Golden Girls Star Rue McClanahan Dies at 76 — Page 2

Blanche: "I do love the rain so.It reminds me of my first kiss."
Dorothy: " Ah, your first kiss was in the rain..."
Blanche: "No...it was in the shower."

When I was going through chemotherapy and radiation the only thing I wanted to watch on tv was The Golden Girls. They brought me so much comfort. Even when I was in terrible pain the show lifted my spirits. I truly think that the show played a part in my successful recovery. I was able to let go of my fears and worries when The Golden Girls were in the room.

Thank you Rue.

I had the pleasure of seeing Rue on stage in a stellar production of "Picnic" in Los Angeles, back in 1986. She played Flo Owens, the mother of Madge (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Millie (Dana Hill). The cast also included Gregory Harrison as Hal, Michael Learned (Rosemary), Dick Van Patten (Howard), and Conchata Ferrell (Mrs. Potts).

Rue's performance was subtle and heartfelt. She was the glue holding (or at least trying to hold) the family turbulence around her together. I remember thinking how much of a departure it was from her "Maude" character. Then, the following year, she entered immortality with "The Golden Girls." I don't know if many people realized what a versatile actress she was. She made her mark on stage and TV and was loved and admired, whether they new it or not.

She will be greatly missed.

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A personal favorite of mine:

Rue- Buy Sperm! Who ever heard of such a thing? I mean, sperm used to be free, it was just everywhere!

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