Edith Marie McClurg (born July 23, 1945) is an American actress and comedian. She has played supporting roles in the films ''Carrie'' (1976), ''

Ferris Bueller's Day Off ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off'' is a 1986 American teen comedy film written, co-produced, and directed by John Hughes and co-produced by Tom Jacobson. The film stars Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck with supporting roles by Jennifer ...

'' (1986), and ''Elvira: Mistress of the Dark'' (1988), and

bit parts In acting, a bit part is a role in which there is direct interaction with the principal actors and no more than five lines of dialogue, often referred to as a five-or-less or under-five in the United States, or under sixes in British television, ...

in ''

Cheech and Chong's Next Movie ''Cheech and Chong's Next Movie'' is a 1980 American comedy film directed by Tommy Chong and the second feature-length project by Cheech & Chong, following '' Up in Smoke'', released by Universal Pictures. Plot Cheech & Chong are on a mission ...

'' (1980), ''

Mr. Mom ''Mr. Mom'' is a 1983 American comedy film directed by Stan Dragoti and produced by Lynn Loring, Lauren Shuler, and Aaron Spelling. It stars Michael Keaton (in his first lead role), Teri Garr, Martin Mull, Ann Jillian, and Christopher Lloyd. It ...

'' (1983), '' Back to School'' (1986), ''

Planes, Trains and Automobiles ''Planes, Trains and Automobiles'' is a 1987 American comedy film written, produced and directed by John Hughes and starring Steve Martin and John Candy with supporting roles by Laila Robins and Michael McKean. It tells the story of a high-stru ...

'' (1987), ''A River Runs Through It'' (1992), '' Natural Born Killers'' (1994), and ''Flubber'' (1997). On television, McClurg regularly performed on ''

The David Letterman Show ''The David Letterman Show'' is an American morning talk show that was hosted by David Letterman on NBC. It originally aired from June 23 to October 24, 1980. Originally, the series lasted 90 minutes, then 60 minutes from August 4 onward. Back ...

'', before playing Bonnie Brindle in ''Small Wonder'' (1985–1987) and Mrs. Patty Poole on ''

The Hogan Family ''The Hogan Family'' (originally titled ''Valerie'' and later ''Valerie's Family'') is an American sitcom television series that began airing on NBC on March 1, 1986, and finished its run on CBS on July 20, 1991, for a total of six seasons. I ...

'' (1986–1991). As a one-off character, she has appeared in ''Alice'', ''

Mr. Belvedere ''Mr. Belvedere'' is an American sitcom that originally aired on ABC from March 15, 1985, to July 8, 1990. The series is based on the Lynn Aloysius Belvedere character created by Gwen Davenport for her 1947 novel ''Belvedere'', which was later ...

'', ''

The Golden Girls ''The Golden Girls'' is an American sitcom created by Susan Harris that aired on NBC from September 14, 1985, to May 9, 1992, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes, spanning seven seasons. With an ensemble cast starring Bea Arthur, Betty Wh ...

'', ''

Roseanne ''Roseanne'' is an American sitcom television series created by Matt Williams and Roseanne Barr which aired on ABC from October 18, 1988, to May 20, 1997, and briefly revived from March 27, 2018, to May 22, 2018. The show stars Barr as Rosea ...

'', ''

Full House ''Full House'' is an American television Situation comedy, sitcom created by Jeff Franklin for American Broadcasting Company, ABC. The show is about widowed father Danny Tanner who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis and childhood best ...

'', ''

Seinfeld ''Seinfeld'' ( ) is an American television sitcom created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. It aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, over nine seasons and 180 episodes. It stars Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself and ...

'', ''Sabrina the Teenage Witch'', ''

Malcolm in the Middle ''Malcolm in the Middle'' is an American family television sitcom created by Linwood Boomer for Fox. The series premiered on January 9, 2000, and ended on May 14, 2006, after seven seasons and 151 episodes. The series follows a dysfunction ...

'', ''

Hannah Montana ''Hannah Montana'' is an American teen sitcom created by Michael Poryes, Rich Correll and Barry O'Brien that aired on Disney Channel for four seasons between March2006 and January2011. The series centers on Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus), a t ...

'', '' Crashbox'' and ''Portlandia''. Since 1977, she has also appeared in numerous commercials. As a voice actress, McClurg has played in ''

The Secret of NIMH ''The Secret of NIMH'' is a 1982 American animated fantasy adventure film directed by Don Bluth in his directorial debut and based on Robert C. O'Brien's 1971 children's novel, '' Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH''. The film features the voices ...

'' (1982), ''The Little Mermaid'' (1989), ''

A Bug's Life ''A Bug's Life'' is a 1998 American computer-animated comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It was the second feature-length film produced by Pixar. Directed by John Lasseter and co-directed by Andrew Stant ...

