the production’s formative stages. Additionally, she appeared in productions of The Vagina Monologues, often using the platform to advocate for women’s rights and sexual empowerment—causes that resonated deeply with her personal values.

The Golden Palace: A Short-Lived Spin-Off

Following The Golden Girls, McClanahan reprised her role as Blanche Devereaux in the short-lived spin-off, The Golden Palace (1992–1993). Alongside co-stars Betty White and Estelle Getty, the series placed the iconic trio in a new setting as hotel owners. Though it lasted only one season, The Golden Palace allowed McClanahan to deepen Blanche’s storyline and reintroduce her to a changing audience. Despite mixed reviews, the series demonstrated Rue’s ability to command the screen with ease and elegance.

Television Guest Spots: A Staple of the Small Screen

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Rue McClanahan remained a familiar face on television. She took on a wide variety of roles in both dramas and comedies, showcasing her versatility.

She made guest appearances in series such as Touched by an Angel, Murphy Brown, and Law & Order. Her unique blend of wit, warmth, and gravitas gave her performances a signature stamp—she could make audiences laugh, cry, or both within a single scene. In 2003, she played Aunt Fran on The Drew Carey Show, once again capturing the eccentric charm that fans loved her for.

In addition to guest roles, Rue lent her voice to animated series, including voicing Blanche in Family Guy’s Golden Girls spoof and playing Granny in King of the Hill. Her work across multiple formats highlighted her range and ensured she remained culturally relevant.

Film Appearances and Independent Projects

Rue McClanahan continued to appear in films, both mainstream and indie, throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. While none matched the global success of her television work, these projects gave her creative freedom.

Notable films included Starship Troopers (1997), in which she played a biology teacher in a satirical and violent sci-fi world—far removed from the lace and lipstick of Blanche. In Out to Sea (1997), starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, Rue played a delightful supporting character, proving her comedic chops held strong opposite Hollywood legends.

Rue McClanahan also took on roles in more intimate indie films and Christian movies, often playing grandmothers or matriarchs with a blend of sass and sensitivity. Her desire to play multifaceted, age-appropriate roles helped challenge Hollywood’s narrow view of older actresses.

Autobiography: A Frank and Funny Memoir

In 2007, Rue McClanahan released her memoir, My First Five Husbands… and the Ones Who Got Away. A blend of autobiography and personal musings, the book captured her vivacious spirit and candid humor. In it, she recounted her marriages, career milestones, personal struggles, and behind-the-scenes moments from her time on The Golden Girls.

Her writing was unflinching, funny, and refreshingly honest. She shared stories of navigating Hollywood as a woman over 40 and discussed how she managed the highs and lows of fame. Fans and critics praised the book for its authenticity and warmth—much like the woman herself.

Activism and Advocacy

Rue McClanahan was more than a celebrated actress; she was also a passionate activist. A lifelong supporter of animal rights, she was an outspoken advocate for PETA and worked with various rescue organizations. Her love of animals was well known, and she often used her public platform to raise awareness about ethical treatment and adoption.

Additionally, Rue was deeply committed to LGBTQ+ rights. As a Golden Girls star, she became an unlikely but powerful icon in the gay community. She embraced this wholeheartedly, participating in Pride events and speaking out against discrimination. Her advocacy extended to women’s health, particularly breast cancer awareness, which she championed following her own health scares.

Health Struggles and Final Years

In 1997, Rue McClanahan was diagnosed with breast cancer. After successful surgery and treatment, she became a vocal survivor, encouraging regular screenings and greater education. Later in life, she suffered a minor stroke in 2009, followed by a more serious stroke in 2010. She passed away on June 3, 2010, at the age of 76.

Rue’s passing marked the end of an era for many fans who had grown up with her. Tributes poured in from fellow actors, producers, and fans across the world. Betty White, her co-star and friend, remembered her as “a close and dear friend with a heart of gold.”

Legacy: Rue McClanahan’s Enduring Impact

Though she is no longer with us, Rue McClanahan’s legacy lives on. She redefined what it meant to be a woman “of a certain age” in Hollywood—sexy, witty, smart, and unapologetically herself. Her portrayal of Blanche Devereaux remains one of television’s most beloved characters, but her broader body of work reveals a woman of remarkable range and integrity.

Posthumously, McClanahan has continued to receive accolades. In 2021, a mural in her hometown of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was unveiled in her honor. Golden Girls merchandise, reruns, and fan conventions keep her memory alive, and younger generations continue to discover her genius through streaming services.

Conclusion

Rue McClanahan’s career after The Golden Girls proves that true talent transcends any single role. While Blanche Devereaux made her a household name, her continued work in theater, film, and television cemented her as a formidable artist in her own right. Her life was one of reinvention, resilience, and radiance—a shining star whose light continues to warm hearts worldwide.