How do I prune or root last years Rudbeckia?

I am in Sunset zone 24, USDA 9. My Rudbeckia were glorious last year and I especially want to keep a couple of the russet colored plants I have. I pruned one of the plants quite dramatically and succeeded in killing it.

I'm now trying to figure out just how to prune the remaining plants or get the little pups to root. The birds ate practically every seed in sight, so I don't think they will reseed.

Any suggestions? Right now they look very leggy with (pups I guess) growing at intervals along a dry woody stem.

I'd appreciate any help you can give me.
Thanks

I would trim about 75% of the plant back. It would encourage branching and make it more fuller, but make sure you water the plant well to help it bounce back quicker

Rudbeckia is tough, i'm sure it'll be fine.
Good luck!

Thank you, I'll give it a try. So far enough of them survived so that I have a good bed this year---but I'm really eager to learn how to keep them going.

I appreciate the help.