Although she never had quite the success of Bea Arthur, Betty White or Estelle Getty, she was still a grand and impressive part of one of the most influential programs of the 1980s. Betty White is now the sole remaining member of the original cast and I’m sure it can’t be easy to outlive those she spent eight years working with. To Rue’s family and friends, my heartfelt condolences.

By Alan Duke, (CNN) – Emmy-winning “Golden Girls” actress Rue McClanahan died of a stroke in a New York hospital early Thursday, her manager said. She was 76.

McClanahan’s family surrounded her bed when she died at New York Presbyterian Hospital, according to manager Barbara Lawrence.

The actress’ career began on the New York stage in the 1950s, but her long television career was first boosted when producer Norman Lear cast McClanahan in his hit CBS series “All in the Family” in 1971. She appeared in Lear’s “Maude” a year later.

Her most memorable TV role was as Southern belle Blanche Devereaux on “The Golden Girls,” which ran from 1985 through 1992. McClanahan won an Emmy for best lead actress in a comedy in 1987.

Betty White is the last surviving member of the four “Golden Girls” stars. Estelle Getty passed away in 2008, and Bea Arthur died last year.

McClanahan’s last comedic TV role was in an episode of Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns,” taped in 2009.