Rue McClanahan, an acclaimed multi-Emmy-award-winning actress of stage, television, and film, passed away on June 3rd of 2010 at the age of 76. McClanahan was born Eddi-Rue McClanahan in rural Healdton, Oklahoma on February 21st, 1934 to William Edwin McClanahan and his wife Dreda Rheua-Nell. She found her first success in the theater, appearing off-Broadway in the 1960s and on Broadway in Neil Simon’s 1972 musical comedy, “The Prisoner of Second Avenue.” McClanahan’s television career began in 1971 with a role as Blanche Devereaux in the CBS sitcom “Mama’s Family.” She appeared in guest spots in multiple sitcoms throughout the rest of the 1970s before being cast as Blanche in NBC’s “The Golden Girls” in 1985. Through her 6-season run, she won 6 Emmy awards. McClanahan’s filmography included the 1980 movie, “Thelma and Louise,” and other roles in movies such as “My Giant” (1998) and “Viva Las Nowhere” (2001). McClanahan was a dedicated animal right’s activist, having served for a time as the president of Actors and Others for Animals. She is survived by her two sons, Mark and Evan, and 3 grandchildren.