The Des Moines–born actress who won an Oscar and a record eight Emmys across half a century on screen.
Cloris Leachman was born on April 30, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa. After competing in the Miss America pageant she built a long, versatile acting career on stage, film, and television.
She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for “The Last Picture Show” (1971) and, over her career, a record eight Primetime Emmy Awards — including for her role as Phyllis on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” — plus memorable turns in “Young Frankenstein” and, late in life, “Dancing with the Stars.”
Leachman's blend of drama and comedy made her one of the most honored and enduring performers of her generation. She worked into her nineties and remained proud of her Iowa roots.
She is among Iowa's most decorated screen stars.
The Des Moines–born actress who won an Oscar and a record eight Emmys across half a century on screen.
Cloris Leachman was from Des Moines, Iowa.
1926–2021.
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