An acclaimed actress known for her charm and wit, Cloris Leachman lived a life as dramatic and captivating as the characters she portrayed on screen.
Beyond the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, her personal journey has been one of deep love, heartbreak, and resilience. At the center of her story was her marriage to George Englund, a union that spanned over two decades and saw the highs and lows of fame, famil,y, and fidelity.
Their partnership was as complex as it was compelling, revealing the intricate balance between personal ambition and the sacrifices that love and parenthood requires.
Cloris Leachman met her future husband George Englund in 1950 through his sister Patricia (“Patsy”) while working together on the Broadway production of As You Like It, where Leachman portrayed Celia. Sharing a dressing room strengthened the close bond between Leachman and Patsy. Leachman admired Patsy’s fearless demeanor, especially when Patsy calmly responded to a rebuke from their stern director, Karl Nielsen, by acknowledging his concerns and promising it wouldn’t happen again.
Curious about Patsy’s family, Leachman asked if she had a brother, which led to her introduction to George Englund. Their acquaintance quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship that culminated in their marriage in April 1953. That same year, their first child, Adam, was born, followed by four more children: George Jr., Dinah, Morgan, and Bryan.
Born in June 1926 to actress Mabel Albertson and Harold Austin Ripley, George Englund underwent a name change following his parent’s divorce and his mother’s remarriage to screenwriter Ken Englund, who adopted George and his sister Patsy. George grew up in Washington D.C., attended Black-Foxe Military Institute, and earned a degree in English and Philosophy. An avid athlete, he led both the basketball and tennis teams. Although he has acted in several films and television shows, George has primarily focused on writing, producing, and directing, contributing to projects such as The Eddie Fisher Show, The Ugly American, See How She Runs, Dark of the Su,n and The Streets. from LA.
George’s career often required extended absences from home, leaving Cloris to manage their household and care for the children with the help of a housekeeper. Their differing parenting philosophies often led to disagreements, especially when George returned to find certain plans unfulfilled and in childcare he believed to be neglected. These conflicts put a significant strain on their marriage.
The family lived on Beverly Glen Boulevard, near George’s mother Mabel, whom she visited regularly. Mabel advised George to look for a stable position as a television theater manager and work his way up, but he remained steadfast in his ambition to become a producer and director.
While Cloris enjoyed her roles as both mother and actress, tensions persisted, exacerbated by rumors of George’s involvement with co-star Joan Collins during Cloris’ stint on the drama series Lassie. Cloris, unaware of the affair, took their children to visit her sister Mary in Darien, Connecticut, seeking a quiet environment for her young family. Cloris embraced life in Darien, buying a modest home nearby and settling in with her children.
During George’s visit, Cloris became pregnant again. Shortly thereafter, she was called to Los Angeles for a television role that required strenuous physical activity, leading to complications and a subsequent miscarriage. The loss left Cloris emotionally and physically drained.
While George was working in New York, he urged Cloris to return and expressed concern for the welfare of their children. Despite her weakened state, Cloris visited Darien and spent time with her sister’s family before returning to New York, where she continued to struggle with her health and emotional turmoil.
One evening, Cloris was shocked to read a newspaper headline suggesting a romantic involvement between Joan Collins and George. A few days later, at 4:00 a.m., she received a call from Joan Collins, who confessed her love for George and revealed their daily meetings. The conversation left Cloris confused and distraught. When George learned of the call, he reacted with anger, primarily concerned about the impact on his family.
In her autobiography, Cloris revealed that she engaged in extramarital affairs during her marriage, including liaisons with Gene Hackman and Andy Williams. She also suspected George of infidelity and described their marriage as “somewhat open”.
After completing her work on A Touch of the Poet, Cloris returned to Los Angeles, wracked with guilt over her absence from her children. The family recently moved to a new home on Comstock Avenue in West Los Angeles but only lived there for a year before she and George separated. George moved into a cottage above the Sunset Strip.
In 1963, while filming The Ugly American in Thailand, George invited children to join him, stressing the importance of exposing them to different cultures. Cloris accompanied them and the pair agreed to be civil throughout the trip, resulting in a harmonious experience. George ended his romance with Joan Collins, who subsequently began dating actor Warren Beatty.
After returning home, Cloris and George recommitted to their marriage, bought a house in Brentwood Park, and expanded their family with the birth of a fourth son, Morgan, and an only daughter, Dinah, in January 1966. However, after 26 years of marriage and five children, Cloris and George divorced in December 1978. Despite the end of their marriage, they remained friends and co-authored Cloris’s 2009 autobiography, which candidly described their relationship and its challenges.
Cloris Leachman and George Englund’s marriage was a dynamic and complex union, shaped by their imbitions, personal struggles, and shared parental responsibilities. Their relationship saw moments of love, cooperation, and reconciliation, but it was also marred by infidelity, career pressures, and conflicting parental philosophies. Despite these challenges, Cloris and George demonstrated resilience, often putting the well-being of their children first and finding ways to maintain harmony in family life.
Their eventual divorce after 26 years of marriage did not completely sever their connection. Instead, they turned their bond into a friendship built on mutual respect and shared experiences. As co-authors of Cloris’ 2009 autobiography, they openly reflected on their journey and offered insight into the joys and struggles of their life together. Their story serves as a testament to the complexity of relationships and the enduring nature of family ties, even in the face of personal and professional strife.