Cloris Leachman: Sad Final Days For ‘Young Frankenstein’ Actress

Just months after her 90th birthday — and weeks after the death of her "Young Frankenstein" costar Gene Wilder — Cloris Leachman has grown increasingly dependent on a wheelchair. Now her shocked friends are terrified that the brave actress is running out of time!

“Cloris is a shadow of her former self,” said a source. “She’s become very thin and frail. She always tries to keep a smile on her face, but it must be hard sometimes.” And while the “Young Frankenstein” actress signed autographs for fans as she was wheeled into LAX airport recently, friends fear the end is near.

“She used to use a metal walker,” said a source. “But now, Cloris virtually never leaves her wheelchair.” But despite her fading strength and health, the feisty actress — who starred on TV’s legendary “Mary Tyler Moore Show” and her spin-off “Phyllis” — has refused to retire!

Cloris — seen here with former costars Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper —  is set to appear in the Starz sci-fi adventure “American Gods” next year, and recently wrapped a film called “The Comedian” with Robert De Niro, Leslie Mann and Danny DeVito. “She believes work is what keeps her alive and kicking,” said an insider.

On Aug. 29, Cloris even flew back to her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, to speak at her alma mater of Roosevelt High School, where she inspired students in the Drama Club with her success story. “She wants to pass along her wisdom,” says the insider. “What she’s learned along the way, before she’s gone!”

On Aug. 29, Cloris even flew back to her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, to speak at her alma mater of Roosevelt High School, where she inspired students in the Drama Club with her success story. “She wants to pass along her wisdom,” says the insider. “What she’s learned along the way, before she’s gone!”

Cloris' rep admitted that the actress “does frequently use a wheelchair when she is not in front of the camera,” but insisted that Cloris herself explained that best: “After 90 years on my feet, I prefer to be driven!” But the screen legend was also recently shattered by the death of old friend and co-star Gene Wilder, who died at 83 on Aug. 29. “She tries to remain upbeat and positive, but it isn’t always easy,” said an insider. “Now you have to wonder if her last days are here.”