Cloris Leachman, the oldest of three sisters, was born on April 30, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa. She had an early start in acting, making her debut at the age of eight in a play for young audiences at Drake University. Her talent and passion for acting led her to enroll in the Actors Studio at just 19 years old, where she studied under Elia Kazan alongside notable actors such as Marlon Brando and Julie Harris. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she went on to have a successful career in both Broadway and television.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cloris Leachman at the age of 94. Throughout her career, she left a legacy of several memorable and controversial performances that showcased her incredible range and talent. She made appearances in popular TV shows such as Malcolm in the Middle and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and earlier in her career, she had acting credits in Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and The Twilight Zone. At the age of 82, she even participated in Dancing With The Stars, proving that age is just a number.
Leachman’s talent and hard work did not go unnoticed, as she received 22 Emmy nominations throughout her career, winning eight of them. Her contributions to the industry were recognized by the Television Academy, and she was truly honored for her achievements.
Her career as a movie actor was equally successful, having acted in movies such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. She even earned an Oscar for her outstanding performance in The Last Picture Show as best supporting actress. Leachman’s versatility as an actress allowed her to play a variety of roles, including funny characters in Mel Brooks films such as Young Frankenstein and High Society.
In her autobiography, Cloris, she stated, “I’ve lived my life; I haven’t trotted alongside it.” Her determination and willingness to seize opportunities led her to encounter discoveries, dreams, setbacks, and even death. She wore the deep satisfaction of knowing she never caved to traditions she didn’t believe in and the fears of not having followed rules established by others.
Cloris Leachman’s passing is a great loss to the entertainment industry, but her legacy and impact will live on forever.