Cloris Leachman – the incredibly talented and hilarious actress and comedian, who starred in some of the greatest films and TV shows of all time – died … TMZ learned.
Leachman died of natural causes Tuesday night at his home in Encinitas, California, with his daughter, Dinah, next to her … this according to the son.
He tells us … “She had the best life from start to finish that you could wish for someone.” He adds that she was at peace and “she left everyone with a lot of love”.
Cloris’ showbiz career began shortly after she competed in the 1946 Miss America Pageant, when she made her debut on the TV series’ Actors Studio ‘.
After years of getting small television roles, Leachman had his breakthrough playing the landlady, Phyllis, on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” in the 1970s … which led to her own spin-off.
She won 2 Emmys for the role and a Golden Globe for Best TV Actress for “Phyllis”.
In cinema, Cloris is best known for 2 films she made during the same period – “The Last Picture Show” in 1971, for which she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress … and 1974 for “Young Frankenstein”.
She would star in another popular Mel Brooks‘1981 film, “History of the World, Part I.”
But, that’s not all – she was also earning 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.”
With 22 Emmy nominations, she is the most nominated actress in history, and her 8 victories are the greatest of all time … tied with Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
His other notable roles spanning more than 7 decades include “The Twilight Zone”, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, “WUSA”, “Yesterday”, “Spanglish”, “Raising Hope” and the reboot “Mad About You “.
Cloris also voiced characters on several projects, including the films ‘The Croods’ and “Bob’s Burgers”.
4/21/17
TMZ.com
When we last saw her in 2017, she joked about her false rivalry with Betty White, and accepted a duel … on the dance floor.
Cloris was 94 years old.
REST IN PEACE