Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman Net Worth

Explore the life and career of Cloris Leachman, her net worth, from ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ to her Academy Award win and personal life. Discover her legacy.

Cloris Leachman at a Glance

  • Categories: Celebrities > Actors, Celebrities
  • Net Worth: $10 Million
  • Birthdate: Apr 30, 1926 - Jan 26, 2021 (94 years old)
  • Birthplace: Des Moines
  • Gender: Female
  • Profession: Actor, Comedian, Voice Actor
  • Nationality: United States of America
  • Height: 5 ft 5 in (1.66 m)

Cloris Leachman: A Look at Her Net Worth, Career, and Life

Introduction: The Legacy of Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman was an iconic American actress whose remarkable career spanned over seven decades. Known for her versatility and comedic genius, Leachman left an indelible mark on both television and film. This article delves into Cloris Leachman’s net worth at the time of her passing, and explores her life, career highlights, and lasting legacy.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Cloris Leachman was born on April 30, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa, as the eldest of three daughters. Her parents were Cloris and Berkeley Leachman. She attended Theodore Roosevelt High School and participated in youth plays at Drake University. Later, she studied at Northwestern University’s School of Education.

Leachman’s early career began on the stage. She competed as Miss Chicago in the Miss America 1946 pageant, earning a scholarship that allowed her to study acting at the Actors Studio in New York City under the guidance of Elia Kazan. During the original run of “South Pacific” in the early 1950s, she was a replacement for the role of Nellie Forbush. Her Broadway appearances included roles in “Come Back, Little Sheba,” “As You Like It,” and other productions like “A Story for a Sunday Evening,” “Lo and Behold!,” “Dear Barbarians,” “Sunday Breakfast,” “The Crucible,” and “King of Hearts.”

Television Career: From the Mary Tyler Moore Show to Raising Hope

Cloris Leachman had a highly successful television career, beginning in the 1950s and continuing into the 2010s.

  • 1950s and 1960s: Early television appearances included episodes of “Charlie Wild, Private Detective,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Lassie.” She also appeared in shows such as “Rawhide,” “Twilight Zone,” “The Untouchables,” “77 Sunset Strip,” “Laramie,” “Wagon Train,” “Mr. Novak,” “Dr. Kildare,” “Perry Mason,” “The Big Valley,” “The Virginian,” and “Mannix.”
  • The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Phyllis: From 1970 to 1975, she played Phyllis Lindstrom on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” reprising the role in the spin-off series “Phyllis” (1975-1977). Her portrayal of Phyllis earned her significant acclaim and helped to define her television persona.
  • Later Television Roles: Leachman continued to be a prominent figure in television throughout the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Notable roles included “Night Gallery,” “Wonder Woman,” “The Love Boat,” “The Facts of Life,” “The Nutt House,” “Walter & Emily,” “The Nanny,” “Maybe This Time,” “Promised Land,” “Touched by an Angel,” and “Thanks.”
  • Malcolm in the Middle and Beyond: From 2001 to 2006, Leachman played Grandma Ida on “Malcolm in the Middle,” earning six consecutive Emmy nominations and winning twice. Later roles included “Dancing with the Stars,” “Raising Hope,” “Kirstie,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “Girl Meets World,” “American Gods,” and the 2019 reboot of “Mad About You.” She also appeared in numerous television films, receiving additional Emmy nominations for her work.

Film Career: A Cinematic Journey

Leachman also made significant contributions to the world of film. Her first notable film role was in Robert Aldrich’s 1955 film noir “Kiss Me Deadly.” Her diverse filmography included roles in:

  • Early Film Roles: “The Rack” (1956), “The Chapman Report” (1962), and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969).
  • Academy Award Win: In 1971, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Peter Bogdanovich’s “The Last Picture Show.” This performance is considered one of her most memorable.
  • Mel Brooks Collaborations: She starred in Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein,” “High Anxiety,” and “History of the World, Part I.”
  • Later Film Appearances: “Herbie Goes Bananas,” “Prancer,” “Texasville,” “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Now and Then,” “Music of the Heart,” “The Iron Giant” (voice role), “Spanglish,” “Sky High,” and “Jump, Darling.”
Cloris Leachman Net Worth

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Personal Life and Legacy

In 1953, Cloris Leachman married filmmaker and actor George Englund. They had four sons—Bryan, Morgan, Adam, and George—and one daughter, Dinah. The couple divorced in 1979. Leachman was a vegetarian and an animal rights activist, supporting causes she believed in throughout her life. She posed for Alternative Medicine Digest and a PETA advertisement in 2009.

Cloris Leachman passed away in her sleep on January 26, 2021, at her home in Encinitas, California. She was 94 years old.

Real Estate

Cloris Leachman’s real estate portfolio included properties in Topanga, California. Around 2010, she purchased a home for $930,000, listing it for sale in March 2020 for $3.4 million. She owned another Topanga home, bought for $720,000 around the same time, which she used as a rental property, and sold it for over $1 million in August 2020.

Conclusion: Remembering Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman’s legacy is one of immense talent, comedic brilliance, and a career marked by longevity and versatility. From her early stage work to her iconic roles in television and film, she captivated audiences for decades. Cloris Leachman’s net worth at the time of her death reflected her successful career and enduring appeal. She remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and her contributions continue to be celebrated.