Iconic Hollywood Star Barbara Rush, Known for ‘Peyton Place,’ Dies at 97

Barbara Rush, the esteemed actress who garnered acclaim for her roles in classics like “It Came from Outer Space” and “Peyton Place,” has passed away at the age of 97.

The Hollywood Reporter Twitter account shared the news of Barbara Rush’s passing:

Confirmation of Rush’s passing came from her daughter, Claudia Cowan, a senior correspondent at Fox News Channel, who shared the sad news with 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,” Cowan shared. “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.”

Rush showcased her versatility across various mediums, gracing both soap operas like “All My Children” and hit series such as “7th Heaven.” Her filmography boasted an impressive array of titles, including classics like “The Young Philadelphians,” “Robin and the 7 Hoods,” “Hombre,” and “The Young Lions,” where she shared the screen with luminaries like Rock Hudson, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Richard Burton.

Originating from Denver, Rush pursued her passion for acting after graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and honed her craft at the esteemed Pasadena Playhouse. Her cinematic journey commenced with Paramount Pictures, debuting in “The Goldbergs” before making a mark in the sci-fi realm with “When Worlds Collide.”

Notably, her Golden Globe accolade was for her captivating portrayal in the 1954 sci-fi gem, “It Came From Outer Space,” where she depicted the devoted fiancée of an amateur astronomer embroiled in otherworldly encounters.

Rush’s television legacy included memorable roles like Nora Clavicle in the iconic “Batman” series and The Bionic Woman’s nurturing mother. She graced numerous other hit shows such as “Maude,” “Cannon,” “Streets of San Francisco,” “Fantasy Island,” “Love Boat,” and “Murder, She Wrote.”

Transitioning seamlessly to the big screen, she dazzled audiences in the 1980 disco flick “Can’t Stop the Music” before returning to television, notably starring in the soap opera “Flamingo Road.”

Beyond screens, Rush also captivated audiences on stage, notably headlining a national tour of “Steel Magnolias” in 1989.

In her personal life, Rush experienced the complexities of love, marrying three times, with publicist Warren Cowan among her spouses. She leaves behind a legacy cherished by her two children, Claudia Cowan and Jeffrey Hunter.

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