A television icon from the Mary Tyler Moore Show has passed away. Clois Leachman died at the age of 94. The reported cause of death was “natural causes” but we expect more information to be released at a later time. She died peacefully at her own home in Encinitas, California, a suburb of San Diego. One of her sons released the news to the press and had this touching memorial for her:
“She had the best life beginning to end that you could wish for someone. She left everyone with a lot of love.”
Tributes started pouring in from Hollywood as soon as the news broke.
Reese Witherspoon called her a “talented actress who will be deeply missed.” Ellen DeGeneres said, “I always considered myself lucky for having the chance to work with her.”
A celebrated actress, Cloris was nominated for 22 Emmy Awards and won 8.
She also won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1972 for The Last Picture Show, which also won her a BAFTA.
More recently, she played Grandma Ida on Malcolm In The Middle, where she won 2 of her 8 Emmy awards.
Mark Hamill, the Star Wars legend, said: “A one-of-a-kind actor, she could do everything! She made anything she appeared in much better & her versatility was astonishing. Thank you for a lifetime of unforgettable performances.”
Mel Brooks, who directed three of Cloris’ movies, also weighed in: “Such sad news—Cloris was insanely talented. She could make you laugh or cry at the drop of a hat.”
Rest in peace, Cloris. Your amazing talents will surely be missed.