Award-winning actress and Golden Globe winner Barbara Rush has passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades in film, television, and theater. Known for her grace on screen and her versatility as a performer, Rush was beloved not only for her roles in classics like Peyton Place and It Came From Outer Space, but also for the warmth and elegance she carried into every part of her life.
The news of her passing was confirmed by her daughter, Fox News correspondent Claudia Cowan, who shared a moving statement. “It was peaceful when my wonderful mother died this evening at 5:28,” she said, reflecting on the intimate final moments of her mother’s life. “I was with her this morning and know she was waiting for me to get home safely to transition.” Her words painted a picture of a daughter’s love and a mother’s patience, as though Barbara herself chose the moment with grace. Cowan added that it was especially meaningful that her mother’s passing took place on Easter, one of her favorite holidays. “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.”
Just months earlier, Claudia had shared a heartfelt birthday tribute on Instagram, celebrating her mother’s 97th year of life. “She shines like the sun and glows like the moon,” she wrote in January, accompanied by a candid photo of the two of them together. Claudia reflected on the timelessness of her mother’s spirit, adding, “Her age doesn’t change the sparkle in her eyes, the kindness in her heart, or the knowledge in her soul. To me, she is 97 years young.” These words spoke to the essence of Barbara Rush—not defined by years, but by the light she brought into the lives of others.
Barbara Rush’s career was filled with remarkable highlights. She worked alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Marlon Brando and Dean Martin, and her performances helped define the golden era of melodramas in the 1950s. Starting on the stage, she quickly transitioned into film, capturing audiences with her natural poise and magnetic screen presence. Her breakout role came in 1953 with the science fiction classic It Came From Outer Space. The film, a chilling yet imaginative take on extraterrestrial life, was a box office success and earned Rush critical acclaim. For her role, she was honored with the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer – Female, a distinction that launched her into stardom.
From there, Rush’s career flourished. She starred alongside Frank Sinatra in Come Blow Your Horn (1963) and Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964), two films that showcased her ability to bring depth and charm to lighthearted, stylish productions. Sinatra himself was known to admire her professionalism and grace, and the pair’s chemistry on screen delighted audiences. Rush’s versatility allowed her to move seamlessly between film genres, from dramas to comedies, proving that she was not bound by one style or type of role.
While her film career was impressive, television audiences came to know her best as Marsha Russell on the popular prime-time soap opera Peyton Place. For many seasons, she portrayed the character with a mix of strength and vulnerability, embodying the drama and intrigue that made the show a cultural phenomenon. Later, she appeared as Eudora Weldon in NBC’s Flamingo Road, further cementing her reputation as a captivating presence on television. With each role, Rush demonstrated her ability to transform scripts into living, breathing stories, captivating generations of viewers.
Her personal life, though at times turbulent, was also deeply rich. Barbara married three times. Her first marriage was to actor Jeffrey Hunter in 1950, with whom she shared a brief but notable chapter in her early Hollywood life. In 1959, she married renowned publicist Warren Cowan, who was the father of her daughter Claudia. Their union lasted until 1969, and although it ended in divorce, their daughter became one of Barbara’s greatest joys. In 1970, she married sculptor Jim Gruzalski, though that marriage also eventually ended. Through it all, Rush remained resilient, choosing to live her life with dignity and focus on what mattered most to her—her family and her craft.
In her later years, Rush stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight, preferring a quieter, more private life. Yet even in retirement, her influence lingered. Fans remembered her for the elegance she brought to her roles, and fellow actors often spoke about her kindness and generosity behind the scenes. She was never the kind of star who chased scandals or headlines. Instead, she built a reputation on professionalism, consistency, and a genuine love for storytelling.
Claudia Cowan frequently shared glimpses of their bond on social media, giving fans a rare look at Barbara’s life away from cameras. In February, just weeks before her passing, Claudia posted a photo with her mother, writing: “Time with my mom is extra special these days. As her time runs out, I’m going to see her as often as I can to show her how much I love and appreciate her. And, so that I know in my heart, neither of us has to worry.” Those words now read like both a promise and a farewell, a daughter’s acknowledgment of the inevitable mixed with gratitude for every remaining moment.
Barbara Rush’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on in countless ways. Her performances in classic films and television shows will continue to be rediscovered by new generations. Her Golden Globe win stands as a reminder of her trailblazing talent during Hollywood’s golden age. And her daughter’s loving tributes remind the world that behind the glitz of fame was a woman who was first and foremost a mother, a friend, and a soul full of kindness.
At 97 years old, Barbara Rush left the world in the same way she lived in it—with grace, beauty, and a touch of timeless elegance. For her family, her passing may feel like an irreplaceable loss, but for the millions of fans who admired her work, she will always remain alive on screen, sparkling with that same light Claudia so perfectly described—the light that never truly fades.
