JJ’s Five Favorite: Cloris Leachman Roles

If laughter was a commodity, Cloris Leachman would be a billionaire. You have, undoubtably, seen Ms. Leachman on countless television shows, movies, radio programs, stage shows or were lucky enough to be on a plane and witness her personality shine in person.

My first introduction to this comedic queen was in Mel Brooks’ ‘Young Frankenstein’ where she perfectly played Frau Blucher (THUNDER CLAP, HORSES WHINY). She portrayed the ex-girlfriend of the senior Dr. Frankenstein so straight and without any hint of goofy-ness. This made her scenes all the more hilarious. There is something about someone taking a ridiculous role and playing it seriously that amps up the humor.

As I grew older, I found more and more instances of Cloris Leachman in some of my favorite films. Like The Muppet Movie, The Last Picture Show, The North Avenue Irregulars and so many more.

A dream came true in 2011 when I got to see her live on stage at the Norfolk Comedy Festival (in the hometown of Johnny Carson – Norfolk, NE). As graceful and crass as you can imagine. She was over 80 years old at that point and made me laugh so hard I nearly choked.

Cloris Leachman was also a star off the screen as well. Numerous actors, actresses, directors and producers talk about how she was able to mine every possible laugh out of a line and was adept at using props. That might sound weird, but next time you watch her in a movie, notice how she uses the physical props around her. Incredibly skilled when it comes to comedy.

This is a hit to the world of laughs and comedy. Rest well, sweet Cloris. Keep’em laughin on the other side!

MY FIVE FAVORITE CLORIS LEACHMAN ROLES

(in no particular order)

RAISING HOPE – Maw Maw

Cloris Leachman plays the grand mother, great grandmother and great great grandmother in this FOX sitcom. Even though she was getting older, she pushed the limits to her physicality and really made this show shine.

THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES (movie) – Granny Clampet

Granny Clampet was already a fan favorite and these were some hard shoes to fill. Out of everyone in this cast, Cloris Leachman does the best job in preserving the original character while also making it something special. Her scenes with Lily Tomlin are especially hilarious.

SPANGLISH – Evelyn

A masterclass in balancing comedy and drama. Her later years provided a wonderful opportunity to play older characters who had wisdom and wit. This scene is especially powerful when considering it was an adult parent parenting an adult.

HIGH ANXIETY – Nurse Diesel

Her performance is a parody of Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and it is amazing. She allowed herself to be nothing but evil and stern. Its hard to imagine that this is the same actress who held her own with an entire comedy team some 30 years later in Beerfest!