Vegetarian Star

Rue McClanahan has passed away at the age of 76, from a stroke that occurred early this morning.

The Golden Girls actress and animal rights advocate had the honor of starring in the very first PETA anti-fur ad, making the organization proud when she told them she’d not only do it, but she’d recruit Bea Arthur and Betty White as well.

Not stopping there, McClanahan became PETA’s honorary director for three years.

McClanahan was a cancer survivor and according to the Austinist, McClanahan was a keynote speaker at a cancer research event, when she spoke about attitude.

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The recent ad in the Chicago Tribune featuring Bea Arthur urging McDonald’s to adopt more humane slaughter practices is just one of the ways the famous Golden Girls stood up for animal rights.

Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan had all recorded a commercial for an anti-fur ad in the past and White is an outspoken proponent of animals in shelters.

You may not have known about McClanahan’s involvement with a stray cat charity, Alley Cat Allies, as the actress partnered with the group to raise awareness for feral cats and Trap-Neuter-Return programs, according to the LA Times.

“Cats have always been a part of my life, ever since I was a little girl in Oklahoma,” McClanahan said of her work on behalf of Alley Cat Allies. “In fact, my most recent cat, Kate, was a stray that just showed up at my back door in Manhattan, walked right in and has been in charge ever since.”

To learn more about the work of Alley Cat Allies, visit the group’s website.

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