Birthday of Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan found her way into the limelight via smaller theater stages and her first television appearances, long before she became known to a larger audience through roles such as in “Maude” and “Mama's Family”. Her special flair for lively characters was noticed early on. She was not only a comedian, but also capable of portraying serious and sensitive subjects in a credible way. It was precisely this versatility that made her a sought-after actress and at the same time gave her the opportunity to work behind the scenes for causes close to her heart. Her career would later culminate in one of the most popular sitcoms in the world of television.

The role of Blanche Devereaux in “The Golden Girls” catapulted Rue McClanahan into the Olympus of series. With her mischievous charm, southern drawl and a good dose of self-confidence, she played a key role in shaping the image of the series. She relied on fine timing, pointed exchanges and a certain flamboyance that made Blanche so unique and endearing. She knew how to combine comedy and passion in one character like no other. This gift not only earned her the affection of her fans, but also high recognition in the industry. Anyone who saw even one episode of “Golden Girls” could hardly fail to notice that this was an actress at work who got the maximum energy and esprit out of every scene.

But Rue McClanahan was far more than just her best-known role. In addition to her career in front of the camera, she was passionately committed to animals and supported various organizations that campaigned for the protection and welfare of animals. Even off the red carpet, she retained the warm-hearted humor that made her so popular. One remembers interviews and meetings with fans in which she always kept an open ear and made the people around her laugh. Looking back, it can be said that Rue McClanahan lived her art: with dedication, the courage to be extraordinary and the firm belief that good entertainment can always carry a positive message. On this day, which would have been her birthday, what remains above all is the memory of an artist who liked life in color and knew how to transfer these colors to her roles and into the hearts of her audience.