Edie McClurg

Biography

Edie McClurg, born on July 23, 1951, is a versatile American actress, voice actress, stand-up comedian, and opera singer. With nearly 90 film roles and over 55 television appearances, she is renowned for her distinctive Midwestern accent and upbeat characters.

Raised in Kansas City, Missouri, McClurg is the daughter of Mac, a mailman, and Irene, an FAA secretary. She has an older brother, Bob, who is also in the acting profession. McClurg pursued her education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City during the mid-1960s and later earned a master's degree from Syracuse University. She even taught radio at the university for eight years.

McClurg made her film debut in Brian De Palma’s 1976 horror classic "Carrie," in which she played Helen Shyres, a classmate of the titular character. She gained further recognition through roles on "The Richard Pryor Show" and as Mrs. Marv Mendenhall on "The David Letterman Show." Among her notable film roles are Mrs. Burns in "A River Runs Through It" and the Town Council President Chastity Pariah in "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark."

In addition to her on-screen work, McClurg has lent her voice to various animated characters in titles like "The Jetsons," "A Bug's Life," and Disney's "The Little Mermaid." A member of the Groundlings comedy troupe, she remains passionate about improv, continuing her career with the Spolin Players while captivating audiences with her unique charm.