Where the heck is LELAND PALMER? these days?

http://www.flixster.com/movie/all-that-jazz/photos?p=3786586
One of the 4 best Fosse dancers ever! Ann RK, Leland, Bruce Anthony Davis, Verdon.
In ALLTHAT JAZZ, she has a magnificent scene (number) in front of a mirror, talking to "fosse (R, Scheider)".
I always thought her career was waaay too short IMHO.

Updated On: 1/4/09 at 07:03 AM

For what it's worth, this was on imdb.
Where Are They Now
(2001) According to Roy Scheider on the commentary track of the "All That Jazz" DVD, she moved to Israel.

It would appear that she now resides in California, teaching acting at colleges and community theaters.

She appeared on Broadway in BAJOUR, A JOYFUL NOISE, HELLO, DOLLY!, APPLAUSE (replacing Bonnie Franklin), and PIPPIN (originated the role of Fastrada). Palmer received two Tony Award nominations: in 1967 for featured actress in a musical for her Miss Jimmie in A JOYFUL NOISE, and in 1973 for actress in a musical for her Fastrada in PIPPIN. Her U.S. television appearances include guest roles on LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE; LAVERNE & SHIRLEY and RHODA. She was also a regular on the Carol Burnett summer replacement variety series DINAH AND HER NEW BEST FRIENDS on CBS in 1976. To motion-picture audiences, Palmer is known best for Bob Fosse's 1979 All THAT JAZZ, in which she played Audrey Paris, a central character modeled clearly on Fosse's wife, the Broadway star Gwen Verdon. Palmer is known now as Linda Posner. Although she no longer performs, she continues to work with community theatres in California. She most recently served as choreographer of 42nd Street Moon-San Francisco's production of IRMA LA DOUCE.



August 13, 2007 Press Release for that Master Class:

Event Date: August 25, 2007

WNC to Offer Master Class in Physical Theatre

Linda Posner, an actress, singer, and dancer who has been nominated for two Tony Awards, will present a master class in physical theatre on Saturday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Western Nevada College’s Sarah Winnemucca Hall. It is open to anyone interested in musical theatre.

The non-credit workshop will focus on expressing emotions with movement, sound and dialogue; improvisation; memorization ideas; audition tips; and scene creation. Students will actively participate in several instruction segments that will help dancers explore acting and actors explore movement.

Posner has received nominations for her performances in “Pippin” and “A Joyful Noise.” She was also featured in movies such as Ken Russell’s “Valentino” and Bob Fosse’s four-time Oscar winning “All that Jazz,” in which she portrayed the character modeled on Gwen Verdon. Currently, Posner teaches, consults, and coaches for high schools, colleges and community theaters around the country.

Cost: $30. Registration is limited; call 775-445-4249 to sign up.




Here she is on the "An Elephant Never Forgets" episode of CBS TV's RHODA which aired on November 1, 1976. Incidentally, the episode was directed by former Broadway dancer (and ex-husband of Chita Rivera): Tony Mordente.

Updated On: 1/4/09 at 11:14 AM

In June of 2008 she took part in a Charles Strouse tribute at 42nd Street Moon in San Francisco. Her participation was billed as her "first stage appearance since her retirement from show business in 1977."
42nd St Moon to Celebrate Strouse at Gala June 30th

Yes, she did A Chorus Line at the Shubert in LA - I don't think she made it to two weeks, however.

She also did a CBS variety show called Dinah and Her New Best Friends - it was a summer replacement for Carol Burnett on Saturdays at ten. The host was Dinah Shore. Diana Canova was also in this series, as was someone who posts on this very board. :)

Didn't I see her in the west coast production of SUGAR with Robert Morse, Larry Kert, and Gale Gordon, back in the early 1970's?

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A couple old pics for LP fans:

I always found it very strange that she shared a name with the killer from Twin Peaks.

I love her! It might just be rumor but I read some time ago that Mark Frost (along with David Lynch, creator of Twin Peaks) was a fan of hers and named the character Leland after her as an obscure inside joke.

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The character of Leland Palmer on Twin Peaks was a Broadway enthusiast. When he became possessed by the demonic KILLER BOB, the demon's ability to imitate his personality began to break down over time, and the character became defined by his quirks. By the end he was singing and dancing constantly and could not stop himself.

For anyone interested, I was wondering this question lately too, and found that she has a daughter who is a performer as well. I did some digging--

At the bottom of this page there is a comment from someone claiming to be Leland's daughter, Pearl. I clicked on the website of the commenter, Pearl, and found that it is true--Leland (Linda's) daughter is a dancer as well. Her name is Pearl Marill. Her work seems pretty cool!