Cloris Leachman's High-Kicking Renaissance At 82

LOS ANGELES -- Roughly an hour after performing a tango that would earn her another week on "Dancing With the Stars" last Monday, Cloris Leachman took a moment to look ahead to where her career, still-blossoming at 82, might go once her time on the ABC hit dance competition runs its course.

"I could get pregnant," she said in an interview in her trailer, where, completely coincidentally, she insisted on changing out of her ballroom gown in front of a reporter. "I've got a bit of time before my next project. Maybe I'll be on 'American Idol.' "

Whatever her next undertaking, it is clear that Ms. Leachman is not on the way out. Soon after finishing on "Dancing," she is scheduled to belatedly join Quentin Tarantino on the set of his new film, "Inglorious Bastards," which stars Brad Pitt and is shooting in Berlin. She has postponed a national tour of her new one-woman show, "Cloris," to accommodate the dancing gig. And on New Year's Day she will serve as grand marshal of the Rose Parade, an event that thrills her grandchildren, she says, because it "is actually older than I am."

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Comments

[Agentlady007]

Is this wonderful or what? I love her. One of the best actresses. Cloris was a wonderful stage actress too. I acted in my first play in the same role she did. We both played a ghost bride.

Anyway, This news about her being in her eighties though. She doesn't look it.. Sort of makes me look at Warren Beatty aging in a different way. I guess there's no reason to think age makes you "old".

[Treehuggindirtworshiper]

I look forward to seeing her every week. She brings such a love for life to the show. With the state of our country right now, I could watch her everyday. You go Cloris!!!! My Great Grandmother was as fiesty as you! I miss her but seeing you enjoy your life makes me remember how I want to grow old.

[Alvin4NY]

I've often heard Bette Midler cast a threat of retirement, even recently hinting that after the Vegas contract ends, that could be it. To Bette I say, if Cloris can still kick it at 82, you've got another long 20 in front of you! No excuses.
The world needs performers with talent, integrity, and a willingness to lift the spirits, keep on keepin' on. You do more good than you'll ever know. Beyond the awards and the money, you've given many smiles, and hope. I'd say break a leg Cloris, but eh, well, you're on a dancing show. I'd hate to be responsible.

[MNmommy]

She was really good again this week. It's very sweet the way she's settled into the competition and is really working hard at trying to dance well.

I love her as a comedienne and thought she was hilarious the first couple weeks, but now I'm rooting for her because she's still hanging in there and working hard to compete!

[Carolab]

Cloris looks GREAT.

[RealityBeatsDenial]

She has given us so much awesome comedy over the years. It's great to see that she's still going strong - and TOTALLY out of the box! Oh man - would I love to hear her go on a roll about Palin! Nobody could do it better!

[eileen]

Phyllis Lindstrom is still one of TV's greatest characters. Cloris Leachman's timing and delivery has always been brilliant! So nice to see Cloris in so many places again. When does she get her long overdue hosting gig at SNL?

[divergal]

Broads like Cloris Leachman and Liz Taylor give me hope for a grand old age in my old age.

[IzzyCA]

Me, too!

[CBS]

You go, girl! Good luck with all your projects!

[alieninvader]

I don't know about America, but she's my new idol!

[Seaglass]

Oh, my God--I hate to use such a hackneyed word, but in this case it applies: Cloris is awesome, in every sense. Whirling around, in high heels, no less, at *82*, with that indefatigable wit fully intact: I love her.

[OhComeOnNow]

WOW!

[hudsuckerproxy]

Cloris Leachman is indeed awesome. She stole the show at the Bob Saget roast:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXBq8ord0u4

[gremlin1]

She is AWESOME! I love her spirit and energy.

[latina1]

Cloris keep up the great dancing and good luck!!