by Ivan Garcia

Assistant Editor

Cloris Leachman is an American born stage, film and television actress. Her role as Phyllis Lindstrom in the 1970’s hit TV show, Mary Tyler Moore gained her a spinoff series of her own, known as Phyllis. Throughout her long career she has won eight primetime Emmy Awards, one Daytime Emmy Award and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the 1971 film, The Last Picture Show. Over the years, she has proven her versatility with roles in movies such as Young Frankenstein and High Anxiety, as well as offering her talents to other popular television shows including Malcolm in the Middle and The Office. Leachman showed a new side to her talent when she participated in season 7 of Dancing with the Stars at the age of 82, becoming the oldest contestant to perform. She continues her work with a new documentary, Cloris and Me, as well as a new stage performance known as CLORIS! I’m Eighty F*ing Four: A One Woman Show, coming to San Diego in August. Cloris Leachman was kind enough to share some time with us to discuss anything and everything that makes her one of a kind.

GLT: What is a normal day in the life of Cloris Leachman?

CL: Well, I usually wake up and my housekeeper comes and makes me fresh squeezed orange juice and I take my pills. Then I start reading, depending on which room I’m in (laugh). If I’m in the den it’s “Treasure Island” or Katherine Hepburn’s book, “Me.” I also make it a point to call my children and grandchildren throughout the week.

GLT: What made you want to become an actress?

CL: I don’t think anything did. It just kind of happened. My life led me instead of me leading my life. I was going to be a concert pianist, a social worker, an architect or maybe a radio show host. I was always playing the piano when I was young and I think that skill fed into acting, the voicing and the drama. Playing the piano gave me confidence.

GLT: Do you still play the piano?

CL: I did when I was younger but I stopped in my early twenties. I didn’t play for about forty years and then I started playing again in my sixties.

GLT: What is your favorite show you have worked on?

CL: I always say “The Women Who Willed A Miracle.” I also loved “The Migrants.” I was nominated for an award for that.

GLT: What is your favorite medium to act in? Film, television or the stage?

CL: Each one is good for what makes it good and bad for what makes it bad. Stage is the best though, because it’s a different audience each time, and you don’t get tired doing it. Television is difficult because you have to be there early and stay late. Film is always wonderful and they always take care of you.

GLT: If you weren’t an actress, what would you be doing right now?

CL: I’d be with my animals or children. Also I’d be singing. I love the really old songs around the turn of the century.

GLT: You were born in Des Moines, Iowa. Do you miss it?

CL: No! I absolutely hate the mosquitoes and flies there. It was so cold there in the winter and so hot in the summer. I remember my dad, Buck Leachman, would take care of us, like fix our scraped knees, you know? I remember my mom would be the one to chase us around. She would go crazy.

GLT: How do you like living in Los Angeles?

CL: Oh I love it. I take two hour baths in the hottest water. You’re not supposed to do that, since it’s not healthy, but I do it anyway (laugh).

GLT: Do you visit San Diego often?

CL: Very, very seldom. But I like it very, very much. My granddaughter lives down here with my great grandson, so I try to visit as often as I can.

GLT: Are you excited for San Diego Pride?

CL: Oh my God, I could just die with excitement! People are whole-heartedly invested in this event and it’s exciting. I love it that everybody gets dressed up and everyone expresses themselves. It’s great.

GLT: How do you feel about being named the Celebrity Grand Marshal?

CL: Well, I couldn’t believe it. It’s amazing and I’m very thrilled and honored.

GLT: Are you currently working on any show or movie you’re really excited about?

CL: Yeah. On a new sitcom called “Raising Hope” and I’m utterly crazy about it. The cast is amazing (laugh). I play a grandmother who has Alzheimer’s and I usually don’t have a top on (laugh). It’s so funny, I absolutely love it.

GLT: What was a favorite moment in your life?

CL: One favorite moment I had was when I sang for Rodgers and Hammerstein for a part in “South Pacific.” They wanted me to play the part anyway, so I couldn’t have failed (laugh). They then decided I should play the lead on Broadway. I remember when they announced at the theatre that Cloris Leachman would be playing the lead, the audience just groaned, and I promised myself that they’d be applauding by the time my first scene was over. They were!

GLT: You’re about to start filming a show entitled Cloris and Me with your granddaughter Skye. Can you tell us anything about it?

CL: Well, it’s a reality show and I’m really not sure yet. I just know in a few days they’re going to tell us what to do (laugh).

GLT: Which has been your favorite character to play?

CL: The mother character in “The Migrants.” Usually any character in which I’m a mother.

GLT: You were hilariously raw on the Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget. Is that your normal brand of humor?

CL: (Laugh) I can’t ever be that funny. It was hilarious! And it’s probably the farthest I’ve gone beyond myself.

GLT: Your show, CLORIS! I’m Eighty F*ing Four!, will be coming to Rancho Cucamonga. Can you tell us anything about it?

CL: Not too much. But, just know that I tell some stories and play the piano and I think you’d really like it.

GLT: You played a ruthless grandmother named Ida in Malcom in the Middle. Was there ever a time when you were that cut-throat to anyone in real life?

CL: (Laugh) No, never. I couldn’t imagine doing that. Imagine suing my daughter because I fell down or stabbing my grandson with a big knitting needle!

GLT: What do you like to do in your spare time?

CL: I like to play the piano and be with my children and grandchildren. I also love going out to dinner. I just love to discover new places.

GLT: Do you personally have a favorite actor/actress?

CL: I love Annette Bening and Nicole Kidman. I think they’re marvelous.

GLT: Are you active in the GLBT community? Do you work with any particular organizations?

CL: I don’t, but I feel as though what I do now allows me to give back in some way.

GLT: If you could tell the GLBT community one thing, what would it be?

CL: Don’t get pregnant, (laugh). No, I kid! The community is fabulous and they should just keep being them.

GLT: Did you have any words or anything that you’d like our readers to know?

CL: Come and see all the shows I’ll be performing in. They’re all entertaining and funny, and they all have an amazing cast behind each of them.

Thank you Cloris, for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us and tell us about your future endeavors. You’ve been riding a train to success and sure enough you’ve reached your destination and continue to keep going. We wish you all the best.