Golden Globe-Winning Movie Star, Known for Iconic Roles with Brando, Martin, and Sinatra, Passes Away

Award-winning actress and Golden Globe recipient Barbara Rush has passed away at the age of 97. Known for her iconic roles in *Peyton Place* and *It Came From Outer Space*, Rush’s death was confirmed by her daughter, Claudia Cowan.

Cowan shared that her mother passed away peacefully, stating, “My wonderful mother passed away this evening at 5:28. I was with her this morning and know she was waiting for me to get home safely before transitioning.”

“It’s fitting she chose to leave on Easter, as it was one of her favorite holidays,” Claudia Cowan said. “Now, Easter will hold even deeper significance for me and my family.”

Barbara Rush’s passing comes just a few months after Cowan shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute for her mother’s birthday.

In January, Cowan wrote, “She shines like the sun and glows like the moon. Her age doesn’t diminish the sparkle in her eyes, the kindness in her heart, or the wisdom in her soul. To me, she is 97 years young.”

Barbara Rush, renowned for her work alongside legends like Marlon Brando and Dean Martin, enjoyed a distinguished career spanning decades. The actress, celebrated for her roles in melodramas of the 1950s, first gained significant recognition with her role in the 1953 science fiction horror film *It Came From Outer Space*. This role earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer – Female.

Rush’s illustrious career also included memorable collaborations with Frank Sinatra in *Robin and the Seven Hoods* (1964) and *Come Blow Your Horn* (1963). On television, she captured audiences’ hearts with her role as Marsha Russell on the long-running soap opera *Peyton Place*, becoming a beloved figure in the medium.

A Stellar Profile

Barbara Rush’s career extended beyond her iconic role in *Peyton Place*. She also made her mark on soap operas with a notable role as Eudora Weldon on NBC’s *Flamingo Road*.

In her personal life, Rush experienced three marriages and divorces. She first married actor Jeffrey Hunter in 1950, followed by a marriage to publicist Warren Cowan in 1959. Her third marriage was to sculptor Jim Gruzalski in 1970.

In her later years, Rush chose to step away from the Hollywood spotlight, spending her final years out of the public eye.

In February, Claudia Cowan shared a touching Instagram photo of herself with her mother, Barbara Rush. Recently, Cowan reflected, “Time with my mom is extra special these days.” As Barbara’s time grew shorter, Cowan expressed her commitment to visiting as often as possible to show her love and appreciation. “I want to ensure that neither of us has to worry, and that I know in my heart just how much she means to me.”