We knew this day would come (it’s partly why we had a Golden Girls Tribute Week), but why did it have to be so, so soon? Rue McClanahan is gone from this existential plane, after having suffered a stroke early this morning.
Betty White released a statement that said:
Rue was a close and dear friend. I treasure our relationship…It hurts more than I ever thought it would, if that’s even possible.
Golden Girls is what she is known most for, and I loved that Rue didn’t mind being Blanche (who would?!?), and she seemed to even appreciate her infamy because of it. But in addition to her multiple roles on Love Boat and other guest-starring appearance in popular 80s and 90s shows, I first loved her as Vivian in Maude. If you can see through the tears, there are lots of episodes on youtube for you to pay tribute.
Here is part one of “The Emergence of Vivian”:
“The only way Agnes could get out of the house was to die!” Rest in peace, dear Ms. McClanahan. And while I’m glad you’re name is currently a trending topic on Twitter, I really wish it was at least spelled correctly.
