The Truth About Cloris Leachman's Ex-Husband
As the world mourns the death of acting legend Cloris Leachman, fans around the globe are remembering the late star for her iconic roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Last Picture Show, Young Frankenstein, and many others. But Leachman — who died at age 94 on Jan. 27, 2021, Variety reported — was more than just an Emmy- and Oscar-winning actress and comedian ... she was a fearless activist, loving mom, and former wife.
Leachman had all eyes on her as she paved an undeniably magnetic career in Hollywood, but behind the scenes, she was just as vibrant and full of life when it came to her family. The Raising Hope alum shared her five kids, Dinah Englund, Morgan Englund, George Englund, Jr., Adam Englund, and late son, Bryan Englund, with her ex-husband, George Englund.
Leachman and Englund's romance began in New York City in the 1950s after she graduated from college (via (UPR.com). The late Malcolm in the Middle actress moved to the Big Apple to pursue a career when she met and fell in love with the Hollywood star, who died in September 2017 (via NBC News). The pair were married by 1953, and throughout the decade, they welcomed their children.
However, Leachman and Englund ended their union after 26 years in 1979 (via The New York Times). Though the two went their separate ways, both went on to create more incredible memories in their new lives. Keep scrolling to learn more about Englund.
Cloris Leachman's ex-husband, George Englund, was a talented guy
Aside from his decades-long marriage with Cloris Leachman, there's a lot George Englund is known for. Prior to his death, he was a producer, director, screenwriter, and occasional actor (via IMDb). He was also an accomplished author and a loving dad.
Englund's Hollywood career began in the early 1950s. He landed his first gig in the TV series Lights Out, which led to roles in Cameo Theatre and Kraft Theatre. By 1958, he was producing, directing, and writing The Eddie Fisher Show. He continued his work, earning credits in 1963's The Ugly American, 1968's Dark of the Sun, and many more.
Englund tried his hand in writing novels in 2001 when he released The Way It's Never Been Done Before. He also authored books titled Marlon Brando: The Naked Actor in 2005, and The Naked Brando: Portrait of a Friendship in 2010. Prior to his death, Englund was also "completing his autobiography," according to his obituary in the L.A. Times. The memoir was published in August 2020.
As far as his personal life, Englund married his second wife, Bonnie Graves, less than one year after his divorce from Leachman in 1980. In addition to the five kids he shares with Leachman, Englund welcomed two more children during his marriage with Graves. The pair were married until 1992. Per his obituary, Englund "spent the last decade of his life with his loving friend Frances Bowes; writing, traveling, and enjoying life."