LOS ANGELES — Cloris Leachman, an Oscar-winner for her portrayal of a lonely housewife in “The Last Picture Show” and a comedic delight as the fearsome Frau Blücher in “Young Frankenstein” and neighbor Phyllis on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” has died. She was 94.

Leachman died in her sleep of natural causes at her home in Encinitas, California, publicist Monique Moss said Wednesday. Her daughter was at her side, Moss said.

A character actor of extraordinary range, Leachman defied typecasting. In her early television career, she appeared as the mother of Timmy on the “Lassie” series. She played a frontier prostitute in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” a crime spree family member in “Crazy Mama,” and Blücher in Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein,” in which the very mention of her name made horses whinny.

In 1989 she toured in “Grandma Moses,” a play in which she aged from 45 to 101. For three years in the 1990s she appeared in major cities as the captain’s wife in the revival of “Show Boat.” In the 1993 movie version of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” she assumed the Irene Ryan role as Granny Clampett.

She also had an occasional role as Ida on “Malcolm in the Middle,” winning Emmys in 2002 and 2006 for that show. And in 2008, she joined the ranks of contestants in “Dancing With the Stars,” not lasting long in the competition but pleasing the crowds by wearing sparkly dance costumes, sitting in judges’ laps and cussing during the live television broadcast.

Although she started out as Miss Chicago in the Miss America Pageant, Leachman willingly accepted unglamorous screen roles.

“Basically I don’t care how I look, ugly or beautiful,” she told an interviewer in 1973. “I don’t think that’s what beauty is. On a single day, any of us is ugly or beautiful. I’m heartbroken I can’t be the witch in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ But I’d also like to be the good witch. Phyllis combines them both.

“I’m kind of like that in life. I’m magic, and I believe in magic. There’s supposed to be a point in life when you aren’t supposed to stay believing that. I haven’t reached it yet.”

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quote:

Blücher

RIP

Rest in peace. She was truly great. Her and Betty White. Two class acts.

Let me fix you some sandwiches!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Micropterus,

Wow

I also read that Bruce Kirby, the veteran character actor most famously known for his roles in Columbo, L.A. Law,I Dream of Jeannie, Night Court, The Golden Girls, and Punky Brewster, died in Los Angeles on Jan. 24. He was 95.

Rest in Peace.

I cannot recall her putting forth any bad performances in any film, even films which were stinkers.

One of her first film roles was in the film noir classic Kiss Me Deadly. It didn’t end well for her character.

quote:

Blücher

(Whinney!)

RIP, Cloris.

flashguy

Thank you for posting this, Clubleaf.

Rest in Peace talented lady.

Who trooped on until almost the very end. What a great life she lived , age 95 is a good show.

I remember so much her role in The Last Picture Show.

She gave us some great and classic entertainment.

RIP and thanks for the memories.

He vas my.... Boyfriend!
R.I.P. Quite a career.

She was part of one of the Comedy Central roasts and she KILLED it. Love her work.

The Last Picture Show

Great movie. Great performance by Cloris Leachman

quote:

Originally posted by TMats:
The Last Picture Show

Great movie. Great performance by Cloris Leachman

Yes to both.

In the late 1990's (when I was still working as a detective for my PD), I had an opportunity to deal with Ms. Leachman on a case. She was very pleasant and cooperative, to the degree that it was hard to believe she was a "above the line" actress. Very down to earth and "normal" in a way that distinguished her from other "Hollywood" types I've dealt with over the years. I hope this fine lady rests in peace.

Emmy Award (2006)
Emmy Award (2002)
Emmy Award (1998)
Emmy Award (1984)
Golden Globe Award (1976)
Emmy Award (1975)
Emmy Award (1974)
British Academy of Film and Television Awards (1973)
Emmy Award (1973)
Academy Award (1972)

Dang, a very funny woman. I loved her in "Young Frankenstein". Rip Cloris.

She was really good. She deserved that Academy Award for "Last Picture Show."

RIP

Would you like an orlvoteen? RIP

quote:

Originally posted by Leemur:
She was part of one of the Comedy Central roasts and she KILLED it. Love her work.

OMG, I forgot about those. I LMAO at some of that stuff.

https://www.cc.com/video/0t0rs...-eyes-on-john-stamos