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Claiborne Cary
Claiborne Cary
Claiborne Cary
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Claiborne Cary (born Claiborne Leachman; February 17, 1932 – March 20, 2010) was an American actress and cabaret performer.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Cary was born Claiborne Leachman in Lone Tree, Iowa, the daughter of Cloris (née Wallace) and Berkeley Claiborne "Buck" Leachman, who worked at the family-owned Leachman Lumber Company.[1][2][3][4] She was raised in Des Moines, Iowa.[5] The younger sister of actress Cloris Leachman, Cary began dancing and performing at a young age.[5] Cary's maternal grandmother was of Bohemian (Czech) descent.[6] She attended both the University of Iowa and Northwestern University before moving to Manhattan to pursue an acting career[5] in the 1950s.[7]

Career

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Cary made her Broadway theater debut in Silk Stockings in 1956, later touring with the production's national tour with actor, Don Ameche.[5] In 1957, with the support of choreographer Bob Fosse and despite the objections of director George Abbott,[7] she appeared opposite Gwen Verdon and Thelma Ritter in New Girl in Town at the 46th Street Theater on Broadway.[5] Her many other Broadway credits included The Supporting Cast, and the musical Beg, Borrow or Steal (opposite Betty Garrett and Eddie Bracken).[5] Her Off-Broadway resume included roles in Kukla, Burr and Ollie, Smiling, the Boy Fell Dead, Faith, Hope and Charity and All Kinds of Giants.[5] She was featured in "Hellazpoppin' 67" which tried out at the Montreal Expo in Canada but never made it to Broadway.

She also appeared in television, including Law & Order, The Dick Van Dyke Show and Young Dr. Kildare.[5] She appeared in numerous television commercials. She began, however, to focus more on cabaret productions and regional theater following the birth of her son, Berkeley Northrop.[5] Within cabaret, she starred in and produced Grand Slam with Murray Grand.[5] She also toured with the stage adaptation of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.[5] In 1987, she performed at Jan Wallman's in New York City in what a reviewer for The New York Times described as "the kind of brilliant cabaret act that does not happen overnight."[8]

Cary's cabaret performances led to her twice winning MAC Awards, presented by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs as "the New York cabaret scene's top honor".[7]

Her lengthy regional theater credits included Ballroom, in which she appeared in Long Beach, California, with Charles Durning and Tyne Daly. She recorded and released two albums on CD, Miss Claiborne Cary Live and Now and Then. Her last public performance was in a cabaret in the early 2000s.[5]

Death

[edit]

She died from complications of Parkinson's disease in Costa Mesa, California, on March 20, 2010, at the age of 78.[5]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Claiborne Cary

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Claiborne Cary (February 17, 1932 – March 20, 2010) was an American actress and performer renowned for her versatile career spanning Broadway, television, regional theater, and nightclub performances. Born Claiborne Leachman in Lone Tree, , she was the younger sister of Academy Award-winning actress and pursued a life in the after attending the and . Cary's death at age 78 in , was attributed to complications from Parkinson’s disease, and she was survived by her son Berkeley Northrop, two granddaughters, and her sister Cloris. Cary made her Broadway debut in 1956 as a dancer in the musical , which led to national tours and further credits including (1957), Beg, Borrow or Steal (1960), and The Supporting Cast (1981), where she served as a standby performer. , she appeared in productions such as Smiling, the Boy Fell Dead, All Kinds of Giants, and Faith, Hope and Charity. In regional theater, she starred in works like Queen of the Stardust Ballroom, and her career included performances at major clubs, a role in the revue Grand Slam, and a tour with Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. She also released two albums: Miss Claiborne Cary Live and Now and Then, with her final public appearance in a cabaret show occurring in the early 2000s. On television, Cary guest-starred in notable series such as , , That Was the Week That Was, Nurse (as Adrienne Davis), Doctor Franken (as Jenny), (as Warren's Mom), and (as Judge Carol Bonelli). Her marriages included one to Charles Mitchell Northrop in 1967 and another to Robert Haywood Cary II, reflecting a intertwined with her professional pursuits in and beyond.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Claiborne Cary was born Claiborne Leachman on February 17, 1932, in Lone Tree, Johnson County, Iowa. She was the second of three daughters in her family and was raised primarily in Des Moines, Iowa, where her family had established roots. Her parents were Berkeley Claiborne "Buck" Leachman, who managed the family-owned Leachman Lumber Company, and Cloris Wallace Leachman. The family's maternal lineage included Bohemian (Czech) heritage through her grandmother, contributing to a Midwestern background blended with European immigrant influences. This household provided a stable, middle-class environment in Des Moines, with her father's lumber business supporting the family's life in the community. Cary shared a close sibling relationship with her older sister, , born in 1926, who would later become a renowned actress; their younger sister was Mary Leachman. The sisters grew up together in Des Moines, influenced by a family environment that encouraged creativity and , fostering an early interest in that both pursued in their careers. Local culture, including community events and theater opportunities, offered initial exposure to , as seen in the region's active dramatic societies and school activities during their youth. This shared upbringing in a supportive family setting laid the groundwork for Cary's later involvement in theater and .

