By Mark Gray
6:34am PST, Jan 28, 2021
Cloris Leachman, the Oscar-winning actress who's long been TV royalty, passed away of natural causes at her home in Encinitas, California, on Jan. 26. She was 94. Cloris, who's regarded as one of the funniest actresses of all time, became a household name during the '70s when she starred on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." She even scored her own spinoff, "Phyllis," for which she won two Emmys and a Golden Globe. To date, she's the most nominated actress in Emmys history, and she's tied with Julia Louis-Dreyfus for the most wins. She also won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 1971 for her performance in "The Last Picture Show." Following her death, many in Hollywood weighed in on social media and paid tribute. Keep reading to see how she's being honored…
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"Cloris Leachman. A true legend. One of the funniest of all time. And such a great lady. Loved her. Will be missed terribly. And such a good family. Sending love to all. RIP" —Adam Sandler
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"I loved your work!!! Just LOVED!! I grew up watching Phyllis and The Last Picture Show. Your consistent excellence, ability to morph, and bravery will be sorely missed. RIP Cloris Leachman! Godspeed" –Viola Davis
"Salute to Cloris Leachman, who brought comedy's mysteries to the big and small screen." –Steve Martin
"I had the great privilege and honor of working with Cloris Leachman on my first film, The Last Picture Show. The advice and support that I received from both Cloris and Eileen Brennan has continued to serve me throughout my career. I will never forget her kindness and all the great performances she gave. May she rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing." –Cybill Shepherd, to Deadline
"Such sad news—Cloris was insanely talented. She could make you laugh or cry at the drop of a hat. Always such a pleasure to have on set. Every time I hear a horse whinny I will forever think of Cloris' unforgettable Frau Blücher. She is irreplaceable, and will be greatly missed." –Mel Brooks
"Cloris Leachman played my mother on my second sitcom. I always considered myself lucky for having the chance to work with her. She will be missed." –Ellen DeGeneres
"#ClorisLeachman has been my idol since childhood. Dramatic chops. Comedy gold. Relatable in every way. She made everything interesting. She is #goals for me. What a legend. #RIP" —Elizabeth Banks
"Rest In Peace Beautiful Cloris #ClorisLeachman I became a fan of yours the first time I saw you on tv. And then years later I was lucky enough to work with you and I fell in love with who you are as a person. I will never forget our talks and the time we shared. I love you." –Maureen McCormick
"Always beautiful. Nothing I could say would top the enormity of my love for you. Until we meet again darling. #clorisleachmanrip" –Ed Asner
"I've been lucky to work with some of the best artists in my 20+ year career. Cloris Leachman on 'Joan of Arcadia' was one of them. What a brilliant, fearless firecracker she was and will be remembered as. Fly safe now, dear Cloris. #RIPClorisLeachman" –Amber Tamblyn
"Legend. My honor to have known you. Laugh in Peace. #clorisleachman" –Brian Baumgartner
"Rest In Peace, Cloris Leachman. She was always the funniest one in the scene." –Wanda Sykes
"The 1st time I met #ClorisLeachman was at a fundraiser. Without even saying hello, she came over to our table & started clearing our plates while we were mid bite. She took them & stacked them on a neighboring table. She did this until everything was gone, then walked away. RIP." —Jesse Tyler Ferguson
"funniest – applause on every entrance and exit – how can phyliss – rhoda n mary b gone – rest in glory – u lit up the world #ripcloris" –Rosie O'Donnell
"A sad day for us all. She was a treasure. Always outspoken. And so funny. I remember carrying her over my shoulder in #thebeveryhillbillies. Small but mighty #rip" –Lea Thompson
"Rest in peace Cloris Leachman you will always inhabit my sense of humour. Thank you" –Peter Frampton
