Renowned actress Barbara Rush, known for her award-winning roles in It Came from Outer Space and Peyton Place, passed away at 97. Her remarkable career spanned over 60 years and she made a lasting impact in the entertainment industry with her captivating on-screen presence.
With her ability to play various characters across different genres, from science fiction to dramatic films, she gained recognition from critics and a devoted following. Rush’s on-screen charm and skill cement her status as an enduring figure in the world of film.
Early Life
Barbara Rush was born on January 4, 1927, in Denver, Colorado. She had an incredible career that lasted over seven decades and made a lasting impact on the fields of stage, film, and television.
After completing high school, Rush studied at the University of California and then further developed her skills at the Pasadena Playhouse. While performing in a play, she caught the attention of a talent agent who then signed her with Paramount in 1950. She made her film debut in The Goldbergs that same year.
Barbara Rush Career
The renowned actress has shared the screen with numerous famous leading men in Hollywood, such as Rock Hudson, Dean Martin, Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Richard Burton, and Frank Sinatra.
In 1953, Rush achieved success with the science fiction horror movie It Came From Outer Space, which led to her winning a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer.
She displayed her versatility by acting alongside well-known Hollywood stars like Rock Hudson, Dean Martin, and Paul Newman in notable movies like Magnificent Obsession, The Young Lions, and Robin and the 7 Hoods.
As her success in the film industry grew, Barbara Rush’s presence on television also became prominent. She notably played the devious character Nora Clavicle in the well-known show Batman in 1968.
Additionally, her performance on the popular soap opera Peyton Place solidified her fame as a well-known figure. Some of her television credits include playing Nora Clavicle on the popular show Batman and portraying the mother of The Bionic Woman.
She also made appearances on various other TV shows, such as Maude, Cannon, Streets of San Francisco, Fantasy Island, Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote. In 1980, Rush appeared in the disco film Can’t Stop the Music before transitioning to soap operas with a role on Flamingo Road.
Aside from her role in the film, Barbara Rush maintained a strong presence in live performances, receiving recognition such as the Sarah Siddons Award for her role in 40 Carats and captivating crowds on the national tour of Steel Magnolias.
Personal Life
In addition to her numerous accomplishments, Barbara Rush’s personal life was also remarkable. She tied the knot with actor Jeffrey Hunter in 1950 and they had a son named Christopher, but they divorced in 1955. Later, she married publicist Warren Cowan and they had a daughter, Claudia.
Despite facing challenges such as two divorces, Rush remained strong and even found temporary happiness in her marriage to sculptor Jim Gruzalski from 1970 to 1973.
Cause of Death
Barbara Rush, aged 97, has passed away. Claudia Cowan, senior correspondent for Fox News Channel and daughter of Rush, confirmed the news and described her mother’s passing as peaceful.
Cowan conveyed her profound grief for her dear mother’s passing in a poignant message to Fox News Digital.
“My wonderful mother passed away peacefully at 5:28 this evening. I was with her this morning and know she was waiting for me to return home safely to transition. It’s fitting she chose to leave on Easter as it was one of her favorite holidays and now, of course, Easter will have a deeper significance for me and my family.”
