Barbara Rush, star of 'It Came from Outer Space' & 'Peyton Place,' dies at 97

Barbara Rush, a renowned movie star and Golden Globe recipient, has passed away at the age of 97. Best known for her roles in "It Came From Outer Space" and "Peyton Place," Rush died on March 31st.

Claudia Cowan, her daughter, confirmed the news, stating, "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's statement to Fox News continued, "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."

Rush's passing follows a recent birthday tribute from her daughter, describing her as "golden."

"She is golden, she is a diamond, she glows like the moon and shines like the sun," Cowan wrote in January. "Age does not diminish the light in her eyes, the sweetness of her heart, or the wisdom in her soul. To me, she is 97 years young."

Rush enjoyed a prolific career lasting over seven decades, working alongside Hollywood icons like Marlon Brando and Dean Martin. Her breakout role came in the 1953 science fiction horror "It Came From Outer Space," earning her the prestigious Golden Globe for most promising newcomer - female.

Other notable film credits include "Come Blow Your Horn" (1963) and "Robin and the 7 Hoods" (1964), both with Frank Sinatra. Rush also achieved success on television, particularly with her role as Marsha Russell in the prime-time soap opera "Peyton Place."

Rush was married and divorced three times. She spent her final years away from the spotlight, with her daughter sharing a touching Instagram post in February: "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."

Peyton’s Place (1964); Photo Credits: Deadline