Barbara Rush Died: Her Last Photos Personal Life as Granny of Twins

• Barbara Rush had died at 97.
• She enjoyed being a grandmother to twins, having family trips, and even going on romantic dates at her advanced age.
• Unfortunately, her health declined with time.

Barbara Rush was in countless films and television shows throughout the years. With her Hollywood track record, it’s no wonder she was considered a legend among actors. The silver screen sensation was born to Roy Rush and Marguerite Rush on January 4, 1927.

The legendary actress died on Easter Sunday at 97. The sad news was announced by her daughter, Claudia on Instagram with a sweet photo of the two smiling at each other. Claudia wrote, “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.”

The Denver, Colorado native found acting while studying at the University of California. There, she discovered the University Players and eventually took acting classes with the Pasadena Playhouse. While learning her trade, she starred in small plays, which led to her being seen by an executive from Paramount Studios.

In 1950, the young Barbara signed with Paramount and starred in her first film, “The Goldbergs.” She fell in love with fellow actor Jeffrey Hunter in the same year, and the two said their vows in December. The new couple quickly became renowned throughout Hollywood and welcomed their first son, Christopher Hunter, in 1952.

Unfortunately, her marriage to Jeffrey failed, but she remarried in 1959 to Warren Cowan, and the two had a daughter, Claudia Cowan. In 1969, Barbara and Warren went their separate way, and in 2008, Warren passed away at the age of 87.

Barbara’s career peaked during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She starred opposite numerous iconic male actors, such as Marlon Brando and Dean Martin. She also starred with Paul Newman in “The Young Philadelphians.” At 70, she reflected on the movie industry, saying she enjoyed the route Hollywood was taking.

Barbara enjoyed her retirement as much as she enjoyed her career. In 2020, the actress’ daughter, Claudia, shared an image of her mom on a date with her latest boyfriend, Bernie. The post was intended to commemorate the first time Barbara and Bernie got together in a quaint café in San Francisco. The caption read:

“He got there first to claim the romantic corner window. This picture says it all. And they’re still going strong at 94 years young. You’re an inspiration and a reminder that age is just a number. Happy anniversary!”

Besides dating again in her 90s, Barbara spent her golden years with her twin grandchildren, Sabrina Baker and Ben Baker. In February the actress’ grandchildren turned 25 and their mother commemorated the milestone birthday with an Instagram post, writing, ” A mom couldn’t be more proud or enchanted by her magnificent children. I love you Sabrina Baker & Ben Baker!”

People in the comment section could not stop gushing at how grown the twins were. One commenter also noticed Barbara’s genes in her grandchildren. “Your daughter resembles your gorgeous mother! Happy birthday you two,” wrote the netizen. While another added, ” How they have grown!’

Claudia could also not have been more proud of the life her children are building for themselves. On their 23rd birthday, she expressed how happy she was to have witnessed Ben and Sabrina graduate from college and land competitive jobs in New York and Los Angeles. Barbara’s daughter has also done well and represented her family as a successful Fox News Correspondent.

A year after the scary COVID-19 pandemic, Barbara had to adjust to life post-pandemic. Her daughter made an Instagram post to celebrate her health and persistent youthfulness.

Unfortunately, Barbara’s health got worse with time. Claudia announced her mother’s health had been deteriorating since the start of 2023. Claudia shared an image of her and Barbara as the actress sat snugly under a pink blanket. In the post, Claudia said spending time with her mom has been doubly as important:

“Time with my mom is extra special these days. As her clock slowly winds down, I am visiting her as much as possible so that she knows how much I love and appreciate her. And, so that I know in my heart, neither of us has to worry.”

The blow to her health came after Barbara spent 2020 quarantining and staying as isolated as possible. The “It Came From Outer Space” star posted a video on YouTube trying to placate her fans who were afraid during the pandemic. In the video, she said she often received calls from people who were having a difficult time.

She explained that people often called her, afraid of the rapidly spreading Coronavirus. She went on, saying that she was single and never went out to avoid getting infected. The then-93-year-old happily helped anyone who needed reassurance during this daunting time. It also provided her with some much-needed interaction.

In September 2020, Claudia posted a photo of her and Barbara after they reunited. The two beamed happily at the camera, glad to once more be able to talk to each other face-to-face and embrace. Claudia captioned the post sweetly, “The best medicine is still a mother’s love. ❤️”

The last red-carpet appearance from Barbara was five years ago at the 2019 TCM Classic Film Festival. The actress looked glamorous in her leopard print outfit paired with a statement necklace and her short gray hair. She was proud to have her daughter as her date who was also happy to be walking the carpet instead of being behind the scenes.