Emmy Award-winning actress Cloris Leachman, best known for her role as landlady Phyllis on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and the spinoff series ‘Phyllis’, has passed away at the age of 94.
A statement from her manager Juliet Green, confirmed she died from natural causes.
“It’s been my privilege to work with Cloris Leachman, one of the most fearless actresses of our time,” the statement reads.
“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.”
And Hollywood certainly agrees. Check out these messages from those who worked with her, admired her and loved her:
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Actress Patricia Heaton shared a series of videos of Cloris, describing her as a “legend” and recalling a big laugh they shared:
“Another legend leaves us. I met Cloris at the Governor’s Ball after the Emmys one year and embarrassed myself by sitting in a chair that wasn’t there, falling flat on my bum in front of her. I know I gave her the biggest laugh of the evening. She made such a huge impression on me growing up watching her on MTM and Phyllis. And of course her scene stealing performance as Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein. A comedy icon.”
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Actor Jorge Garcia shared a photo of himself and Cloris smiling at each other.
He writes: “Words can’t explain the gratitude I feel for getting to stand next to this legend twice. Working with her will always be a highlight in my career. Rest In Peace.”
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Actress Reese Witherspoon describes Cloris as “larger than life in every unique performance”…
Truly original and larger than life in every unique performance . An incredibly talented actress who will be deeply missed. 💔 https://t.co/xia7ZzBGzb
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) January 27, 2021
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Actor Jason Alexander remembers Cloris as “a zany, funny, quite brilliant actress who gave the world so much laughter.”
God bless Cloris Leachman, a zany, funny, quite brilliant actress who gave the world so much laughter. With gratitude and respect I say #ripclorisleachman
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) January 28, 2021
Actor Steve Martin gave a “salute to Cloris Leachman”…
Salute to Cloris Leachman, who brought comedy’s mysteries to the big and small screen.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) January 27, 2021
Actress Melissa Gilbert shared a backstage photo of herself having a laugh with Cloris Leachman and says working with her was one of the “greatest pleasures” of her life.
“She possessed an unparalleled depth of talent. She also happened to be one of the sweetest and funniest people I’ve ever known.”
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Actor Willie Garson describes his friend as a “legend and a hoot”…
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And actress Danielle Fishel shared a photo of them together from the set of Girl Meets World.
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“Let me tell you, she was a character!,” Danielle captions the photo.
“She had stories for days and regularly had us laughing in front of and behind the camera. She also told me she thought I looked better with some of my hair off my shoulders and now I literally think of her almost every time I take a picture.”
But perhaps the most hilarious post of all comes from actor Elias Toufexis who writes “on set once, my wife @michelleboback was texting me and it started to get on Cloris Leachman’s nerves. So she sent this message:”
He then shares a video of Cloris Leachman speaking into a camera phone asking Elias’ wife Michelle to “shut the f*** up.”
On set once, my wife @michelleboback was texting me and it started to get on Cloris Leachman’s nerves. So she sent this message: pic.twitter.com/b5T7I9vud8
— 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗳𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀 (@EliasToufexis) January 27, 2021
Rest in Peace Cloris. Thank you for the laughs.
(Feature Image Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com)