Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch | |
---|---|
Born | Jane Marie Lynch July 14, 1960 Dolton, Illinois, U.S. |
Occupation(s) | Actress, comedian, singer |
Years active | 1981–present |
Spouse |
Dr. Lara Embry (m. 2010) |
Jane Marie Lynch (born July 14, 1960) is an American comedienne, actress and singer. Since 2009, she has played the role of Sue Sylvester in the Fox musical-comedy series Glee for which she has won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. She has also played roles in comedies such as Best in Show, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Role Models, and is also known for her recurring roles as lawyer Joyce Wischina in The L Word, Dr. Linda Freeman, Charlie's sarcastic therapist on Two and a Half Men and as Spencer Reid's mother, Dr. Diana Reid on Criminal Minds. She has appeared on iCarly as Sam's mother.
Early life
Lynch was born and raised in Dolton, Illinois, the daughter of a homemaker-secretary mother, Eileen, and a banker father, Frank Lynch.[3][4] Her father was of Irish descent and her mother was of Irish and Swedish ancestry.[5] She was raised in a Catholic family and attended Thornridge High School.[3] She received her bachelor's degree in theatre from Illinois State University and her MFA in theatre from Cornell University.
Career
Lynch spent fifteen years in Chicago, acting in the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and, at the time of her audition, was one of only two women picked to join The Second City comedy troupe.[3] She then continued to hone her comedy and improv skills at Annoyance Theater, playing Carol Brady in the theater's The Real Live Brady Bunch'.'[6]
Lynch initially got an early start in film, playing a small role in the 1988 film Vice Versa, then having a secondary role as a doctor alongside Harrison Ford in The Fugitive in 1993. Nearly a decade of television roles followed, including L.A. Law, Judging Amy, The West Wing, 7th Heaven, Desperate Housewives, Friends, Dawson's Creek (as Pacey's mother), Felicity, Arrested Development, the cult hit Lovespring International, Two and a Half Men, Weeds, Boston Legal, The L Word, Criminal Minds, Help Me Help You, Gilmore Girls, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Psych, Monk and Party Down among others. She also starred with John Hannah and William Fichtner in 2002's MDs and has appeared in the crime drama Criminal Minds as Spencer Reid's schizophrenic mother.
During this time, she also made numerous television commercials, including one for children's cereal "Frosted Flakes," directed by Christopher Guest. A few years later, Guest would remember Lynch as he cast actors for his dog show mockumentary, Best in Show (2000). As Christy Cummings, Lynch played a butch lesbian personal dog handler to trophy wife Sheri Ann Cabot (Jennifer Coolidge). Since then, she has been a staple part of Guest's casts, appearing in the director's A Mighty Wind (2003) as porn actress-turned-folk singer Laurie Bohner and in For Your Consideration (2006) as an entertainment reporter.
Around this time, Lynch also wrote and starred in the award-winning play Oh Sister, My Sister. Originally produced in 1998, the play kicked off the Lesbians in Theater program at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center in 2004.[7]
Audiences and critics took notice of Lynch for her oddball turn in Judd Apatow's The 40-Year-Old Virgin. She told Fresh Air's Terry Gross the role was originally intended for a man but, at the urging of Steve Carell's wife Nancy Walls, was offered to Lynch instead.[8] Since then, she has starred in a series of films including Role Models, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Space Chimps, The Rocker, The Hammer, Another Cinderella Story, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, and Spring Breakdown.[9]
In Julie and Julia, she played the role of Dorothy McWilliams, Julia Child's sister. Entertainment Weekly dedicated an article on their website toward the possibility of her performance receiving an Academy Award nomination.[10][11]
Beginning 2009, Lynch appeared on the Fox series Glee. She won glowing reviews for her role as the aggressive cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester. Mary McNamara of the LA Times wrote, "Lynch alone makes Glee worth watching."[12] Before her work with Glee, she was a series regular on the Starz comedy Party Down. Though the series was renewed for a second season, Lynch would not be returning due to her work on Glee.[13]
Lynch has garnered numerous accolades and awards throughout her career, particularly for her role as Sue Sylvester. In 2005, for example, Lynch was named as one of POWER UP's "10 Amazing Gay Women in Showbiz." On December 15, 2009, Lynch received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film for her role on Glee. She was the favorite to win in her category but lost in an upset to Chloë Sevigny. The series itself also received nominations in three other categories.[14] On August 29, 2010, Lynch won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress - Comedy Series. And in January 2011, Lynch was awarded the Golden Globe in The Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film Catergory.
