Brilliant Cloris Leachman – the most Emmy-nominated actress in history, has died, TMZ confirms. She was 94-years-old.
The world has lost one of its brightest stars today. Legendary actress and comedian Cloris Leachman was a star in many of the biggest television shows and films in Hollywood history.
According to TMZ, Leachman’s son has revealed the star “passed away of natural causes Tuesday night at her home in Encinitas, California, with her daughter, Dinah, by her side.”
“She had the best life beginning to end that you could wish for someone,” her son states of his late mother. He adds that she was at peace, and that “she left everyone with a lot of love.”
The Marvelous Life of Cloris Leachman
Cloris Leachman’s career began with the 1946 Miss America Pageant. From there, she first graced the small screen in the “Actors Studio” TV series. Leachman would continue to grow as an actress through small roles on television, until her timeless breakthrough role on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Within, she played infamous landlady Phyllis, a role that elevated the entire show. So much so, in fact, that Leachman received a spinoff for the character, and won two Emmys & a Golden Globe for her work as Phyllis.
Leachman would make an incredible mark on film, as well. She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for “The Last Picture Show” in 1971. Moreover, she would star in one of the most beloved comedies of all time: Mel Brook’s 1974 classic, “Young Frankenstein.” Brooks & Cloris Leachman fans will know she also starred in his 1981 classic, “History of the World, Part I.”
“She was also racking up Emmys for “A Brand New Life” and “Cher” in the ’70s, “The Woman Who Willed a Miracle” in the ’80s, “Promised Land” in the ’90s … and most recently, “Malcolm in the Middle,” TMZ adds of the incredible talent.
All in all, Cloris Leachman would earn a remarkable 22 Emmy nominations throughout her career – making her the most nominated actress in history. She is tied with Julia Louis-Dreyfus with 8 wins as the top Emmy earners of all time.
Our condolences to Leachman’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. May she rest in peace after a beyond-incredible life.
Cloris Leachman’s passing comes on the heels of several tragic deaths early in 2021. So far, we’ve lost Hank Aaron, Larry King, Gregory Sierra, Mila Furan, and legendary singer-songwriter Hugh X. Lewis, among many others.