Academic background

Claiborne Cary graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in . She enrolled at the in the early 1950s, completing one year of undergraduate studies there. She then transferred to , where she spent her second year of college. Following her two years of higher education, Cary relocated to in the mid-1950s to pursue professional opportunities in , marking a pivotal shift from academia to the theater world. This move reflected her determination to build a career in performance, drawing on the foundational exposure she gained during her university years.

Career

Theater and Broadway

Claiborne Cary began her professional theater career as a dancer, making her Broadway debut in the Cole Porter musical Silk Stockings in 1956, where she performed in the ensemble. She subsequently joined the production's national tour, sharing the stage with Don Ameche in a role that showcased her skills as a versatile performer during the golden age of musical theater. This early experience solidified her reputation as a reliable ensemble member in New York's vibrant stage scene. In 1957, Cary appeared in the Broadway musical New Girl in Town, a musical adaptation of Anna Christie starring , initially as a dancer and later replacing in the role of Little Girl. The production, which ran for 431 performances at the 46th Street Theatre, highlighted her adaptability in dramatic musicals blending dance and character work. Her contributions extended to Off-Broadway works, including the 1961 revue Smiling, the Boy Fell Dead with lyrics by , where she performed in a cast that emphasized comedic sketches and songs. Cary's Broadway credits continued with the short-lived musical Beg, Borrow or Steal in 1960, in which she originated the role of Freida opposite Betty Garrett and Eddie Bracken at the Martin Beck Theatre. The show, a comedy about wartime romance, closed after four performances but demonstrated her ability to handle featured roles in ensemble-driven narratives. Later that decade, she joined the revue Hellzapoppin '67 as a performer during its pre-Broadway tryout at Expo '67 in Montreal, a high-energy variety show that incorporated comedy, dance, and music but shuttered before reaching New York. Returning to Broadway in 1981, Cary served as standby for and Sally in the comedy The Supporting Cast at the Royale Theatre, supporting a cast led by and in a play exploring family dynamics. Her appearances also included All Kinds of Giants and Faith, Hope and Charity, productions that underscored her range in intimate theater settings. Throughout her career, Cary's work bridged New York and regional theaters, including a starring role as Shirley in Queen of the Stardust Ballroom (1992, Long Beach Civic Light Opera) and stints at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, where her dance and vocal talents influenced emerging performers in the Midwest scene. Her enduring presence in these venues contributed to the vitality of American musical and dramatic theater from the through the .

Television and film roles

Claiborne Cary transitioned to television following her early work, where her dramatic training informed a series of guest appearances and supporting roles in episodic series and made-for-TV films during the through . Her television career emphasized versatile character parts, often portraying authority figures, family members, or medical professionals in procedural and dramatic formats. One of her early television credits was a guest role on in the 1960s, showcasing her comedic timing in a sitcom environment. She also appeared in an episode of the medical drama during its run (1961–1966) as a nurse. She guest-starred on That Was the Week That Was in the 1960s. The 1980s marked Cary's involvement in several made-for-TV movies, highlighting her ability to handle intense dramatic narratives. She portrayed Jenny, a key supporting character, in the horror-themed Doctor Franken. That same year, she appeared as Adrienne Davis in Nurse, a exploring hospital dynamics. These roles demonstrated her range in genre television, from to professional ensembles. In the , Cary continued with procedural guest spots, including her portrayal of Carol Bonelli in the episode "House Counsel" (season 5, 1995), where she contributed to the show's courtroom intensity. Her final on-screen appearance was as Warren's Mom in the episode "Everybody's Stalking" (1996), a lighthearted family role in the . Overall, Cary's limited but impactful television and telefilm work reflected a steady presence in broadcast media, building on her theatrical foundation for authentic, character-driven performances.

