LOS ANGELES, (Reuters Life!) – Actress Rue McClanahan, best known for her award-winning role as a man-crazy Southern belle on television comedy “The Golden Girls”, has died after suffering a massive stroke. She was 76.
McClanahan died in a New York City hospital in the early hours of yesterday morning with family members by her side, according to her manager. The actress suffered a minor stroke last November while recovering from heart bypass surgery.
McClanahan, who was married six times in real life, won an Emmy award for her role as Blanche Devereaux on hit sitcom “The Golden Girls.” Devereaux’s appetite for romance seemed almost insatiable, and the role was viewed by many as groundbreaking for portraying older women as still sexually active.
McClanahan’s death leaves Betty White, 88, as the only surviving member of “The Golden Girls” main cast, following the deaths of Bea Arthur in 2009 and Estelle Getty in 2008.
In a statement, White called McClanahan “a close and dear friend” and said she treasured their relationship.
