Tributes to 'insanely talented' actress

Cloris Leachman, who played the Transylvanian housekeeper Frau Blücher in Young Frankenstein has died at the age of 94.

The actress, who also won a best supporting actress Oscar foe her role in The Last Picture Show, passed away yesterday at her California home, her agent has confirmed.

She was a regular collaborator with Brooks, Brooks also appearing in the Alfred Hitchcock parody High Anxiety and the zany History Of The World: Part I.

The comedian said of her death: ‘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.’

Her other roles included landlady Phyllis Lindstrom on 1970s sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Granny in the 1993 movie version of The Beverly Hillbillies, and an  insensitive grandmother on  Malcolm in the Middle.

Also paying tribute today was Steve Martin, who tweeted: ‘Salute to Cloris Leachman, who brought comedy’s mysteries to the big and small screen.’

Julia Louis-Dreyfus said that ‘her perfect performance as Frau Blucher had an enormous impact on my life. She was sublime,’ while Adam Sandler called her ‘A true legend. One of the funniest of all time. And such a great lady.’

Wanda Sykes noted: ‘She was always the funniest one in the scene.’ 

Published: 28 Jan 2021