Betty White: Losing Rue McClanahan 'Hurts'

By PopEater Staff Posted Jun 3rd 2010 01:16PM

In less than two years, Betty White has seen the passing of her 'Golden Girls' castmates Estelle Getty, Bea Arthur and Rue McClanahan. Now, the comedy icon has given her first reaction to McClanahan's death today from a stroke.

"Rue was a close and dear friend," she tells 'The Insider.' "I treasure our relationship. It hurts more than I ever thought it would, if that's even possible."

From 1985 to 1992, White and McClanahan played unlikely friends on the hit series -- White, as simple Rose, and Rue as the bodacious Blanche. Both actresses portrayed these same characters on four different sitcoms -- 'The Golden Girls,' 'The Golden Palace,' 'Nurses' and 'Empty Nest.'

'Golden' co-stars Estelle Getty and Bea Arthur passed away in July of 2008 and April of 2009, respectively.

White and McClanahan's working relationship began well before either was a 'Golden Girl.' Both were supporting players on Vicki Lawrence's kitchy sitcom 'Mama's Family' in the early 1980s -- White as Mama's snooty daughter Ellen, while Rue appeared as her unmarried sister, Fran.

According to IMDB, White was originally considered for the role of Blanche on 'Girls.' However, producers were reluctant to typecast White as sexually aggressive after her turn as Sue Ann Nivens on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show.' As Rue had already played a more introverted character -- that of Vivian on 'Maude' -- producers felt it best to challenge the actresses with roles unlike anything they had ever played before. It's a good thing they did; White and McClanahan were iconic as Rose and Blanche, respectively. Both actresses won lead actress Emmys for 'Girls.'

White and McClanahan also shared an interest in animal rights activism. Rue was active on behalf of PETA, and White endorses a number of animal welfare causes, including the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the Morris Animal Foundation and Actors & Others for Animals. White has also published a book about her love of animals -- 'Betty White's Pet-Love: How Pets Take Care of Us.'

Before her death, McClanahan became the object of a Facebook group campaign, which hoped to persuade NBC to pick McClanahan as a host of 'SNL,' much like the successful movement that resulted in White's first 'Saturday Night Live' gig.

► Read more on McClanahan's passing and cherish her best 'Golden Girls' moments.

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Rue McClanahan Snapshots

'Golden Girls' legends Rue McClanahan, Betty White and Bea Arthur graced the red carpet at the TV Land Awards in June of 2008. More Rue Images >>

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Rue McClanahan Snapshots

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Actress Rue McClanahan arrives at "Celebrating Bea Arthur," a memorial for friends and family of entertainment icon Beatrice Arthur at the Majestic Theatre on September 14, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Will Ragozzino/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan Snapshots

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 19: Actress Rue McClanahan attends the opening night on Broadway for "The Story of My Life" at the Booth Theatre on February 19, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Joe Corrigan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan Snapshots

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 09: Actors Rue McClanahan and Kirsten Wyatt performs "I Met a Girl" during the 2009 Broadway Backwards at the American Airlines Theatre on February 9, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kirsten Wyatt

Rue McClanahan Snapshots

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 09: (L-R) Actors Rue McClanahan and Kirsten Wyatt performs "I Met a Girl" during the 2009 Broadway Backwards at the American Airlines Theatre on February 9, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rue McClanahan;Kirsten Wyatt

Rue McClanahan Snapshots

Tags: betty white, Rue McClanahan

Comments

(100)

Thursday 03 June

By Carol

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Hollywood lost another star today. GOD bless you Rue and Rest in Peace. You will be greatly missed but you left us with so many television moments to remember you by.

By ANTHONY & JOSEPH

RIP RUE McCLANAHAN FROM THE GOLD GIRLS.YOU WILL BE MISS A LOT.YOU WHERE THE FUNNY ONE IN THE SHOW.

RIP,RUE McCLANAHAN, BEA ARTHUR, ESTELLE GETTY,BE WITH GOD.