In addition to her current work on "Glee", Lynch continues to pursue other projects. Lynch hosted Saturday Night Live on October 9, 2010; the news of her hosting was accidentally broken to her by her Glee boss, Ryan Murphy, by text message.[15] Lynch also guest starred on the Nickelodeon show iCarly as Pam Puckett, Sam Puckett's mother, in the episode iSam's Mom.
She starred in Comcast's XFinity ads that are prevalent in both the Internet and television in the United States, mainly with two different laptops and two different colored Persian cats. She also stars in LG Corp.'s Text Ed campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of texting while driving.[16]
Lynch's first experience hosting an awards show was in 2010 when she hosted the 2010 VH1 DoSomething Awards. [17] It was announced that she will be hosting the 2011 VH1 DoSomething Awards, airing on VH1 on August 18th. [18] Lynch will host the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on September 18, 2011, only the third woman in Emmy history to host the awards show solo. [19]
Personal life
Lynch married clinical psychologist Dr. Lara Embry on May 31, 2010 at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland, Massachusetts.[1] Embry herself received publicity surrounding a custody battle over two children with her former partner.[20]
Both Lynch and Embry are active within the LGBT community. The couple met at a gala for the National Center for Lesbian Rights,[21] and together recorded a video message to gay teens as part of Dan Savage's It Gets Better Project.
Lynch currently is working on her memoir, Happy Accidents, to be released Fall 2011 by Hyperion Voice. She was inspired to write the book after reflecting upon the successes of her past year and wishing she could have told her more anxious, younger self to not worry as much.[22]
Lynch and Embry own 2 dogs, a Lhasa Apso named Olivia (named after Olivia Newton John) and a Wheaten Terrier named Georgie as well as a grey tabby named Greta Marie and an Orange Tabby named Riley [23]
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1988 | Taxi Killer | ||
1988 | Vice Versa | Ms. Linstrom | |
1992 | In the Best Interest of the Children | Gwen Hatcher | TV Movie, as Jany Lynch |
Straight Talk | Gladys | ||
1993 | The Fugitive | Dr. Kathy Wahlund | |
Fatal Instinct | Prison Reporter | ||
1997 | Touch Me | Counselor | |
2000 | What Planet Are You From? | Doreen | |
Red Lipstick | Final TV Newscaster | ||
Color Me Gay | Executive / Do-Rag Lesbian | Finalist at the 2nd PlanetOut.com Short Movie Awards | |
Best in Show | Christy Cummings | ||
2001 | Nice Guys Finish Last | Mom | Comedy short |
Martini | Dr. Jane | Short | |
2002 | Hiding in Walls | Diane Moffet | Comedy short |
Collateral Damage | Agent Russo | ||
The Big Time | Miss Rush | TV Movie | |
2003 | A Mighty Wind | Laurie Bohner | Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Cast Nominated—Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Cast |
Exposed | Julie Gross | ||
2004 | Little Black Boot | Grace | Comedy short |
Surviving Eden | Maude Silver | ||
Sleepover | Gabby Corky | ||
Memoirs of an Evil Stepmother | Blanche Monroe | Comedy short | |
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events | Realtor | Uncredited role | |
The Aviator | Amelia Earhart | Scenes deleted from final cut[24] | |
2005 | Holly Hobbie and Friends: Surprise Party | Joan Hobbie / Minnie | Animated, voice actor |
Promtroversy | Mimi Nimby (Concerned Parent) | Comedy short | |
The 40-Year-Old Virgin | Paula | ||
Bam Bam and Celeste | Darlene | ||
The Californians | Sybill Platt | ||
2006 | The List | Dr. Davina | |
Separated at Worth | Jennifer | TV Movie | |
Fifty Pills | Doreen | ||
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby | Lucy Bobby | ||
For Your Consideration | Cindy | Nominated—Gotham Award for Best Ensemble Cast | |
The Frank Anderson | Dr. Emily Brice | Comedy short | |
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes | Joan Hobbie / Minnie | Animated, voice actor | |
Eye of the Dolphin | Glinton | Lovespring International | |
