Rue McClanahan, famously forward Golden Girl (a show that’s still proudly in syndication on Lifetime) will join the cast of Ryan’s Life on the all-gay Here! network. As sexually open Blanche Devereaux, Rue became a mainstay of prime time TV from 1985 to 1992, but her legacy lives on in re-runs for ever. In her new role, Rue will be exploring unchartered acting ground in her career – she’ll be the “flamboyant” grannie of a sexually confused teenager. Rue’s costumes will include feather boas, turbans, and a whole lot of fabulous flash…no wonder her character’s grandson is confused, right?

The acclaimed Ryan’s Life, a 24-minute dramedy, has played at festivals around the world, winning several audience awards. The success of this pilot has helped the show’s writers land a regular gig at Here!, a cable network so high up on the dial most people aren’t even sure if they have it or not. The show has been in production since 2006, a serious look at teenage sexuality that’s loosely based on the life of head writer Nick Wauters, who will not only write but direct the first six episodes of the show. There Here! network is known for several original programs, and Ryan’s Life will bring seriousness and laughter to the network – or at least, that’s the plan. Having a Golden actress like Rue McClanahan in the cast certainly isn’t going to hurt the chances of success for the series.

At seventy-three, Rue is still very active in several projects. Currently, she’s in the midst of a nationwide tour to promote her new novel, a memoir titled My First Five Husbands…and the Ones Who Got Away. Rue has remained married to hubby number six, Morrow Wilson, for almost ten years. McClanahan’s former cast mate, Betty White, actually auditioned for the role of Blanche Devereaux when Golden Girls was just a concept. Later, White said that Rue did things with the character she never would have dreamed of. Would the Girls have remained Golden if Rose was Blanche and Blanche was Rose? Thankfully, the public never had a chance to find out. Rue will try her new color on (bold pink) for more prime time recognition on Here! with Ryan’s Life. If viewers can find the show, the serious drama/comedy has a serious chance of success.