Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman was an American actress and comedian whose career spanned nearly eight decades, making her one of the most versatile performers of her generation. Beginning her career in 1942, she moved fluidly between film, television, and stage, earning acclaim for both dramatic and comedic roles. She became widely known for her portrayal of Phyllis Lindstrom on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and its spin-off "Phyllis," as well as her unforgettable comedic turn as Frau Blücher in Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein."

Leachman's talents extended well beyond live-action performance; she was also an accomplished voice actor and character actor, lending her distinctive presence to numerous animated projects and television guest spots throughout her long career. Her ability to shift seamlessly between broad comedy and poignant drama earned her a reputation as one of Hollywood's most decorated performers, with a shelf of awards reflecting her extraordinary range. Even in her later years, she remained a beloved and active presence in American entertainment, continuing to work well into her nineties.

Before her acting career took off, Leachman also competed in beauty pageants, an early chapter that hinted at the public presence she would maintain for decades. She passed away in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the defining character actors of American film and television.