'' (1998), the first two films of the ''Cars'' franchise (2006-2011), and ''

Wreck-It Ralph ''Wreck-It Ralph'' is a 2012 American Computer-animated film, computer-animated comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The List of Walt Disney Animation Studios films, 52nd Disney animated f ...

'' (2012), as well as in ''

Snorks ''Snorks'' is an animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera and ran for a total of four seasons (consisting of 65 episodes) on NBC from September 15, 1984, to May 13, 1989. The program continued to be available in syndication from 1987 ...

'' (1984–1988), '' Life with Louie'' (1995–1998) and Violet Bleakman in ''

Clifford the Big Red Dog ''Clifford the Big Red Dog'' is an American children's book series about the adventures of a precocious girl named Emily Elizabeth and her titular pet: a giant, red-furred dog named Clifford. It was first published in 1963 and was written by N ...

'' (2000–2003).

Early life and education

McClurg was born and raised in

Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City (abbreviated KC or KCMO) is the largest city in Missouri by population and area. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the city had a population of 508,090 in 2020, making it the List of United States cities by populat ...

, to Mac, a mailman, and Irene McClurg, an FAA secretary. She has an older brother, Bob, who is also an actor. McClurg attended the

University of Missouri–Kansas City The University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) is a public research university in Kansas City, Missouri. UMKC is part of the University of Missouri System and one of only two member universities with a medical school. As of 2020, the university ...

in the mid-1960s where she also taught radio for eight years. She earned a master's degree from

Syracuse University Syracuse University (informally 'Cuse or SU) is a Private university, private research university in Syracuse, New York. Established in 1870 with roots in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the university has been nonsectarian since 1920. Locate ...

. At the University of Missouri–Kansas City, McClurg re-entered the entertainment field as a DJ, newswoman, and producer for the

NPR National Public Radio (NPR, stylized in all lowercase) is an American privately and state funded nonprofit media organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with its NPR West headquarters in Culver City, California. It differs from other ...

affiliate KCUR-FM. There she portrayed

John Ehrlichman John Daniel Ehrlichman (; March 20, 1925 – February 14, 1999) was an American political aide who served as the White House Counsel and Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs under President Richard Nixon. Ehrlichman was an important i ...

in ''Conversation 26'' of NPR's national broadcast of the Nixon Tape transcripts. It was at this university that Edie was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2017.

Career

McClurg's onscreen debut was as Helen Shyres in

Brian De Palma Brian Russell De Palma (born September 11, 1940) is an American film director and screenwriter. With a career spanning over 50 years, he is best known for his work in the suspense, crime and psychological thriller genres. De Palma was a leading ...

's 1976 horror film '' Carrie'' starring

Sissy Spacek Mary Elizabeth Spacek (; born December 25, 1949) is an American actress and singer. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and nominations for four Britis ...

. She was a comedy regular on the ''

Tony Orlando and Dawn Tony Orlando and Dawn is an American pop music group that was popular in the 1970s, composed of singer Tony Orlando and the backing vocal group Dawn (Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson). Their signature hits include " Candida", " Knock Thre ...

'' variety show (1976–1977) and then a cast member of ''

The Kallikaks ''The Kallikaks'' is an American sitcom television series starring David Huddleston which centers around a family from Appalachia that moves to California to run a decrepit gasoline station. The show aired from August 3 to August 31, 1977 on NB ...

'' and '' The Richard Pryor Show''. In 1980, McClurg regularly performed on ''

'' as Mrs. Marv Mendenhall. Having been a member of

San Francisco San Francisco (; Spanish for " Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. The city proper is the fourth most populous in California and 17t ...

's improv comedy the Pitcshel Players, she moved to

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world ...

and joined the

Groundlings The Groundlings is an American improvisational and sketch comedy troupe and school based in Los Angeles. The troupe was formed by Gary Austin in 1974 and uses an improv format influenced by Viola Spolin, whose improvisational theater techniques ...

troupe. She worked with fellow Groundling player

Paul Reubens Paul Reubens (; born Rubenfeld; August 27, 1952) is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and children's entertainer. He is known for his character Pee-wee Herman. Reubens joined the Los Angeles troupe The Groundlings in the 1970s, an ...

on his first play ''

The Pee-wee Herman Show ''The Pee-wee Herman Show'' is a stage show developed by Paul Reubens in 1980. It marks the first significant appearance of his comedic fictional character, Pee-wee Herman, five years before '' Pee-wee's Big Adventure'', and six years before ''P ...

'', in which she appeared in 1981 as "Hermit Hattie". She also appeared in the 1988 film '' Elvira: Mistress of the Dark'' with fellow Groundling player Cassandra Peterson, who appeared as her alter ego Elvira. McClurg has appeared in almost 90 films and 55 television episodes, usually typecast as a middle-aged, somewhat stubborn, and dim-witted Midwesterner. McClurg is known for a number of roles, including Mrs. Burns in '' A River Runs Through It'', Grace in ''

'', Lucille Tarlek on ''

WKRP in Cincinnati ''WKRP in Cincinnati'' is an American sitcom television series about the misadventures of the staff of a struggling fictional radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show was created by Hugh Wilson and was based upon his experiences working ...