2007 | I Do & I Don't | Nora Stelmack | Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival Jury Award for Best Actress Comedy |
Smiley Face | Casting Director | ||
Suffering Man's Charity | Ingrid | ||
Love is Love | Reverend Greeley | Comedy short | |
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Best Friends Forever | Joan Hobbie / Minnie | Animated, voice actor | |
Alvin and the Chipmunks | Gail | ||
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story | News Interviewer | Uncredited role | |
2008 | The Toe Tactic | Honey Strumpet | |
The Hammer | Woman in hardware store | ||
Adventures of Power | Joni | ||
Tru Loved | Ms. Maple | ||
Space Chimps | Dr. Poole | voice actor | |
The Rocker | Lisa | ||
Another Cinderella Story | Dominique Blatt | Direct-to-DVD | |
Role Models | Gayle Sweeny | ||
Man Maid | Sabena | ||
2009 | Big Breaks | M.J. | Short |
Spring Breakdown | Senator Kay Bee Hartmann | ||
Weather Girl | J.D. | ||
Mr. Troop Mom | Ms. Hulka | Nickelodeon film | |
Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust | Video Game/Voice Work | ||
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs | Diatryma Mom | Voice Work | |
Julie & Julia | Dorothy McWilliams | ||
Post Grad | Carmella Malby | ||
2010 | Shrek Forever After | Gretchen | |
2011 | Rio | Yo/Alice | |
Paul | Pat Stevenson | ||
2012 | The Three Stooges | Mother Superior | filming |
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1993 | Bakersfield P.D. | Michelle Hathaway | Episode: "Bakersfield Madam" |
1993 | Empty Nest | Tammy | Episode: "The Girl Who Cried Baby" |
1994 | Married... with Children | Greta | Episode: "Valentine's Day Massacre" |
1994 | Party of Five | Dr. Pennant | Episode: "Much Ado" |
1994 | The John Larroquette Show | Evaluator | Episode: "The Tutor" |
1995 | In The House | Ruth | Episode: "Female Trouble" |
1995 | NewsRadio | Carol | Episode: "The Cane" |
1996 | Cybill | Mrs. Sweeney | Episode: "Educating Zoey" |
1996 | 3rd Rock from the Sun | Mrs. Koppel | Episode: "Dick, Smoker" |
1996, 1998 | Caroline in the City | Hostess | 2 Episodes: "Caroline and the Bad Date" and "Caroline and the First Date" |
1996 | Frasier | Cynthia | Episode: "A Lilith Thanksgiving" |
1999 | Dharma & Greg | Sheryl | Episode: "Play Lady Play" |
1999–2000 | Judging Amy | ASA Perkins | 3 Episodes: "Pilot", "Drawing the Line" & "Waterworld" |
2000 | JAG | Episode: "The Witches of Gulfport" | |
2000 | Gilmore Girls | Nurse | Episode: "Forgiveness and Stuff" |
2000–2001 | The West Wing | Reporter | 2 Episodes: "In The Shadow of Two Gunmen: Part 1" & "Two Cathedrals" |
2001 | Dawson's Creek | Mrs. Witter | Episode: "The Te of Pacey" |
2001 | Cursed | Carla | Episode: "...And Then Jack Had Two Dates" |
2001 | Popular | Susie Klein | Episode: "I Know What You Did Last Spring Break" |
2001 | The Division | Episode: "The First Hit's Free, Baby" | |
2001 | Arli$$ | Episode: "Giving Something Back" | |
2001 | Boston Public | Jane Morrell | Episode: "Chapter Twenty-Four" |
2001 | Family Law | Cheryl Bowman | Episode: "No Options" |
2001 | The X-Files | Mrs. Anne T. Lokensgard | Episode: "Lord of the Flies" |
2001 | The King of Queens | Dr. Foreman | Episode: "Ovary Action" |
2001–2002 | Family Guy | Dotty Campbell, the nudist | Voice actor, 4 Episodes |
2001–2002 | 7th Heaven | Nurse | 4 Episodes |
2002 | Titus | Prosecutor | Episode: "The Trial" |
2002 | Felicity | Professor Carnes | 2 Episodes: "Ben Don't Leave" & "The Paper Chase" |
2002 | MDs | Aileen Poole, RN, PhD | Series regular |
2003 | Watching Ellie | Roman | Episode: "TV" |
2003 | The Dead Zone | Flo McMurtry | Episode: "The Storm" |
2003 | Spider-Man: The New Animated Series | Oscorp Executive | Voice actor, Episode: "Heroes and Villains" |
2003 | According to Jim | Janice | Episode: "The Lemonade Stand" |
2004 | NYPD Blue | Susanna Howe | Episode: "You Da Bomb" |
2004 | Monk | Dr. Julie Waterford | Episode: "Mr. Monk Gets Married" |
2004 | Las Vegas | Helen Putasca | Episode: "You Can't Take It With You" |
2004 | Arrested Development | Cindi Lightballoon | 3 Episodes: "Altar Egos", "Shock and Aww" & "Justice is Blind" |