By gobluespartyon

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So sad R.I.P. Rue McClanahan so sad my heart and prayers go out to Rue family & friends.

Tuesday 08 June

By D. Miraglia

I am a young woman and I absolutely love watching the Golden girls. The show just makes me feel like home and it gives me such a good feeling while and after Im watching it. I crack up practically the whole time Im watching it and I hope the show will never be taken off the air because that would just devistate me. I always dreamed of one day meeting the golden girls and I guess the unsqueacky wheel does'nt get the grease because 3 of the girls are now gone. Maybe one day I could still meet Betty White?
To Rues family...you know that your mom/wife/sister/aunt/cousin/friend whom ever she may be to you made a big impact on T.V today and probably forever and she will be missed!

By Crystal

Lots of tears on Earth today, but a lot of laughter in Heaven! Prayers to family, friends, and all who loved her. Godspeed. You will be truly missed.

By Mary

She will be missed as well as all her costars. God bless them all. As for Betty White God has a plan for you. Hang in there. R I P Rue.

By vinnie

Its a sad day. The golden girls have been a great joy in my life sine I was 17. After 25 years with them they feel like family. I hope all three are reunited and laughing it up. R.I.P Rue.

By Steven

I am sure that Bea, Rue and Estelle are up in heaven, smiling down at the world..knowing that we loved them for the joy and laughter they brought into our homes..literally, they are 'The Golden Girls'..

By uk

My Prayers go out to Rue's family and friends.
They dont make good clean humour like the Golden Girls anymore. Love the show and will always watch, brings a smile to my face.
Now who wants a slice of cheesecake?

By nazim

Rue..you was great ....rest in peace Blanche..

By Teri

Really confused as Betty White was just on the Ellen Show yesterday and said that Rue was doing very well? How and what happened in less than 24 hours?

Thanks

By dale

its so sad that we,re loseing all these fine actors and actresses but sighhhh life goes on . looking at her pics one can see she didnt waste her money on plastic surgery . lol i like a person who takes life and what it deals out . wrinkles and all she was still a great lady.

By Bobbie

Words cannot express just how much you will be missed. But you will not be forgotten along with the "Girls" you will be in our hearts forever. Thank you for being a treasure to watch and enjoy.

By steven burton

Blanche i will miss you, Rest in Peace Rue , you always made me laugh even when i had a bad day i would turn on the tv and golden girls would be playing and you would make me laugh because of they way you made things happen on the show to make everyone laugh.

May you be in heaven with Bea Arthur and Estelle getting staring a golden girls angels in heaven

By Rod

Man, I'm really heartbroken. I've seen every single episode AT LEAST 40 times and NEVER tire of them! Blanche was my idol, and Rue is truly an icon! RIP, sweetheart...I love ya!!! :-)

By Jody

Thank you for being a friend, Rue. Rest in Peace

By Alice Robinson

I's always a shame to say "good bye" to the acting icons we have so loved thru the years. May she rest in peace and know that so many of us appreciated her work

By Barbara

like so many others,this is truly a sad day for me.I feel as if Ihave lost a family member.rue was truly a gifted actress,but to me she will always be blanche.I love you rue!!!

Friday 04 June

By amy u

bet the girls are already together sharing cheesecake and lots of laughs...all special ladies,all touched our hearts...RIP

Saturday 05 June

By Reki R.

I was the roommate of one of the GG's producers' brothers during their last 2 seasons. I got to go on set, meet cast and crew, and even be an extra on a W-T show. Betty and Estelle were my faves and I got a chance to know them a bit. Rue and Bea were totally wonderful as well. I have loved the GG since their beginning, and they will live on forever in reruns. "They're never truly gone, not as long as we remember them."--Dr. McCoy/ST:TWOK.

Rue, knock 'em off their clouds with your humor! Say hi to Bea and Estelle for me. I'll see you all again soon!

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