Undated file photo shows cast members of the Golden Girls TV series: clockwise from left, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White and Estelle Getty. McClanahan and White are the series' surviving members. (Associated Press)

Actress Rue McClanahan, best known for her TV role as the saucy southern belle Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls, is recovering from heart bypass surgery.

"She's fine, so it could not have gone better," manager Barbara Lawrence said on Friday.

Lawrence says the actress is expected to make a full recovery.

The 75-year-old performer was diagnosed on Monday with acute cardiac illness after a doctor's visit.

She went immediately to a hospital in New York City and underwent surgery on Thursday.

She will be missing an event in San Francisco next week held in her honour.

"Unfortunately, my doctor has laid down the law, and I'm currently in the hospital having some maintenance on the old ticker," said McClanahan in a statement.

"My darlings, I'm just devastated that I am going to have to miss my own tribute."

McClanahan plans to return to work in the new year on an undisclosed movie project.

Premiering in 1985, The Golden Girls was an Emmy-winning TV series that stayed in the top 10 for six seasons.

The show focused on four seniors living together in Miami, Fla. It included Betty White as well as Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty. Getty and Arthur, both of whom have since died, played mother and daughter.