2004 | Friends | Ellen the realtor | Episode: "The One Where Estelle Dies" |
2004 | Veronica Mars | Mrs. Donaldson | Episode: "Return of the Kane" |
2005 | Unscripted | Jane | 2 Episodes: "Episode #1.6" & "Episode #1.7" |
2005 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Ranger | Episode: "Unbearable" |
2005 | Blind Justice | Dr. Taylor | 2 Episodes: "Four Feet Under" & "Rub a Tub Tub" |
2005 | The Life and Times of Juniper Lee | Madame Rothchild | Voice actor, Episode: "Magic Takes a Holiday" |
2005 | Weeds | The Candyman | Episode: "Fashion of the Christ" |
2005 | Illeanarama | Illeana Douglas project | |
2005–2006 | Rodney | Amy O'Brien | 2 Episodes: "Rodney Moonlights" & "Rodney Gets a Leg Up" |
2006 | Desperate Housewives | Maxine Bennett | Episode: "Silly People" |
2006 | Night Stalker | Scientist | Episode: "Into Night", uncredited |
2006 | Lovespring International | Victoria Ratchford | Series regular |
2006 | Help Me Help You | Raquel Janes | Recurring role, 5 episodes |
2006–2008 | Criminal Minds | Diana Reid | 5 Episodes: "The Fisher King: Part 1", "The Fisher King: Part 2", "Revelations", "The Instincts" & "Memoriam" |
2006–2008 | Boston Legal | Joanna Monroe | 4 Episodes: "Can't We All Get A Lung?", "Dances with Wolves", "The Good Lawyer" & "The Verdict" |
2007 | Untitled Christine Taylor Project | ||
2007 | Campus Ladies | Professor | Episode: "Psych 101" |
2007 | The New Adventures of Old Christine | Ms. Hammond | 2 Episodes: "The Real Thing" & "Friends" |
2007 | American Dad! | Various | Voice actor, 2 Episodes: "Surro-Gate" & "The Most Adequate Christmas Ever" |
2004–present | Two and a Half Men | Dr. Linda Freeman | Recurring minor role Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress – Comedy Series (2010) |
2007–present | Handy Manny | Jackie Greenway | Recurring role/voice work |
2005–2009 | The L Word | Joyce Wischnia | Recurring role |
2008 | My Name Is Earl | Sissy | Episode: "I Won't Die With a Little Help From My Friends" |
2008 | Psych | Barbara Dunlap | Episode: "There Might Be Blood" |
2009 | The Spectacular Spider-Man | Joan Jameson | Voice actor, Episode: "Gangland" |
2009 | Party Down | Constance Carmell | Series regular |
2009 | Reno 911 | Counselor | Episode: "Wiegel's Couple's Therapy" |
2009–present | Glee | Sue Sylvester | Series regular Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (2010) Nominated - Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (2009) Nominated - Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series (2010) |
2010–2011 | The Cleveland Show | Ms. Eck/Sue Sylvester | Episode: "Love Rollercoaster"/"How Do You Solve a Problem Like Roberta?" |
2010 | Neighbors from Hell | Alex | Episode: "Screw the EPA" |
2010 | iCarly | Pam Puckett | Season Four, Episode 2 (Episode 72) "iSam's Mom"[25] |
2010 | VH1 Do Something Awards | Herself | Host |
2010 | Saturday Night Live | Herself | Host |
2011 | Phineas and Ferb | Mrs. Johnson | Episodes: "Run, Canadace, Run", "Canderemy" and "Bad Hair Day" |
2011 | Web Therapy | Claire Dudek | Episode: "Public Relations" |
Discography
- Soundtracks
- 2003: A Mighty Wind
- 2008: Another Cinderella Story
- 2010: Glee: The Music, The Power of Madonna
- 2010: Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers
- 2010: Ohio [Glee Cast Version] (Featuring Carol Burnett) – Single
References
- ^ a b Schwartz, Paula (June 6, 2010). "Jane Lynch and Lara Embry". The New York Times. p. ST10. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
- ^
Everett, Cristina (January 26, 2010). "'Glee' actress Jane Lynch set to wed girlfriend, Dr. Lara Embry, in May 2010". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
{{cite news}}
: More than one of|work=
and|newspaper=
specified (help) - ^ a b c Berrin, Danielle (January 9, 2010). "Jane Lynch: 'I'm just a goof'". The Guardian. Retrieved January 8, 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ http://www.elle.com/Pop-Culture/Celebrity-Spotlight/Jane-Lynch/See-Jane-Run
- ^ http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/queen-jane-lynch/
- ^ "Jane Lynch at Outfest". Her Name is Jane Lynch. June 12, 2010.