'', Lynn in ''

She's Having a Baby ''She's Having a Baby'' is a 1988 American romantic comedy film directed and written by John Hughes and starring Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern. It tells the story of a young newlywed couple who try to cope with married life and their parent ...

'', Willamae Jones in the television remake of '' Harper Valley PTA'', Mrs. Patty Poole on ''

'' (originally "Valerie"), Bonnie Brindle on '' Small Wonder'', Marge Sweetwater in '' Back to School'', the car rental agent in ''

'', Mrs. Violet Bleakman on ''

'', and Mrs. Beeker on '' 7th Heaven''. She guest starred as Barri's mother in an episode of ''

Campus Ladies ''Campus Ladies'' is an American sitcom that premiered on Oxygen on January 8, 2006. It stars Christen Sussin and Carrie Aizley as two 40-something women who decide to go enroll at the fictional University of the Midwest. The humor comes from the ...

''. She portrayed one of the wicked stepsisters in the ''

Faerie Tale Theatre Faerie Tale Theatre (also known as Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre) is an American live-action fairytale fantasy drama anthology television series of 27 episodes, that originally aired on Showtime from September 11, 1982 until November 14, ...

'' production "

Cinderella "Cinderella",; french: link=no, Cendrillon; german: link=no, Aschenputtel) or "The Little Glass Slipper", is a folk tale with thousands of variants throughout the world.Dundes, Alan. Cinderella, a Casebook. Madison, Wis: University of Wisconsi ...

." McClurg appeared on several game shows, including ''

Match Game ''Match Game'' is an American television panel game show that premiered on NBC in 1962 and has been revived several times over the course of the last six decades. The game features contestants trying to match answers given by celebrity panelis ...

'', '' The $25,000 Pyramid'', '' Password Plus'', and '' Super Password''. McClurg contributed assorted voices for ''

The Jetsons ''The Jetsons'' is an American animated sitcom produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. It originally aired in prime time from September 23, 1962, to March 17, 1963, on ABC, then later aired in reruns via syndication, with new episodes produced ...

'', ''

The Snorks ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...

'', '' Life with Louie'', ''

'', ''

Justin and the Knights of Valour ''Justin and the Knights of Valour'' (Spanish: ''Justin y la espada del valor'') is a 2013 computer-animated fantasy film whose working title was ''Goleor: The Scales and the Sword''. It is the story of a boy named Justin, who wants to become a k ...

'', ''

Cars A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, Car seat, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport private transport#Personal transport, people in ...

'' and ''

Cars 2 ''Cars 2'' is a 2011 American computer-animated spy comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It is the sequel to '' Cars'' (2006), the second film in the ''Cars'' franchise, and the 12th animated film from ...

''. She voiced Carlotta in '' The Little Mermaid'', Mary in ''

'', Molly in '' Home on the Range'', Miss Right in ''

'', the Dragon in the '' Nightmare Ned'' video game, Barsa in ''

Kiki's Delivery Service is a 1989 Japanese Anime, animated fantasy film written, produced, and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, adapted from the Kiki's Delivery Service (novel), 1985 novel by Eiko Kadono. It was animated by Studio Ghibli for Tokuma Shoten, Yamato Transpor ...

'', Fran on ''

Higglytown Heroes ''Higglytown Heroes'' is an American CGI-animated children's television series produced by Wild Brain that aired on the Playhouse Disney block on Disney Channel in the United States. The show's characters are shaped like Russian nesting dolls ...

'', the offscreen "Polite Female Voice" in the ''Revolting Slob'' segments on '' Crashbox'', Mrs. Claus in ''Holidaze: The Christmas That Almost Didn't Happen'', Grandma Taters in '' The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius'', Violet Stimpleton in ''

Rocket Power ''Rocket Power'' is an American animated television series created by Arlene Klasky and Gábor Csupó, the creators of '' Rugrats''. The series aired on Nickelodeon from August 16, 1999 to July 30, 2004. Premise ''Rocket Power'' revolves aroun ...

'', Bea's mother in ''

Fish Hooks ''Fish Hooks'' is an American animated television series created by Noah Z. Jones for Disney Channel and Disney XD. The show ran for three seasons from September 3, 2010 to April 4, 2014, airing a total of 59 episodes. Plot The series revolves ...

'', Winnie Pig in '' Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation'', Bobby's teacher in ''

Bobby's World ''Bobby's World'' (originally known as ''The World According to Bobby'') is an American animated comedy children's television series, which ran from September 8, 1990, to February 23, 1998, on the Fox Kids network. The show was created by Canad ...

