In Memory of Cloris Leachman (1926-2021)

Cloris Leachman
1926-2021
Legenday television and film star Cloris Leachman has died at the age of 94. Leachman had a career that spawned nearly eighty years, first appearing in a stage play in 1942 in her home state of Iowa. She made her film debut in 1947 in Carnegie Hall, as an uncredited extra. Her big break arguably came in 1957 with Lassie, a show she starred in until 1958. She made numerous TV guest roles and smaller film roles before she became a household name when she joined the cast of The Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1970, portraying neighbor Phyllis Lindstrom, a role she'd win two Emmys for. A year after joining the cast of that show, Leachman won the Academy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role in Peter Bogdanovich's The Last Picture Show. Amid her Mary Tyler Moore run, she appeared in the film Young Frankenstein. In 1975, she left The Mary Tyler Moore Show for her own spinoff, Phyllis, which lased two seasons. In 1986, she joined the cast of The Facts of Life, replacing Charlotte Rae. She remained a staple of film and television over the years, with roles in films such as The Muppet Movie, Herbie Goes Bananas, The Beverly Hillbillies, You Again and The Croods and countless TV guest roles, including an Emmy-winning role on Malcolm in the Middle. In 2008, Leachman became the oldest contestant on Dancing With the Stars, lasting six weeks in the competition. Her final major role on television was in Raising Hope, playing Barbara June "Mawmaw" Thompson for four seasons. Leachman's career was one of the most-awarded in Hollywood history, with her holding the record, alongside Julia Louis-Drefus, as the most-awarded performer in the history of the ceremony. Leachman's other wins included a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a star on the Hollywood Walf of Fame. Leachman was the mother of five children, one of whom predeceased her.

The TV Ratings Guide sends its condolences to the family of Cloris Leachman. May she rest in peace.

Share this

Related Posts

Previous
Next Post »