Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman was an American actress and comedian whose career spanned more than seven decades.

Cloris Leachman was an American actress and comedian whose career spanned more than seven decades. She won an Academy Award, eight Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award. She was widely known for television roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Phyllis, and Malcolm in the Middle.

Early life and education

Leachman was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and developed an early interest in performance. She studied at Illinois State University and Northwestern University before entering professional entertainment.

Career

Her career began in the mid-1940s and extended across stage, film, and television. She became especially prominent in the 1970s and later remained active in television and film into the 21st century.

Major roles

Leachman is strongly associated with The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off Phyllis, as well as The Last Picture Show, Young Frankenstein, and Malcolm in the Middle. She also appeared on Dancing with the Stars at age 82.

Awards and recognition

Her honours included an Academy Award, eight Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Daytime Emmy Award. Her Emmy total made her one of the most decorated performers in television history.

Death

Leachman died in Encinitas, California, in January 2021 at age 94. Sources differ on the exact date, listing either January 26 or January 27, 2021.