Barbara Rush, renowned for her roles in classic Hollywood films such as the sci-fi horror “It Came From Outer Space,” passed away at the age of 97. Her daughter, Claudia Cowan, a journalist at Fox News Channel, confirmed her mother’s death on Monday. Rush had been battling dementia for years and died on Sunday afternoon at a senior care center in Westlake Village.
Cowan announced her mother’s passing through heartfelt social media posts on Monday morning, expressing that “another star is shining on us tonight.” She described Rush as an “elegant and classic actress” and “the best mom in the world,” sharing cherished memories and photos of their time together.
Rush rose to fame in the 1950s with roles in movies like “The Goldbergs” and “Quebec,” later transitioning to sci-fi classics such as “When Worlds Collide” and “It Came From Outer Space.” Her performance in the latter earned her the Promising Female Newcomer Prize at the 1954 Golden Globe Awards.
Beyond the silver screen, Rush made significant contributions to television, notably with her role in the long-running ABC drama “Peyton Place.” She also appeared in series like “Flamingo Road” and “All My Children,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Throughout her career, Rush remained active on stage and screen, with credits in productions ranging from “Taza, Son of Cochise” to “Magnum, P.I.” and “Murder, She Wrote.” She was known for her quick wit and dedication to her craft, as exemplified by her remark about performing anytime the refrigerator door opened.
Born on January 4, 1927, in Denver, Rush grew up in Southern California and graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1948. Before her screen debut, she honed her talents at the Pasadena Playhouse, catching the attention of Paramount talent scouts.
Rush was married and divorced three times and is survived by her daughter Claudia Cowan, son Christopher Hunter, and four grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Cowan encouraged fans to honor Rush’s memory by watching her films, a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy in entertainment.
