'She was something special': Tributes pour in as 'It Came from Outer Space' star Barbara Rush dies at 97

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'It Came from Outer Space' and 'Peyton Place' star Barbara Rush has died at the age of 97.

The Golden Globe winner's daughter Claudia Cowan, a senior correspondent for Fox News Channel, reported her mother's death to Fox News Digital on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

"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 said.

"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," she added.

Barbara Rush was best known for 'It Came from Outer Space' and 'Peyton Place'

Throughout her seven-decade career, the renowned actress appeared on stage, in cinema, and on television alongside some of the most recognizable leading men in Hollywood, including Paul Newman, Dean Martin, Rock Hudson, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, and Richard Burton.

In 1950, Rush got a contract with Paramount Pictures after being discovered by a talent scout while performing on stage at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Rush made her big-screen debut in the 1950's comedy-drama 'The Goldbergs', followed by 1951's 'When Worlds Collide', 1952's 'Flaming Feather', and eventually had a career breakthrough with the 1953 science fiction horror movie 'It Came From Outer Space'.

Rush's performance in the movie earned her the 1954 Golden Globe Award for Female Most Promising Newcomer.

Rush and Rock Hudson initially collaborated on 1954's Western 'Taza, Son of Conchise'. The two would reunite in the same year for the adventure film 'Captain Lightfoot' in 1955 and the romance drama 'Magnificent Obsession' the following year.

In 1957, Rush was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the aspirational young woman Allison Mackenzie in the film adaptation of Grace Metalious's novel 'Peyton Place'.

The movie's success led to Rush returning to her role in the television series adaptation of 'Peyton Place', which ran from 1964 to 1969, per Daily Mail.

She shared the screen with movie stars such as Marlon Brando in 'The Young Lions' (1958), Paul Newman in 'The Young Philadelphians' (1959), and Rock Hudson in 'Come Blow Your Horn' (1963).

Rush starred in several TV shows and made-for-TV films, such as 'Murder, She Wrote', 'The Twilight Zone', and 'The Outer Limits'.

Rush got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for her contributions to the entertainment business. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 2010.

Internet pays tribute to Barbara Rush 

Social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to the legendary actress, with one fan writing, "I am so, so sorry to learn of Barbara Rush’s passing. She was a lovely person and actor. She so appreciated her fans and told great stories. May she R.I.P."

A second one wrote, "So sad to hear that Barbara Rush passed away. I was privileged to have spoken with her after she presented “Magnificent Obsession” at the TCM film festival. She was intelligent, caring, and one of the loveliest people I had a chance to talk with. RIP"

"So sad to learn that Barbara Rush has died at the age of 97. She was something special," exclaimed a third one.

One user noted, "RIP Barbara Rush, 97. She was a stunning woman who appeared in "It Came from Outer Space," on "Peyton Place" and on "7th Heaven." First work: onstage in 1937. Last: short film in 2017. Incredible."

"R.I.P. Barbara Rush who has left us at 97 years old. She was so lovely. She has left a great filmography with her long career." said another one.

Another remarked, "SAD FAREWELL - Barbara Rush Actress Barbara Rush has passed away. Remembered for It Came From Outer Space, Hombre, Robin and the Seven Hoods, Magnificent Obsession, and many others. Ms. Rush was 97 years old. A long life. RIP."

"Barbara Rush, star of the classic Night Gallery episode "Cool Air," passed away today at the age of 97. One could not meet a nicer lady. RIP," wrote one more.

One person wrote, "Growing up a fan of the greatest classic science fiction, fantasy and horror movies, of course I loved watching Barbara Rush in It Came From Outer Space and When Worlds Collide! Another great of Hollywood’s Golden Age has now moved on to the next world."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.