Rue McClanahan, 1934-2010. R.I.P.

Actress Rue McClanahan died this morning of a massive stroke. She was 76.

McClanahan had suffered a minor stroke earlier this year after complications from open heart surgery.

She is best remembered for playing the flirtatious Southerner Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls alongside Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty and Betty White.

In the space of less than two years three fourths of that ensemble have passed on leaving White as the sole survivor. Ironically, White was the oldest member of the cast and has experienced a resurgence in her career.

Before joining the cast of The Golden Girls, McClanahan co-starred with Arthur on Maude and would also appear in Mama's Family starring Vicki Lawrence. Prior to her work on television, McClanahan was mostly known as a stage actress.

But here is McClanahan at her finest with a little help from her friends.