The following scene’s from the episode of The Golden Girls titled A Little Romance. The episode first aired on December 14, 1985. Wow, has it really been that long?!?!
In this episode, Rose is dating a Psychiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Newman. She has kept him a secret from Dorothy, Blanche, and Sophia because the good doctor (played to hilarious perfection by Brent Collins) is a “little person” and she doesn’t know how they’ll react. The great Billy Barty (My Three Sons, Get Smart, The Waltons, 1978 The Lord of the Rings…) makes a memorable cameo in the episode.
In the scene below, Dorothy and Blanche are in the living room grilling Rose about her date when Sophia comes in… as Sophia usually does, at just the right time.
Dorothy: So, um, where are you going? Rose: Out with a friend from work. Blanche: Is it the same friend you’ve been out with 5 times in the last 3 weeks: Rose: Yes. Blanche: Alright, spill it. Who is he? Rose: His name is Dr. Jonathan Newman. He’s a psychiatrist at the Grief Center. Blanche: Soooo, you’re seing a psychiatrist?!?! Sophia: (entering the room) It’s about time.
“People always ask me if I’m like Blanche. And I say, ‘Well, Blanche was an oversexed, self-involved, man-crazy, vain Southern Belle from Atlanta — and I’m not from Atlanta!’” - Rue McClanahan
One of my personal favorite entertainers ever, Rue McClanahan, passed away from a stroke on June 3. Best known as the sexy Blanche Devereaux on Golden Girls, Rue also appeared on Maude as Vivian Cavender Harmon and Mama’s Family as Aunt Fran Crowley. Another early role was on the hugely popular All in the Family.
This hilarious and talented actress was born in 1934 in Oklahoma. In addition to her wonderful work on television, Rue McClanahan was also very well known (and respected) for her charitable work. She lent her hand to organizations fighting against cancer, AIDS, and cruelty against animals.
She was married to her sixth husband, actor Morrow Wilson, at the time of her death.
Did You Know?
In 1997, Rue was diagnosed with cancer. She had a lumpectomy and five months of chemotherapy.
Was of Scot-Irish and Choctaw Indian ancestry
Played the same character, Blanche Devereaux, on four different TV series: “The Golden Palace” (1992), “The Golden Girls” (1985), “Nurses” (1991), and “Empty Nest” (1988).
Was a vegan.
Oddly enough, Betty White was originally considered for the role of Blanche, on “The Golden Girls”. However, Betty had already been the sexy Sue Ann Nivens on “Mary Tyler Moore” while Rue had played the rather shy and unassuming Vivian on “Maude”. It was thought best not to typecast these two actresses by having them portray similar characters. So, Betty got the part of naive Rose Nylund and Rue played the sex-crazy Blanche! It’s impossible to imagine it any other way.
It’s pretty depressing that two of the past posts on Hollywood Yesterday are centered around stars we’ve recently lost. But that’s really the whole idea behind Hollywood Yesterday – I wanted a place where the stars, movies, and shows of yesterday could live on forever and continue to touch lives.
This way we never really have to say goodbye. Mostly just, “Thanks.” And to Rue, of course, we have to add, “Thank you for being a Friend.”
I ordered Season 1 of an all-time favorite sitcom recently – The Golden Girls. A day without TGG is just barely worth suiting up for.
In the video below, Blanche and Dorothy have agreed, as a favor to Rose, to be guests on a show for the station she works for. Rose, being Rose, completely missed the concept for the show, leaving Dorothy uncomfortable, Blanche panicking, and Sophia amused… temporarily.
Classic scene from an episode of The Golden Girls. Blanche, Rose, and Dorothy are trying to fly under the radar while buying condoms. Naturally, it doesn’t turn out that way!
“People always ask me if I’m like Blanche. And I say, ‘Well, Blanche was an oversexed, self-involved, man-crazy, vain Southern Belle from Atlanta — and I’m not from Atlanta!’” – Rue McClanahan
One of my favorite sitcoms of all time is The Golden Girls. The casting is sheer perfection and the chemistry between the actresses was the stuff most television producers only dream of. Like Roseanne, Good Times, I Love Lucy, Beverly Hillbillies, Sanford and Son, and Andy Griffith – this is a sitcom that where you just can’t find a down side.
Rue McClanahan was flawless in her role as Blanche Devereaux. I swear, I’m in a trance any time the woman comes on the screen. Her mannerisms, her voice, the way she loses herself in her character – sheer brilliance. As I watched an episode this morning with my cat, Alexa, it occurred to me that Rue McClanahan doesn’t get nearly enough credit or attention.
Which is exactly why I’m HERE right this minute paying tribute to this hilarious actress!
Rue McClanahan Trivia:
Rue was born in 1934 in Healdton, Oklahoma.
She was a New York stage actress in the 1950′s. She was discovered on stage by Norman Lear and cast in roles on “All in the Family” (1971) and later “Maude” (1972).
Stands 5’3.”
When Rue was cast as Blanche on The Golden Girls, she was reunited with Bea Arthur (whom she’d worked with on Maude) and Betty White (whom she’d worked with on Mama’s Family).
Estelle Getty, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Bea Arthur all won emmy’s for their roles on The Golden Girls
After Bea Arthur left the show after eight seasons, McClanahan, White and Getty returned for a brief spin-off in “The Golden Palace” (1992).
Rue is currently married to her sixth husband.
In 1997, Rue McClanahan was diagnosed with cancer. She had a lumpectomy and underwent five months of chemotherapy.
Is a vegan and dedicated animal rights activist.
An Honorary Director for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
My name is Joi ("Joy"). I created this website for one reason: To do my part to keep the stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood shining brightly. When we keep their memories alive, we keep a part of ourselves alive.
. A day without TGG is just barely worth suiting up for.
