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Entertainment | 09/23/2008 12:30 pm

Move Over Susan Lucci, Feisty Cloris Leachman Steals the Show on 'Dancing With the Stars'

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

Those who said Cloris Leachman was too old to compete on "Dancing With the Stars" are putting their feet in their mouths.

As a matter of fact, Leachman’s performance was one of the most entertaining … but it wasn’t because of her dancing.

The Post Chronicle reported in August that the 82-year-old comedienne and actress was turned down twice before becoming the oldest contestant to star on the hit ABC show where celebrities are judged by their fox trot and lindy hop. While "Mary Tyler Moore Show" legend Leachman didn’t wow the judges with her dance moves — receiving a poor 16 out of 30 score — she did receive a standing ovation from the audience. She also brought on the drama in a performance that best highlights her spunk. After her dance with partner Corky Ballas, a flexible Leachman lifted her leg onto the judges’ table in front of Bruno Tonioli, dropped to her knees revealing a hint of cleavage in front of Len Goodman and then sat in Carrie Ann Inaba’s lap as the three judges tried to evaluate her routine, the Associated Press reports.

Behind stage, the nine-time Emmy winner Leachman yelled, "That little s***!" and other remarks that were censored as the panel flashed low-numbered score cards, reports the Examiner. Feisty Leachman has a chance of sticking around for a little while longer, though. Her score wasn’t the lowest out of the bunch.

"All My Children" dame Susan Lucci received a 15 out of 30. Lucci, 61, was also told by female judge Carrie Ann that it might help her performance if she would put on some weight. The lowest score was a 12, which went to comedian Jeffrey Ross. Click here to see all 13 contestants’ scores (Entertainment Weekly).

On Tuesday, one dancing couple will be sent home. The show will air on ABC from 9 to 10 PM ET. On Wednesday, following another routine, a second team will be eliminated. Click here to read more about the show and contestants.

More from wowOwow:

50 Sexiest Men Over 50: wowOwow’s 2008 50-Over-50 List

Cloris Leachman Steals the Show at Roast of Bob Saget

The Modern Women: Pictures From Diane English’s New Movie, ‘The Women,’ the 1939 Remake

 


8 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Brooklyn Gal
Cloris was the only good thing about last night’s show. Compared to last season which was exciting, most of the contestantants were all left feet and brought no emotion to the dance. And I can’t believe they hired Lacy over her brother or cousin Heidi as a ballroom dancer. I’m wondering if this show has jumped the shark.
By Brooklyn Gal on 09/23/2008 12:01 pm
Kathrine Gluvna
I want to be Cloris Leachman when I grow up.
By Kathrine Gluvna on 09/23/2008 12:05 pm
Sandbee (FB) 54
I don’t think I was ever as young as she is.
By Sandbee (FB) 54 on 09/23/2008 12:23 pm
Tee Zee
Me too!
By Tee Zee on 09/23/2008 7:42 pm
gulliver fourmyle
dancing w/the star?’ a sick joke? my oldest daughter, Carina Fourmyle, on-line—-is a pro, own studio in Cal.—-I’ve been to The Fountanbleu, M. Beach, watched them (her and youngest son) compete—-he always gets ‘1st’, she usually among the ‘top-3’, around this globe—-so i learned—- watching such painfully amateur performers? like seeing an olympic skater fall on here rear—-ughh! that feeling—-
By gulliver fourmyle on 09/24/2008 12:07 am
Jo Vaughn
I have to admit that I love “Dancing…” One of the neat things is watching certain stars improve over the length of the show. As for Cloris, we laughed until we cried both evenings, so she is a great success in my book. And I’m glad Maks is back!
By Jo Vaughn on 09/24/2008 6:54 am
C Hardy
I really can’t beleive anyone would have anything negative to say about this show. I think its great & it has brought a lot of insight to the world of dance. I think its great that our “celebrities” can take time out to do this. And to think most if not all of them have never danced like this before and to come out and do what they do & to learn these dances in a weeks time…We have to give them some credit. The Pro’s that is all they do…is dance…so to see people who have never done this before come out & dance, its totally awesome. My 2 year old gets up and dances around the house when this show is on, she is always pulling me and her Daddy up to dance with her. I think its a great show!
By C Hardy on 09/24/2008 7:56 am
iris odonata
This morning on GMA, Robin Roberts said her 84-year young mother commented that Cloris should receive points for wearing high heels at 82. I concur. That, and her deliciously flagrant sensuality. Wow, to be so alive in one’s own skin. Picasso said, “it takes a long time to become young. (((Brava))) Ms. Leachman.
By iris odonata on 09/24/2008 2:52 pm