- ^ "Jane Lynch". nytimes.com. The New York Times. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
- ^ "The many roles of 'Glee' meanie Jane Lynch". npr.org. NPR. November 4, 2009. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
- ^ Williamson, Kevin (August 18, 2009). "40 is the new 20 for Jane Lynch". Toronto Sun.
- ^ Slezak, Michael (August 14, 2009). "Jane Lynch: How 'bout an Oscar nod for her work in 'Julie & Julia'?". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
- ^ Perry, Byron (March 5, 2008). "Jane Lynch". Variety. Retrieved May 26, 2008.
- ^ McNamara, Mary (May 19, 2009). "'Glee' on Fox". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
- ^ Godwin, Jennifer (July 7, 2009). "Who Could Replace Jane Lynch on Party Down?". E! Online. Retrieved July 8, 2009.
- ^ "HFPA News: 67th Golden Globe Award Nominations". Hollywood Foreign Press Association. December 15, 2009. Retrieved December 15, 2009.
- ^ "Jane Lynch Found Out She's Hosting SNL by Text". Us. Us Weekly. August 11, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2010.
- ^ "Jane Lynch is a Text Ed Teacher". Her Name is Jane Lynch. August 25, 2010.
- ^ {{cite news | url = http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/jane_lynch_VXO55skOqSLJYmdVAOyZFJ | title = Jane Lynch hosts DoSomething Awards, talks gay marriage, and Glee | publisher = The NY Post
- ^ {{cite news | url = http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jane-lynch-to-host-2011-vh1-do-something-awards-120849449.html | title = Jane Lynch to Host 2011 VH1 Do Something Awards | publisher = PRNewswire
- ^ "Is Jane Lynch Going to Host the Emmys?". Los Angeles Times. May 24, 2011.
- ^ Ruger, Todd (May 14, 2009). "Adoption by Sarasota lesbian is upheld on appeal; Florida's Supreme Court may rule on out-of-state arrangements". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Sarasota, FL: Herald-Tribune Media Group. p. A1. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
Ruling in favor of Lara Embry, the Second District Court of Appeal said Florida judges must recognize same-sex adoptions from other states, even though Florida law prohibits gay couples from adopting.
- ^ "NCLR Press Release". National Center for Lesbian Rights. May 2, 2010.
- ^ "Previews of Happy Accidents". Her Name is Jane Lynch. 2011—5–26.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Wendy Diamond. "Laughing with Lynch", Animal Fair
- ^ IMDb—The Aviator – Trivia
- ^ Porter, Rick (July 2, 2010). "'Glee's' Jane Lynch visiting 'iCarly'". zap2it.com. Tribune Media Services, Inc. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
External links
- 1960 births
- Living people
- Actors from Illinois
- American Roman Catholics
- American comedians
- American female singers
- American film actors
- American people of Irish descent
- American stage actors
- American television actors
- American voice actors
- Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe (television) winners
- Cornell University alumni
- Emmy Award winners
- Illinois State University alumni
- Lesbian actors
- LGBT comedians
- LGBT television personalities
- LGBT people from the United States
- LGBT Christians
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Screen Actors Guild Award winners
- People from Cook County, Illinois
- Women comedians
- Second City alumni