~ FINAL CURTAIN FOR RUE McCLANAHAN `

Rue McClanaham passed away this morning at approximately 1a.m. Ms. McClanahan was probably best known to most of us as "Blanche Devereaux" of the hilariously funny The Golden Girls series of the 1980's. Rue's character was one that would have been described as a "free soul" in the mid-1900's.

The ensemble cast of The Golden Girls was obviously selected by a theatrical casting genius. It is extremely rare to find a combination of personalities and talents that can work the kind of on-screen magic that Rue McClanahan, Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, and Betty White produced.

McClanahan's open sexuality, combined with Getty's acid-tongued judgments of the others, Betty White's portrayal of the semi-conscious, "lights are on but..." Rose Nylund, and Bea Arthur's role as the level headed peacekeeper could put those who watched the show on the floor!
Although it would be a very tough call, I'd have to say that The Golden Girls was THE funniest television sitcom ever produced - outstripping All In The Family, and even the riotous I Love Lucy.

Thank you, Rue. Thanks for all the belly laughs you brought to us in the high camp role of Blanche Devereaux. And at 88 (and one-half) years of age, as the only surviving member of the cast... Betty White, HANG IN THERE BABY!