"Damn it Phylis! Cloris Leachman could do ANYTHING & was always game. Also, when on Facts of Life, she was the 1st person I saw INSIST on a healthy craft service table. Hence her long life of vitality. Thank you for the laughs." –Dana Delany
"So sad over the loss of the brilliant Cloris Leachman. Beyond being an Academy award winner, her hilarious role in 'Young Frankenstein,' and being 'Phyllis,' I had the pleasure of being roasted by her on television. My deepest sympathies to her loved ones." –Bob Saget
"There was nothing Cloris Leachman couldn't do throughout her long career. She was bright, beautiful, and funny… She was the whole talented package and she will be sorely missed." –Melissa Rivers
"Love her forever." –Michael McKean
"RIP Cloris Leachman. Such a gifted & bold actress. From her brilliant & tender performance in The Last Picture Show, while playing high strung Phyllis Lindstrom on The Mary Tyler Moore Show I became a lifelong fan. My thoughts are with her family & friends." –Marg Helgenberger
"MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY W THE LEACHMAN FAMILY! THOUGH I DIDNT KNOW HER N ADULT LIFE, #RIPCLORISLEACHMAN HEAVILY EFFECTED MY CHILDHOOD GR8LY AS SHE PLAYED MY GRANDMA IN MY VERY 1ST PROD/TV MOVIE CALLED #WILLA SHE WAS AN INCREDIBLE FORCE & WILL B SADLY MISSED!" –Corey Feldman
"After the universe gave us Cloris Leachman, it broke the mold #RIP" –Tom Bergeron
"Every now & then, we're lucky enough to have a Cloris Leachman to work with & to know. She was truly a one-of-a-kinder." –Bruce Dern
"Every time Cloris Leachman was on screen she was giving a Master class in comedy and timing. I once auditioned with her and she ate an entire bag of chocolates while reading the script. My hero. #ClorisLeachman #ComedyGoddess #RIPClorisLeachman" –Caroline Rhea
"Oh no Cloris Leachman. Very sad to hear this, she was lovely and funny. Just a great actress and human." –Diane Warren
"RIP Cloris Leachman. Thank you for the laughs." –Lauren Holly
"A one-of-a-kind actor, she could do everything! She made anything she appeared in much better & her versatility was astonishing. Thank you for a lifetime of unforgettable performances." –Mark Hamill
"Heartbroken to hear about the passing of my #WeddingRinger Co-Star, the legend #clorisleachman whose career has given us some of the most iconic performances in the history of comedy on the small screen (Mary Tyler More Show) and the big screen (Young Frankenstein). #RIP Legend" –Josh Gad
"So sad to hear of the passing of Cloris Leachman . I fondly remember working with her on Touched By An Angel. Praying that her loved ones many be comforted. Rest In Peace dear Cloris #ClorisLeachman #RestInPeace #touchedbyanangel" –Roma Downey
"D—. Just… d—" –Yvette Nicole Brown
"Cloris Leachman has passed. The Oscar and Emmy-winning funny lady stole her way into our hearts and always left us smiling. She was 94. Rest in peace, and save a laugh for us when we get there." –George Takei
"This one really hurts she was a comedic genius & an equally tremendous dramatic actress @Cloris_Leachman you were the best" –Sandra Bernhard
"RIP to my pal #clorisleachman, a legend and a hoot. Godspeed dear…." –Willie Garson
"Cloris Leachman had a razor sharp wit that I'll always admire. Rest peacefully, love." –Jackee Harry
"Goodbye Granny. A funnier more generous lighter kinder soul I've never met. A good friend. A great actor. A tremendous body of work to leave behind RIP" –Diedrich Bader
"RIP #ClorisLeachman I feel so honored to have had an opportunity to work with such an incredible talent." –Jim Gaffigan
"'HE WAS MY BOYFRIEND' RIP CLORIS LEACHMAN" –Joy Behar
"RIP Cloris Leachman. She was so good in THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. Remember her throwing the coffee pot?" –Stephen King
"I'm so sad to learn the incomparable #ClorisLeachman has passed away. Every moment with you was equal parts inspiration & non-stop laughter. Sending to friends & family" –Orlando Jones
"As a guest star on The Muppet Show, Cloris Leachman kept the show going despite an invasion of pigs and in The Muppet Movie she opened the door to our standard rich and famous contract. A legend and a great friend. Cloris, we will never forget you." –The Muppets