'' and Trudi Traveler in an episode of ''

Wander Over Yonder ''Wander Over Yonder'' is an American animated television series that aired on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Created by Craig McCracken, it follows the adventures of the optimistic Wander, who rides across the galaxy to help the inhabitants of v ...

''. McClurg portrayed a nurse nicknamed "Angel of Death" in an episode of ''

''. She also appeared in an episode of ''

'' as Cindy Merriweather. Continuing her passion for performing

improvised Improvisation is the activity of making or doing something not planned beforehand, using whatever can be found. Improvisation in the performing arts is a very spontaneous performance without specific or scripted preparation. The skills of impr ...

comedy, McClurg is a player with Spolin Players. On April 9, 2007, she made an appearance on ''

Thank God You're Here ''Thank God You're Here'' is an Australian television improvised comedy program created by Working Dog Productions, which premiered on Network Ten on 5 April 2006, and aired for the first three seasons and on Seven for the fourth season. Each ...

''. In 2011, she appeared in an episode of the CBS

sitcom A sitcom, a portmanteau of situation comedy, or situational comedy, is a genre of comedy centered on a fixed set of characters who mostly carry over from episode to episode. Sitcoms can be contrasted with sketch comedy, where a troupe may use ...

Rules of Engagement Rules of engagement (ROE) are the internal rules or directives afforded military forces (including individuals) that define the circumstances, conditions, degree, and manner in which the use of force, or actions which might be construed as pro ...

''. In 2020, she made a cameo in the ''

Family Guy ''Family Guy'' is an American animated sitcom originally conceived and created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The show centers around the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their ch ...

'' episode "Holly Bibble" in a spoof of ''Ferris Bueller's Day Off''. She appeared as 'Grace', personal assistant to arter asPontius Pilate. Immediately following the delivery of her lines, was the following acknowledgment by Carter/Pontius' character, "Wasn't that cool? That was really her! Edie McClurg. Thanks Edie!"

Personal life

In 2019, TMZ reported that family and friends of McClurg filed court documents requesting a conservatorship to manage her affairs. They said neurological tests provide evidence that McClurg is unable to live alone without assistance and is “especially vulnerable to undue influence, given her poor judgment and evident dementia.” TMZ further reported that a conservator, McClurg's cousin, Angelique Cabral, had been appointed. In August 2022, the lawyer for the conservatorship filed court documents alleging that a man who had befriended and moved in with McClurg, becoming her caregiver, with the court's consent, was abusing McClurg. The documents allege she was sexually assaulted by her caregiver, and a police report had been filed with the LAPD. They further allege that the man tried to remove her from the state to marry her. The judge for the conservatorship granted an order of protection, with further hearings scheduled for September 2022.

Filmography

Film

Television

Television films

Additional credits

* ''The Paragon of Comedy'' (1983 – television special) * ''Christmas Everyday'' (1986 – television special) * ''Tiny Toons Spring Break'' (1994 – television special) * ''Life with Louie: A Christmas Surprise for Mrs. Stillman'' ... Ora Anderson (1994 – television short) * ''

Escape from Monkey Island ''Escape from Monkey Island'' is an adventure game developed and released by LucasArts in 2000. It is the fourth game in the ''Monkey Island'' series, and the sequel to the 1997 videogame ''The Curse of Monkey Island''. It is the first game in t ...

'' ... Miss Rivers (2000 – video game) * ''Stinky Pierre'' (2003 – television short) * ''Tak 3: The Great Juju Challenge'' ... Stone Crusher (2005 – video game) * ''Toot & Puddle: I'll Be Home for Christmas'' (2006 – direct-to video animated film) * ''What's Wrong with Ruth'' ... Mother (2007 television short animation) * ''The Outlaw Emmett Deemus'' ... Mary (2008 – short film) * ''Stage Two'' ... Maggie's Mom (2008 – short film) * ''The Not Goods Anthology: This Is Absolutely Not Good'' ... Herself (2010 – video short) * ''dated.'' ... Edie (2011 – video short) * ''Heal Thyself'' ... Doris Green (2012 – Short film) * ''Curious George Swings Into Spring'' ... Lydia / Mom / Lady (2013 – video animation) * ''The Gift'' ... Old Lady (2014 – short film) * ''Eyes Upon Waking'' ... Nurse Jane (2014 – short film) * ''How to Become an Outlaw'' (2014)

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:McClurg, Edie 1945 births 20th-century American actresses 21st-century American actresses Living people Actresses from Kansas City, Missouri American film actresses American musical theatre actresses American stage actresses American television actresses American voice actresses American women comedians 20th-century American comedians 21st-century American comedians Comedians from Missouri Syracuse University alumni University of Missouri–Kansas City alumni