Rue McClanahan's Real Name: Eddi-Rue McClanahan
Rue McClanahan → Eddi-Rue McClanahan
Quick answer: The actress is known professionally as Rue McClanahan. The Associated Press, in a Hollywood Reporter dispatch, gives the original name Eddi-Rue McClanahan and dates her birth to February 21, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma. The Television Academy independently dates the birth to February 21, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma, and the death to June 3, 2010, in New York City.
Real name and early life
Independent publishers support the documented original name Eddi-Rue McClanahan. The Associated Press, writing in The Hollywood Reporter, says she was born Eddi-Rue McClanahan on February 21, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma, learned dance as a child, ran her own dance studio while still in high school, and later majored in drama at the University of Tulsa. After receiving her degree, the same account says, she moved to New York and later enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse. The Television Academy independently lists the February 21, 1934, birthday and Healdton, Oklahoma, as the birthplace.
Career highlights
The Television Academy says she is best known as Vivian Harmon on Maude (1972–78), Aunt Fran Crowley on Mama's Family (1983–84), and Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls (1985–92), and that she received an Emmy Award in 1987 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for The Golden Girls. The Associated Press independently records an Emmy win in 1987 for playing Blanche Devereaux, four Emmy nominations for the series, and later work on The Golden Palace. The same Associated Press account also notes earlier television work on All in the Family, an Off-Broadway Obie Award for Who's Happy Now?, a 1969 Broadway debut in Jimmy Shine, and the 2007 autobiography My First Five Husbands and the Ones Who Got Away. The Television Academy independently records that she later appeared as Blanche on the short-lived successor series The Golden Palace (1992–93).
Death
The Associated Press reported that she died early Thursday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital of a stroke, at age 76. The dispatch is dated June 3, 2010, a Thursday. The Television Academy independently dates the death to June 3, 2010, in New York City, New York, at age 76.
Name notes for searchers
People looking up Rue McClanahan or Eddi-Rue McClanahan are looking for the same actress. The Associated Press supports the original name used in the title, and the Television Academy independently supports the birth date and place.
FAQ
What is Rue McClanahan's real name?
The Associated Press gives the original name Eddi-Rue McClanahan. She was known professionally as Rue McClanahan.
When and where was she born?
February 21, 1934, in Healdton, Oklahoma, according to the Associated Press and the Television Academy.
When and where did she die?
June 3, 2010, according to the Associated Press and the Television Academy. The Associated Press places the death at New York-Presbyterian Hospital; the Television Academy places it in New York City.
What role is most often associated with her?
Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, according to the Television Academy and the Associated Press, which also record a 1987 Emmy for the role.