Insights from Jane Lynch on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter Podcast
During a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, the dynamic Jane Lynch takes center stage, providing an engaging discussion about her career. This particular recording took place at the Boulder International Film Festival, where Lynch was honored with the prestigious
Entertainer of the Year Award. Renowned for her comedic talent, Lynch has left an indelible mark through her roles in Christopher Guest‘s mockumentaries, blockbuster comedies such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Talladega Nights, as well as notable television appearances in shows like Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and the popular series Only Murders in the Building. In the latter, she portrays the character Sazz Pataki, a dedicated stunt double for Steve Martin‘s character, Charles-Haden Savage.
An Award-Winning Career
At 64, Lynch boasts an impressive résumé, highlighted by 14 Primetime Emmy nominations, with five wins to her name. Her accolades include an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Glee, two Emmys for Best Host of a Reality or Competition Program for Hollywood Game Night, and awards for Best Actress in a Short Form Series for Dropping the Soap. Recently, she is back in the spotlight for her outstanding performance in the current season of Only Murders in the Building, where the plot focuses on the investigation surrounding her character’s murder.
Success After 40
What stands out most in Lynch’s narrative, as she shares during the podcast, is that her remarkable achievements and the acclaim she received blossomed after she turned 40. This serves as a powerful reminder of the possibilities that can unfold later in life.
Happy Accidents and Career Highlights
Throughout the conversation, Lynch elaborates on what she terms “happy accidents,” a phrase that also titles her bestselling memoir from 2011. She narrates intriguing anecdotes about how she fortuitously met (and later re-met) Christopher Guest, the inspiration behind her Glee character Sue Sylvester, and her favorite comedic lines from that role. Additionally, she shares insights into how her character in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel evolved from a guest appearance into a regular role and the collaborative process she and Martin undertook to create their character-driven physical comedy in Only Murders.
Lynch’s journey is not just entertaining but also inspirational, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the entertainment industry.