Rue McClanahan (born February 21, 1934 in Healdton, Oklahoma) is an American actress, best known for her roles acting alongside Beatrice Arthur on the television sitcoms Maude and The Golden Girls.

In the former series, broadcast from 1972 to 1978, McClanahan played Maude Findlay's best friend, Vivian Harmon. In the latter series, broadcast from 1985 until 1992, McClanahan portrayed the man-crazed Southern belle Blanche Deveraux.

Her breakout role was of maniacal nanny Caroline Johnson on Another World from July 1970 -September 1971 . Unlike a number of actors who become famous after leaving soaps, McClanahan has always praised daytime drama and the people who work in it. While taking care of twins Michael and Marianne Randolph, Caroline fell in love with their father, John, and began poisoning their mother, Pat. Due in part to McClanahan's performance, the short-term role was extended to over a year before Caroline was finally brought to justice after kidnapping the twins. McClanahan expected negative fan reaction but was generally popular, even getting one letter advising her on the best poisons to kill Pat with!

A lifelong animal rights advocate, McClanahan was one of the first celebrity supporters of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. She is also a lifelong Democrat. In December 2003 she wrote a letter informing Democrat John Kerry that his pheasant hunting had cost him her vote.

In May 2005, McClanahan will take over the role of Madame Morrible in the hit Broadway musical Wicked.

External link

• Fan site
• IMDB profile