Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman (born April 30, 1926) is an American actress of stage film and television. She has won eight primetime Emmy Awards—more than any other female performer—and one Daytime Emmy Award. She won an Academy Award for Best SupportingActress in the 1971 film The Last Picture Show. She is best known for playing the nosy, self-centered and manipulative landlady Phyllis Lindstrom on the 1970s TV series Mary Tyler Moore, and later on the spin-off series, Phyllis. She also appeared in three Mel Brooks films, including Young Frankenstein and High Anxiety. In recent years, she became very popular for her recurring role as Lois's ruthless mother Ida, on Malcolm in the Middle. She currently stars in the new hit comedy Raising Hope (FOX), where she plays the wacky grandmother “Maw Maw” to the delight of audiences.

Leachman was a contestant on Season 7 (2008) of Dancing With The Stars, paired with Corky Ballas. At the age of 82, she is the oldest contestant to dance on the series. She was voted off in the sixth round on October 28. Leachman was the grand marshal for the 2009 New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California. She presided over the 120th parade, the theme being "Hats Off to Entertainment", and the 95th Rose Bowl game.

In the past year (2009) Leachman completed work on eight films, American Cowslip, You Again, Ponyo, Inglourious Basterds, New York I Love You, The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure, The Fields and Expecting Mary. Her TV appearances in 2009 include: Bob Saget Roast (Comedy Central), Love Takes Wings (Hallmark Movie), The Office (Post Super Bowl XLIII), Phineas and Ferb, and HawthoRNe.

In 2009 Cloris also released her bestsellingautobiography Cloris: My Autobiography (Kensington Books) which was released in paperback March, 2010.