Cabaret performances

Claiborne Cary established herself as a prominent figure in the New York cabaret scene during the late 1980s and 1990s, blending her theatrical background with jazz-inflected vocals and sharp comedic patter to create intimate, engaging solo acts. Her cabaret debut came in 1987 at Jan Wallman's nightclub in , where she performed every Thursday in July, delivering a eclectic program of standards such as Cole Porter's "" in a fresh, conversational style and Jerry Herman's "If He Walked Into My Life" with gentle dramatic flair, accompanied by pianist Buddy Barnes. The show was lauded for its polished versatility and witty interpretations, marking her return to after years in theater and television. In 1988, she produced and starred in the revue Grand Slam with Murray Grand at Don't Tell Mama, earning a MAC Award for performer in a revue. Cary expanded her reach with performances at other New York venues, including a sold-out run of "Claiborne Cary Alive" at Danny's Skylight Room in 1999, which highlighted her interpretive prowess on Gershwin, Porter, and Sondheim material and was extended due to popular demand among sophisticated audiences. She also ventured to for her 1989 debut at in West Hollywood, where she mixed heartfelt ballads like a slowed "Goody Goody" with humorous originals such as "The Last Rockette," showcasing her warm phrasing and theatrical delivery despite occasional lapses in focus. In the late 1990s, she toured nationally in a stage adaptation of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Cary received two MAC Awards for cabaret excellence, honoring her as an outstanding female vocalist and performer in the competitive New York circuit. Her recorded output included the 1995 studio album Now and Then, a compilation of jazz and cabaret standards spanning recordings from 1965 to 1995, featuring tracks like "The Trolley Song," "," and "Ribbons Down My Back," which underscored her swinging, self-assured style across and arrangements. In 1998, she released Miss Claiborne Cary Live, a live recording capturing a performance at Don't Tell Mama with 26 tracks of Broadway and tunes delivered with her signature wit and belting energy. Both albums preserved her reputation as an unabashed entertainer who prioritized audience connection over polished artifice. Cary's final public cabaret appearance took place in the early 2000s, capping a career defined by her brassy interpretations and enduring appeal in intimate settings.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Claiborne Cary's first marriage to Robert Haywood Cary II ended in , after which she adopted and retained the Cary for her professional career as an actress and performer. In 1967, Cary married Charles Mitchell Northrop in . Their union produced one son, Berkeley Northrop, who was raised amid the couple's life in the city and later pursued a career as a firefighter and paramedic in . The marriage ended in in 1980. The Northrop family resided primarily in New York, where Cary maintained her active schedule of theater and engagements while managing motherhood and household duties, at times extending their home base to a historic property in nearby , to support a more balanced lifestyle. This urban family dynamic stood in contrast to her rural upbringing, allowing her to nurture close family ties alongside her artistic pursuits. Berkeley eventually married Christy Northrop, and the couple had two daughters, Summer and Kylee.

Later years and health

In the 2000s, Claiborne Cary transitioned to less frequent public appearances, culminating in her final performance in the early part of the decade. Cary maintained her primary residence in throughout much of her career but spent her later years at a home in , where she battled ill health beginning around 2007. She was diagnosed with , which progressively impaired her mobility and daily functioning, ultimately forcing her to withdraw from professional engagements. During this challenging period, Cary drew emotional support from her family, including her sister .

Death

Illness and decline

In her later years, Claiborne Cary battled , a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively impaired her motor functions and overall health. The progression of the condition significantly limited her mobility and ability to perform, culminating in her death from related complications on March 20, 2010, at age 78 in . Cary's final public appearance was a performance in the early , after which the disease effectively ended her stage career, diminishing her once-vibrant professional life centered on singing and comedy. Public awareness of her illness came primarily through her obituary, which highlighted the toll of Parkinson's without detailing specific treatments or care received during her decline.

Passing and tributes

Claiborne Cary passed away on March 20, 2010, in , at the age of 78, due to complications from . She was survived by her sister, actress , her son Berkeley Northrop, and two granddaughters. No public details on or memorial services were announced at the time. The entertainment industry recognized her passing through an obituary in Variety, which praised her as a versatile actress and performer whose career spanned Broadway, television, and intimate nightclub stages. Her distinctive craggy voice and witty interpretations of standards earned acclaim from critics, including multiple positive reviews by Stephen Holden in , who described her performances as blending "elegant pop-jazz phrasing" with "cheerfully self-deprecatory wit." Posthumously, Cary's legacy endures through her cabaret recordings, such as Miss Claiborne Cary Live (2000) and Now and Then, which showcase her contributions to the genre's tradition of sophisticated, humorous vocal artistry.

References

  1. https://variety.com/2010/legit/news/claiborne-cary-dies-at-78-1118017039/
  2. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/desmoinesregister/name/claiborne-cary-obituary?id=48525055
  3. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/claiborne-cary-91563
  4. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/221783855/claiborne-northrup
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0142617/
  6. https://leachmanlumber.com/about-us
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0142617/bio/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001458/bio/
  9. https://www.geni.com/people/Berkeley-Buck-Leachman/6000000008796700093
  10. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cloris-Leachman
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/29/nyregion/cabaret-reveling-in-the-voice-of-experience.html
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/03/arts/pop-jazz-2-singers-2-styles-but-it-s-all-cabaret-at-the-ballroom.html
  13. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/silk-stockings-531141
  14. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/new-girl-in-town-2634
  15. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/beg-borrow-or-steal-2093
  16. https://playbill.com/production/beg-borrow-or-steal-martin-beck-theatre-vault-0000008260
  17. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-supporting-cast-4127
  18. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/explore/about-us/history/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068151/fullcredits/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080639/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081252/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0629302/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0530487/
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/1987/07/12/arts/cabaret-claiborne-cary-in-varied-bill.html
  25. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-21-ca-76-story.html
  26. https://footlight.com/product/claiborne-cary-now-and-then/
  27. https://castalbums.org/recordings/Miss-Claiborne-Cary-Live-1998-Claiborne-Cary/22462
  28. https://www.ocregister.com/2015/02/10/when-it-comes-to-saving-lives-huntington-beach-fire-departments-only-japanese-speaker-can-come-in-handy/
  29. https://www.amherst.edu/media/view/297299/original/Cabaret%2BLegend%2BClaiborne%2BCary%2BEnters%2BImmortality%2Bat%2BCalifornia%2BHome.pdf
  30. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/27/arts/cabaret-guide.html
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