The Golden Girls' Rue McClanahan Survives Bypass Surgery

Attitude is Everything

The Golden Girls' Rue McClanahan (Blanche Devereaux) has survived emergency bypass surgery. On Wednesday, Rue McClanahan underwent heart bypass surgery in New York City. A family friend told Associated Press that she is doing "very, very well" and that "She's going to be great and up and entertaining us all very shortly."

Rue McClanahan was scheduled to appear at a tribute for her at the Castro Theater in San Francisco, but had to cancel. "Unfortunately, my doctor has laid down the law, and I'm currently in the hospital having some maintenance on the old ticker." Doctors discovered the problem while she was undergoing tests before a knee operation.

The Golden Girls star was also scheduled to perform with Sordid Lives director David Shores and co-star Leslie Jordan at the New Club Comix this month. The trio will have to reschedule.

Rue McClanahan has had an illustrious career both off-Broadway and on television. She performed extensively off-Broadway before landing her television role as Vivian, Maude's best friend in the 1970s sitcom Maude. She later gained iconic status for her role as sex-crazed Blanche Devereaux on NBC's The Golden Girls which ran from 1985 to 1992.

Many women admire Blanche Devereaux/Rue McClanahan's character because she showed that older women could still be attractive and have full sex lives. She also has a considerable fan following among gay men (as well as straight men who secretly watch The Golden Girls).

Rue McClanahan Recovers from Bypass Surgery: Humor and Recovery

Rue McClanahan handled her surgery with classic grace and humor, remarking "Trust me, I'd much rather be in San Francisco having fun and being adored by all of you." Humor often plays a significant role in recovery from illness. Professor Norman Cousins was able to combat heart disease and collagen illness by taking massive doses of Vitamin C and laughing his way to health, surviving decades longer than doctors had expected.