Reese Witherspoon, Ellen DeGeneres lead stars paying tribute to Cloris Leachman
Hollywood is currently in mourning over the sudden passing of Cloris Leachman, who died of natural causes on Tuesday, January 26 at the age of 94.
And some of Leachman’s comrades, such as Reese Witherspoon and Ellen DeGeneres, used social media to pay tribute to the Academy Award-winning actress and her lasting impact on the industry.
‘Truly original and larger than life in every unique performance. An incredibly talented actress who will be deeply missed,’ wrote Witherspoon, 44, who shared her homage to Twitter.
RIP: Hollywood is currently in mourning over the sudden passing of Cloris Leachman, who died of natural causes on Tuesday, January 26, at the age of 94; Cloris pictured in 2019
Ellen DeGeneres had the opportunity to work alongside Leachman on her short-lived sitcom The Ellen Show in 2001, where the pair played a mother-daughter duo.
And in wake of Cloris’ passing, the 63-year-old talk show host gushed about how ‘lucky’ she felt to have been in the comedy icon’s presence.
‘Cloris Leachman played my mother on my second sitcom,’ she began. ‘I always considered myself lucky for having the chance to work with her. She will be missed.’
‘A one-of-a-kind actor, she could do everything!’ declared actor Mark Hamill, 69, who uploaded a stunning throwback snapshot of Leachman to Instagram.
Deeply missed: ‘Truly original and larger than life in every unique performance. An incredibly talented actress who will be deeply missed,’ wrote Reese Witherspoon, 44, who shared her homage to Twitter
Former co-star: Ellen DeGeneres had the opportunity to work alongside Leachman on her short-lived sitcom The Ellen Show in 2001, where the pair played a mother-daughter duo
He continued: ‘She made anything she appeared in much better & her versatility was astonishing. Thank you for a lifetime of unforgettable performances. #ripClorisLeachman’
Viola Davis gushed over how much she ‘LOVED’ Cloris’ work, specifically her performance in the 1970s spin-off sitcom Phyllis, which aired on CBS for two seasons.
‘I loved your work!!! Just LOVED!! I grew up watching Phyllis and The Last Picture Show,’ wrote the fellow Academy Award-winner, 55, via Twitter.
Lucky: And in wake of Cloris’ passing, the 63-year-old talk show host gushed about how ‘lucky’ she felt to have been in the comedy icon’s presence; Ellen and Cloris pictured in 2001
‘Your consistent excellence, ability to morph, and bravery will be sorely missed. RIP Cloris Leachman! Godspeed,’ concluded Davis.
Recalling his first meeting with Leachman, Jesse Tyler Ferguson aimed to display the actress’ genuine kindness and the respect she displayed towards her peers.
‘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,’ wrote the Modern Family. star, 45.
One-of-a-kind: ‘A one-of-a-kind actor, she could do everything!’ declared actor Mark Hamill, 69, who uploaded a stunning throwback snapshot of Leachman to Instagram
Lots of love: Viola Davis gushed over how much she ‘LOVED’ Cloris work, specifically her performance in the 1970s sitcom Phyllis, which aired on CBS for two seasons
He continued: ‘She took them & stacked them on a neighboring table. She did this until everything was gone, then walked away. RIP.’
Mel Brooks, choosing to pay homage to Cloris via Twitter on Wednesday, famously featured the star in his classic comedy Young Frankenstein, which hit theaters in 1974.
‘Such sad news—Cloris was insanely talented. She could make you laugh or cry at the drop of a hat,’ began the acclaimed director, who added that Cloris was ‘always such a pleasure to have on set.’
Working together: Mel Brooks, choosing to pay homage to Cloris via Twitter on Wednesday, famously featured the star in his classic comedy Young Frankenstein, which hit theaters in 1974
Iconic: Referencing to her character in Young Frankenstein, Brooks noted that ‘every time [he] hear a horse whinny [he] will forever think of Cloris’ unforgettable Frau Blücher’; Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman, Gene Wilder, and Teri Garr in Young Frankenstein
Referencing to her character in Young Frankenstein, Brooks noted that ‘every time [he] hear a horse whinny [he] will forever think of Cloris’ unforgettable Frau Blücher.’
