Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman

From Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy with Randy and Steve by Randy Hodgins and Steve McLellan

April 28, 2026 · 4 min · Episode 307

About this episode

This episode celebrates the comedic legacy of Cloris Leachman, highlighting her roles in iconic television shows and films.

In the 1970s and 80s you couldn't go to the movies without running into this week's legend Cloris Leachman. While the Oscar that catapulted her to stardom was for a drama (The Last Picture Show), here we remember her for bushels of laughs, expertly delivered on the Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Phyllis spinoff, and in some of Mel Brooks' classic films (notably Young Frankenstein). After that burst of activity, Cloris continued on with movie and television guest roles, picking up more Emmy awards along the way. A member of the Television Hall of Fame, Cloris also has a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Stop by sometime and say "Blucher" - you just might hear a horse off in the distance. As always find extra clips below and thanks for sharing our shows. Want more Cloris? When Cloris joined the cast of the Mary Tyler Moore Show she brought just the right mix of snark, snobbery, and sweet to the role of Phyllis Lindstrom. https://youtu.be/Gw2GOvsd3Sg?si=l-WJcrCe2MvSeMB6 We mentioned the great bit about Frau Blucher that ran throughout Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. And here it is! https://youtu.be/nx8LjVmoSZk?si=DrlyiU_5_ZGuFvaA Later in her career Cloris had a recurring role on…

People in this episode

Hosts: Randy Hodgins, Steve McLellan

Guest: Cloris Leachman

Topics covered

  • Cloris Leachman
  • comedy
  • television history
  • film
  • Emmy awards

Keywords

  • Cloris Leachman
  • comedy
  • Mary Tyler Moore
  • Young Frankenstein
  • Emmy awards

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Last Picture Show, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Phyllis, Young Frankenstein, Malcolm in the Middle

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