In Memoriam: Madeline Kahn

Today, we're celebrating the life of Madeline Kahn, who would have turned 69 today, were she still alive. Originally trained to be an opera singer, Kahn found a knack for big-screen acting, nabbing her big break in films like 1973's Paper Moon and 1974's Blazing Saddles, both of which she earned Academy Award nominations. She had a talent for comedy, as is evidenced by her long-time working relationship with Mel Brooks, who cast her in a number of films over the years. Tragically, Kahn passed away in 1999 after a bout with ovarian cancer, taking away one of the finer performers the silver screen had seen in the thirty years prior. So, to celebrate her acting legacy, I've created a list of my five favorite of her roles, like I normally do with birthday posts. I hope you enjoy the videos as you help me celebrate the memory of Madeline Kahn.

5. Empress Nympho
History of the World: Part I (1981)


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4. Jenny Hill
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975)


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3. Elizabeth
Young Frankenstein (1974)


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2. Mrs. White
Clue (1985)


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1. Lili Von Shtupp
Blazing Saddles (1974)