‘She is irreplaceable, and will be greatly missed,’ Mel concluded.
Ed Asner paid tribute to his longtime friend and the Mary Tyler Moore Show co-star by uploading a sweet snapshot from ‘the last time [he] saw [Cloris].’
Made an impact: Recalling his first meeting with Leachman, Jesse Tyler Ferguson aimed to display the actress’ genuine kindness and the respect she displayed towards her peers
Their last hangout: Ed Asner paid tribute to his longtime friend by uploading a sweet snapshot from ‘the last time [he] saw [Cloris]’
In the photo, the 91-year-old Lou Grant star can be seen placing a kiss on Cloris’ head as she playfully gasped in horror.
He continued: ‘Always beautiful. Nothing I could say would top the enormity of my love for you. Until we meet again darling.’
Rosie O’Donnell labeled Leachman as the ‘funniest’ and as someone who got an ‘applause on every entrance and exit.’
The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Ted Knight, Gavin Macleod, Valerie Harper & Cloris Leachman pictured on set of the Mary Tyler Moore Show in 1974
The 58-year-old comedian grieved over the fact that many of the iconic ladies of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, including Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper, have since passed.
‘how can phyliss – rhoda n mary b gone – rest in glory – u lit up the world,’ wrote Rosie, referring the actress by their characters’ names, adding: ‘#ripcloris’
John Stamos also made sure to honor Leachman’s undeniable legacy by sharing a hilarious clip of her from the Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget in 2008.
‘I’m not here to roast Bob Saget,’ said Cloris as she took the stage for her portion of the show, before admitting: ‘I’m here to f**k John Stamos.’
Just the funniest: Rosie O’Donnell labeled Leachman as the ‘funniest’ and as someone who got an ‘applause on every entrance and exit’
Hilarious: John Stamos also made sure to honor Leachman’s undeniable legacy by sharing a hilarious clip of her from the Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget in 2008
The line earned a huge applause as well as an obvious belly laugh from Stamos, himself, who was in the audience for the roast.
‘God I loved her. RIP #CLORISLEACHMAN,’ tweeted the 57-year-old Full House star.
Star Trek actor George Takei regretfully informed his 3.2million Twitter followers on Leachman’s sudden passing, writing: ‘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,’ he concluded.
Regretful: Star Trek actor George Takei regretfully informed his 3.2million Twitter followers on Leachman’s sudden passing, writing: ‘Cloris Leachman has passed’
Sad day for all: Back To The Future’s Lea Thompson deemed Cloris’ death as a ‘sad day for us all’
Incredible: Patton Oswalt took a moment to remind his following of Leachman’s groundbreaking performance in The Last Picture Show, which earned her an Academy Award in 1972
Back To The Future’s Lea Thompson deemed Cloris’ death as a ‘sad day for us all.’
‘She was a treasure. Always outspoken. And so funny. I remember carrying her over my shoulder in #thebeveryhillbillies,’ recalled the 59-year-old actress, who starred along side Leachman in the 1993 comedy film The Beverly Hillbillies.
‘Small but mighty #rip Crying faceClapping hands sign,’ concluded Lea, followed by a broken heart emoji.
Patton Oswalt took a moment to remind his following of Leachman’s groundbreaking performance in The Last Picture Show, which earned her an Academy Award in 1972.
RIP: Leachman’s passing was confirmed by the star’s son to TMZ on Wednesday, with the outlet stating that Leachman ‘passed away of natural causes Tuesday night at her home in Encinitas, California, with her daughter Dinah by her side’; Cloris pictured in 2005
”Cloris, you just won the Oscar.’ — Bogdonavich, on the set of THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, after she nailed this scene in one take,’ marveled the comedian, who shared an image of the actress from the flick.
Leachman’s passing was confirmed by the star’s son to TMZ on Wednesday, with the outlet stating that Leachman ‘passed away of natural causes Tuesday night at her home in Encinitas, California, with her daughter Dinah by her side.’
‘She had the best life beginning to end that you could wish for someone.’ He adds that she was at peace, and ‘she left everyone with a lot of love,’ said Cloris’ son.