Beloved Actress Barbara Rush Passes Away at 97

Los Angeles, CA - Barbara Rush, a prominent leading actor from the 1950s and 1960s who starred alongside renowned performers such as Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman, has died at the age of 97. The news of her passing was shared by her daughter, Fox News reporter Claudia Cowan, who announced the sad news on Instagram, revealing that Rush passed away on Easter Sunday. Further details surrounding her death have yet to be disclosed.

Rush began her acting career when she was spotted performing in a play at the Pasadena Playhouse. Recognizing her talent, Paramount Studios offered her a contract in 1950, marking her film debut with a small role in "The Goldbergs," which was based on the popular radio and TV series of the same name. After her time at Paramount, she went on to work for Universal International and later 20th Century Fox.

Throughout her career, Rush appeared in a wide range of films, making notable appearances alongside Rock Hudson in "Captain Lightfoot," in Douglas Sirk's acclaimed remake of "Magnificent Obsession," with Audie Murphy in "World in My Corner," and alongside Richard Carlson in the 3-D science-fiction classic "It Came From Outer Space." Her outstanding performance in the latter film earned her a Golden Globe award for most promising newcomer.

As she approached middle age, Rush successfully transitioned to television, taking on roles in various series such as "Peyton Place," "All My Children," "The New Dick Van Dyke Show," and "7th Heaven." Her versatility and passion for acting shone through as she continued to captivate audiences throughout her career.

Reflecting on her journey in the entertainment industry, Rush once shared her experience of breaking away from the limited scope of roles for women of her age. In a 1962 interview, she remarked, "There used to be this terrible Sahara Desert between 40 and 60 when you went from ingenue to old lady. You either didn't work or you pretended you were 20." However, Rush defied these boundaries and pursued roles that showcased her talent and depth.

Born in Denver, Rush spent her formative years traveling from town to town with her father, who worked as a mining company lawyer. Eventually, her family settled in Santa Barbara, California, where a school play ignited her love for acting as she portrayed a mythical dryad.

In her personal life, Rush experienced three marriages and subsequent divorces. She was married to screen star Jeffrey Hunter, Hollywood publicity executive Warren Cowan, and sculptor James Gruzalski.

Barbara Rush leaves behind an enduring legacy in the entertainment industry, having captivated audiences with her talent and charm for over six decades. Her contributions to both film and television will be cherished and remembered by fans around the world.