Cloris Leachman was a celebrated American actress with a career that spanned stage, film, and television. Born on April 30, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa, she was one of the most versatile performers in the entertainment industry. Acting professionally from the 1940s until late in her life, Leachman became known for her comedic timing, dramatic depth, and enduring relevance across generations of screen and stage productions.
Cloris Leachman grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, where she attended Theodore Roosevelt High School. She was the youngest of three sisters in a family that operated the Leachman Lumber Company. Her youngest sister, Claiborne Cary, also pursued a career in entertainment and was known both for her acting and singing abilities. Their family heritage included Czech, or Bohemian, ancestry from their maternal grandmother.
Leachman studied drama at Illinois State University before transferring to Northwestern University. While at Northwestern, she joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and studied alongside future comedian Paul Lynde. In 1946, Leachman competed in the Miss America pageant as Miss Chicago, which helped launch her into the entertainment spotlight.
Leachman's on-screen debut came in the 1947 film Carnegie Hall, where she appeared as an extra. Her first significant movie role was as Christina Bailey in Kiss Me Deadly (1955), directed by Robert Aldrich. Her performance marked the beginning of a prolific acting journey that included television, theater, and film.
She earned widespread acclaim for her role as Phyllis Lindstrom on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off, Phyllis, earning her multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. In total, Leachman won eight Primetime Emmy Awards and one Daytime Emmy Award, making her one of the most awarded actresses in Emmy history. Her television credits also include appearances in series such as Malcolm in the Middle and Raising Hope, showcasing her continued relevance in contemporary television.
In 1977, Leachman was a guest star on The Muppet Show, further highlighting her widespread appeal. The following year, she received the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award for her achievements in Chicago theater. Over the years, her accomplishments contributed to a reported net worth of approximately $21 million.
| Birth Date: | 30 Apr, 1926 |
| Age: | 93 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Des Moines |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American actress |
| Twitter Id: | Cloris_leachman |
| Spouse: | George Englund[1953-1979] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 10 million |
