'Golden Girls': Rue McClanahan Cause Of Death

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4 Facts About 'The Golden Girls' You Probably Didn't Know

Betty White, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan

More than a decade after the beloved star of 'The Golden Girls', Rue McClanahan, passed away, a new docuseries brought to light startling details about her final days. With exclusive insights from forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter, the series delves into the perplexing circumstances surrounding McClanahan's death at 76.

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Rue McClanahan as

Nearly nine years posthumously, Rue McClanahan continues to captivate audiences, not just through her iconic role as "Blanche Devereaux" on 'The Golden Girls,' but through the mystifying details of her final days now coming to light.

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Betty White, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan in 'The Golden Girls'

The Reelz docuseries, 'Autopsy: Rue McClanahan,' takes a deep dive into the autopsy performed a decade ago, revealing unexpected twists in the tale of the star's demise.

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Rue McClanahan and Betty White

Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter uncovers a baffling contradiction; McClanahan was on Warfarin, a potent anticoagulant, yet succumbed to a stroke. "Rue's cause of death was reported as a stroke... Mysteriously, however, Rue was taking a powerful anticoagulant medication specifically designed to prevent blood clots," Dr. Hunter reveals, sparking intrigue.

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Rue McClanahan

Further investigation into McClanahan's medical records indicated she was managing anxiety and panic attacks, conditions known to spike blood pressure and potentially increase clotting risks.

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Rue McClanahan

Despite undergoing knee surgery—a procedure not without its clotting risks—McClanahan reportedly recovered without complications. "However, the chance of having a stroke increases with age and affects women more than men," Dr. Hunter adds, hinting at a complex web of factors that might have contributed to the star's stroke.

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Rue McClanahan

Behind the laughter and charm McClanahan brought to 'The Golden Girls', her life was a saga of heartbreak, disease, and resilience. Despite the challenges, including a reported minor stroke earlier in the year while recovering from bypass surgery, McClanahan's spirit remained indomitable.

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Rue McClanahan

"She went in peace," shared her manager, Barbara Lawrence, noting McClanahan's family was by her side in her final moments.

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Rue McClanahan

As Autopsy: Rue McClanahan airs, fans and followers are reminded not only of the actress's enduring legacy but also of the enduring mysteries surrounding the health and lives of our beloved celebrities.

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Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan's story, marked by fame, fortune, and a series of personal battles, continues to fascinate and inspire, even as we seek answers in the wake of her passing.

Rue McClanahan was a beloved actress known for her charismatic performances on both stage and screen. With a career spanning over five decades, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Best known for her iconic role as "Blanche Devereaux" on the hit TV show 'The Golden Girls,' McClanahan’s charm and wit captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

'Golden Girls': Rue McClanahan Cause Of Death

But her health wasn't always the best! From her early days in the theater to her breakout role on television, McClanahan’s journey is filled with interesting anecdotes and achievements that have solidified her status as a true Hollywood legend.

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