In the “Highlight Reel” series, Awards Insider delves into the careers of prominent Emmy nominees. This edition features Jane Lynch, a five-time Emmy winner known for her versatile TV roles.
Jane Lynch used to brighten sitcoms with brief yet memorable appearances, from playing a lovelorn government mole on Arrested Development to the quirky Candyman on Weeds, and even Monica and Chandler’s realtor in Friends’ final season. With a career filled with numerous credits across film, voice-overs, and her beloved TV comedy, Lynch initially embraced the typical actor’s life, far from the glitz and accolades.
However, everything changed with Glee. Lynch’s iconic portrayal of the acerbic Sue Sylvester earned her an Emmy in 2010, alongside recognition for her recurring role as Charlie Sheen‘s therapist on Two and a Half Men. Over the past decade, Lynch has amassed four more Emmys spanning genres from game shows to web series and beyond.
Despite her success, Lynch remains dedicated to her craft, regularly appearing as a guest star, most notably on Hulu‘s Only Murders in the Building, where she portrays a former stand-in for Steve Martin’s character. Reflecting on her career trajectory, Lynch discusses her current Emmy nomination for Only Murders and offers insights into her latest endeavor, the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, marking her enduring passion in the entertainment industry after more than three decades.
2010: 1 WIN IN 2 NOMINATIONS
- Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, Glee (win)
- Outstanding guest actress in a comedy series, Two and a Half Men, episode “818-JKLPUZO” (nom)
Jane Lynch reflected on her early Emmy nominations, admitting surprise and pleasure at her recognition for “Two and a Half Men.” She described her career phase then as jumping between guest spots and recurring roles. Lynch cherished the diversity of experiences in shows like “Arrested Development” and “Friends,” relishing the actor’s life of variety. Transitioning from “Party Down” to “Glee” wasn’t a tough decision; it naturally followed her commitments. Lynch recalled how Sue Sylvester’s role in “Glee” came about as an offer from Ryan Murphy, a rare opportunity in her career at that time.
2011–2013: 2 NOMINATIONS
- 2011, 2013: Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, Glee (noms)
Jane Lynch found her long tenure on “Glee” to be a fulfilling experience, despite occasional bouts of boredom from not working every day. Towards the end, she approached Ryan Murphy about wanting more to do, which resulted in memorable and fun challenges like dressing up as a skunk and even going bald for different episodes. Advocating for herself and her character was a growing process, overcoming fears of being seen as difficult. She valued being reliable and prepared on set, which she believed contributed to her professional reputation.
Reflecting on Sue Sylvester’s enduring legacy, Lynch acknowledged the character’s widespread internet presence through memes, which she found both amusing and sometimes inaccurate. Regarding recent parallels with “Funny Girl,” Lynch shared her admiration for Lea Michele‘s role, dispelling any notion of real-life drama like those depicted in online memes.
2014–2017: 3 WINS IN 5 NOMINATION
- 2014: Outstanding narrator, Wildlife Specials: The Spy Collection, episode “Penguins: Waddle All the Way” (nom)
- 2014, 2015: Outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program, Hollywood Game Night (wins)
- 2016: Outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program, Hollywood Game Night (nom)
- 2017: Outstanding actress in a short-form comedy or drama series, Dropping the Soap (win)
During her time on “Glee,” Jane Lynch juggled multiple hosting and narration gigs, such as emceeing the Emmys and voicing projects like Wildlife Specials. With her extensive experience in voice-over work since the mid-90s, Lynch found these roles easy to manage, often completing them swiftly. Shows like “Hollywood Game Night,” where she hosted and fostered a supportive environment for contestants, provided a more intensive but enjoyable challenge. Despite her busy schedule, Lynch maintained a diverse portfolio, including roles in web series like “Dropping the Soap,” a project she embraced for its DIY spirit and fun script.
Reflecting on her career, Lynch acknowledged a recurring theme in her roles, often portraying cold-hearted characters with a deceptive charm. This versatility was evident even in earlier commercial work, where she humorously noted her knack for playing less-than-friendly characters alongside actor Tim DeKay. Her willingness to take on varied roles stemmed not from financial necessity but from a genuine love for acting and the thrill of daily work.
2018–2019: 1 WIN IN 3 NOMINATIONS
- 2018: Outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program, Hollywood Game Night (nom)
- 2018: Outstanding guest actress in a comedy series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, episode “Put That on Your Plate!” (name)
- 2019: Outstanding guest actress in a comedy series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, episode “Vote for Kennedy, Vote for Kennedy” (win)
In 2017, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” debuted, a series that Jane Lynch found immediately compelling and brilliantly written when she first encountered the script. She was struck by the richness of her character, Sophie Lennon, who embodies both a public persona reminiscent of Phyllis Douglas and Moms Mabley, and a private, deeply insecure woman named Sophie. Lynch appreciated the layers of complexity the show explored over its seasons, revealing Sophie’s harshness alongside her tragic insecurities and profound loneliness.
After being nominated for a guest-star Emmy following the second season, Lynch’s agent suggested to show creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Dan Palladino that she become a regular cast member. While acknowledging the Palladinos’ autonomy, Lynch’s agent’s suggestion coincided with the decision to offer her a regular role for the subsequent season.
Portraying Sophie also introduced Lynch to period-specific costuming, designed by Donna Zakowska, whom Lynch praised as a genius for her meticulous attention to character and storytelling through a wardrobe. Reflecting on her character’s evolving looks, Lynch humorously mentioned her initial discomfort with Sophie’s elaborate hairstyles, preferring the simplicity and elegance of the turban she later wore on set.
2020–2022: 1 NOMINATION
- 2022: Outstanding guest actress in a comedy series, Only Murders in the Building, episode “Double Time” (pending)
Jane Lynch’s involvement as Steve Martin’s stand-in on “Only Murders in the Building” was facilitated by producer and writer Kristin Newman, who knew Lynch from renting her house and working together on “The Real O’Neals.”
Newman reached out to Lynch with the offer, to which Lynch eagerly agreed, excited to work alongside Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, whom she had previously worked with on “Another Cinderella Story.” Lynch found Martin’s suggestions and comedic timing invaluable in portraying Sazz Pataki, Steve Martin’s character’s double, infusing the role with her own comedic flair.
Reflecting on her career and recent focus on “Funny Girl,” Lynch mentioned her reduced ambition for new projects, preferring to concentrate deeply on her current roles and voice-over work. Her experience on “Only Murders in the Building” and other recent projects has been characterized by joy and satisfaction, a testament to her versatile and enduring talent in television and film.
