Legendary actress Cloris Leachman has passed away at the age of 94. She died of natural causes in Encinitas, California, at her home, on Wednesday, confirmed by Monique Moss.
Cloris Leachman was an Academy Award-winning actress, who was best known for portraying nosy neighbor Phyllis, on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
The role of Phyllis, a character that Cloris stated was close to her own persona, brought her two Emmys as a featured actress in a series in the mid-70s and made the actress a well-known name.
Cloris’ manager, Juliet Green, expressed her condolences and also her gratefulness to have worked with such an icon.
“It’s been my privilege to work with Cloris Leachman, one of the most fearless actresses of our time. There was no one like Cloris. With a single look she had the ability to break your heart or make you laugh ‘till the tears ran down your face. You never knew what Cloris was going to say or do and that unpredictable quality was part of her unparalleled magic.” - Juliet Green
During her career, Cloris even won an Oscar for supporting actress in the early years of the decade for her character of a small-town housewife in Peter Bogdanovich’s film, "The Last Picture Show." She later reprised the role in the movie’s sequel, “Texasville.” Both of the movies were based on Larry McMurtry’s writings.
Cloris only hit fame during her 40s after two decades of working in the industry with theater, television, and movies. The actress honed her skills for many years and laced her experience of being a mom of five kids into her acting.
Throughout her lifetime, Cloris won a total of eight primetime Emmys, for drama and comedy, and one daytime Emmy.
She was still working in 2008, as a contestant on season seven of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ at the age of 82 - she was the oldest contestant to compete in the show. Cloris was also the grand marshal for the 2009 New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bown Game in Pasadena, California.
