"Dancing" Dumps Old Cloris for Heartache Toni

For "Dancing with the Stars," heart trouble makes for a better handicap than old age.

82-year-old Oscar-winner Cloris Leachman was originally courted by "DWTS" honchos, we've learned, because they needed someone for the "disability" slot -- think Heather Mills (one leg) or Marlee Maltin (deaf). They figured her age would fit the bill -- until they got Toni Braxton, who has a heart condition, to sign on, as TMZ first told you. That's when they put Cloris' dancing shoes ... six feet under.

Launch photosBTW: We also hear "DWTS" peeps are over the moon that Jewel and rodeo dude Ty Murray -- who are both in the mix for next season -- just eloped in the Bahamas, because the whole boyfriend versus girlfriend storyline they wanted to exploit just got amped up to husband-wife. And we know how married couples can get.

And get this: The Lance Bass rumors? Half true. Yes, he''s definitely on, but no, he won't mambo with a man.

An ABC rep tells TMZ, "We don't comment on casting rumors, but the official cast will be announced on August 25th on ''Good Morning America.'"



Tags: Cloris Leachman, ClorisLeachman, contestants, Dancing with the Stars, DancingWithTheStars, DWTS, Toni Braxton, ToniBraxton

Relevant Posts

Reader Comments

(Page 4 of 6) Previous 15 Comments | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

46. DWTS is a popular enough program that they don't need to throw in older "contestants" and handicap dancers just for shock effect. I'd much rather see people who really have an opportunity to compete. Marly Matlin really did well and I enjoyed her performances, I couldn't stand Heather Mills and some of the rapper, ganster type contestants. Last seasons Mario really wowed me and did an excellent job. Do the professional dancers on the show a favor and give them partners that have a chance and want to be there and I will watch......

Posted at 11:49AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Linda

47. How about cloris and Al Sharpton.

Posted at 11:49AM on Aug 9th 2008 by conrad Labutiay

48. Ron, how would YOU prefer they live their lives?

If they marry a woman, they are ruining their lives. Ask someone who's been there.

If they have NO partner, male or female, that pretty much means they live a very lonely life.

My personal preference is to live alone, (been there done that) but that's not a decision most young people will make.

Posted at 11:51AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Sharon

49. If we're nominating people for DWTS, how about Jessie Jackson? Put a smile on that sour ole face.

Posted at 11:53AM on Aug 9th 2008 by Sharon

50. #9 Karen

You are one hell of a vicious, evil American to say things like that about
anybody, do you RUN to church every week to? you sound just lovely
and dangerous. The " UGLY AMERICAN" is alive and well and named
KAREN

Posted at 11:59AM on Aug 9th 2008 by orss

51. This website show's it all over again how UGLY America realy is.
Age hater's that boggles the mind. YOUR day will come and I hope it be SOON
unless you want to die YOUNG and with your EVIL mouth that may just happend.
You are tossing your parents and grandparents in the grave already, so EVIL.
I know - NOW - why the world HATES this country, it's the viciousness in it's people.

Posted at 12:04PM on Aug 9th 2008 by orss

52. # 50 Orss- I agree with you, sadly, we are a very vicious society, so angry and evil

Posted at 12:12PM on Aug 9th 2008 by porter

53. Everyone is so into stereotyping and ageism,
Be mindful of what you say about others.
Karma is always on duty.
The Universe is listening.
Have a nice life.

Posted at 12:25PM on Aug 9th 2008 by Aunt Winnie

54. Cloris is a class act. She has the versatility and humor to be a great contestant on Dancing. I would love to have seen her. The older gals and guys are most often a lot of fun and try so hard.

Posted at 12:45PM on Aug 9th 2008 by Gracie's mom

55. People I would like to see on DWTS Antonia Bandaris, Tim McGraw, Susan Lucci, Kelly Ripa, McSexy & McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy, Leann Rhimes, Martina McBride, Julia Robert and Richard Gere.

Posted at 12:29PM on Aug 9th 2008 by Connie

56. I like the idea suggested by 14 to get antonia and melanie for that matter

Posted at 1:28PM on Aug 9th 2008 by my say

57. I pray the rumor of Paula Abdul is FAKE!!!! I'm sick of her and now realize why her career died, she has nothing special. I will make it known that it isn't fair to other contestants that haven't danced to have her with her career revolving around dance, just like Christi Y.....but I like her!! Just like AI lets make the game fair!

Posted at 12:37PM on Aug 9th 2008 by Tina

58. I think Cloris Leachman has a terrific personality and I don't think 82 should be a disability. Not a lot of people could be that active as 82 but many can. That really annoys me-the assumption of disability with age.Knock it off.

Posted at 1:09PM on Aug 9th 2008 by WALLIS

59. 'Six feet under comment WAS UNCALLED FOR TMZ - NO DIGNITY TMZ - NO CLASS ! ! !

Posted at 12:44PM on Aug 9th 2008 by jme

60. What is wrong with you FEW that say it's a "Family Show" Look around..."Gay = Family" Evaryone has someone "Gay" in their "Family" I also don't want to be the one to tell you this, but if you take "All" the "GAYS" out of DWTS . . . there would be no "SHOW". I am not talking about just the dancers either.

Tisk Tisk . . .Shame on you.

Posted at 7:47PM on Aug 9th 2008 by FreeyourMind

Previous 15 Comments | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments