LEACHMAN, CLORIS

LEACHMAN, CLORIS (1926– ), U.S. actress. Leachman was born in Des Moines, Iowa. Though she is best known for her career in acting, it was as a model that Leachman first stepped into the public eye. Crowned Miss Chicago in 1946, during her years as a student at Northwestern University, Leachman went on to be runner-up for the title of Miss America. It is therefore ironic that included among her most famous roles is her portrayal of the grotesque Frau Blucher in Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein (1974). Leachman did, however, begin her career in movies with a sexy debut – in the film noir Kiss Me Deadly (1955). She appeared in prominent roles in films such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and Lovers and Other Strangers (1970). Leachman's most widespread recognition arguably stems from her role as Phyllis Lindstrom on both The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–77) and its spin-off, Phyllis (1975–77). Leachman's portrayal of a housewife who has an affair with a younger man in The Last Picture Show (1971) earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She has also won Emmy awards in five different categories for her television work. Leachman was divorced from her husband, Hollywood legend George Englund. (Casey Schwartz (2nd ed.)