Ruth McClanahan was an American actress best known for her role as Blanche Devereaux on the popular television series The Golden Girls. Born on February 21, 1923, in Healdton, Oklahoma, she had a successful career in theater and television, earning multiple awards for her performances. In addition to her work on The Golden Girls, McClanahan appeared in various other television shows and films, showcasing her talent in both comedic and dramatic roles. She was also an advocate for animal rights and authored a memoir titled "My First Five Husbands...And the Ones Who Got Away." McClanahan passed away on June 3, 2010.