Created page with "'''Jane Marie Lynch''' (born July 14, 1960) is an American actress, comedienne, and singer. She received a Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, [[Screen Actors Gu..."
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'''Jane Marie Lynch''' (born July 14, 1960) is an American actress, comedienne, and singer. She received a [[Primetime Emmy Award]], [[Golden Globe Award]], [[Screen Actors Guild Award]], [[TCA Awards|TCA Award]], [[Satellite Award]], and [[People's Choice Award]] for her portrayal of [[Sue Sylvester]] in the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|FOX]] musical comedy series ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]''. Lynch also received the first annual PlanetOut.com Short Movie Award, [[Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Ensemble Acting|Florida Film Critics Circle Award]], and Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival Jury Award. She is open about her [[lesbian]]ism; in 2005, Lynch was named one of [[POWER UP]]'s "10 Amazing Gay Women in Showbiz".
She gained fame in [[Christopher Guest]]'s [[improvisational theatre|improv]] [[mockumentary]] pictures such as ''[[Best in Show (film)|Best in Show]]''
{{cite web | url=http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/09/16/140502205/jane-lynch-a-life-of-happy-accidents | title=Jane Lynch: A Life Of 'Happy Accidents' | publisher=[[NPR]] | date=September 16, 2011 | accessdate=November 21, 2011 | author=Holmes, Linda}}
.
{{cite web|title=Jane Lynch: 'I came wired with extra angst'|url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/sep/19/jane-lynch-emmy-awards-glee|work=The Guardian |date=September 19, 2011|accessdate=October 22, 2011|author=Freeman, Hadley}}
{{cite web|title=Jane Lynch: Five things you may not know about the Emmy host and ‘Glee star’|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/jane-lynch-five-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-emmy-host-and-glee-star/2011/09/18/gIQA2ytccK_blog.html|work=The Washington Post|date=September 18, 2011|accessdate=October 22, 2011|last1=Chaney |first1=Jen}}
Other notable awards she has won for the series include the [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series]], [[TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy]], [[Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries, or Television Film]], and the [[People's Choice Awards|People's Choice Award]] for Favorite TV Comedy Actress. Her television cameos include an appearance in the [[Nickelodeon]] situation comedy ''[[iCarly]]'' and the [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] dark comedy series ''[[Weeds (TV series)|Weeds]]''. Lynch had a recurring role in the [[Warner Bros.]] situation comedy ''[[Two and a Half Men]]'' and also has had notable roles in numerous [[mainstream]] comedies, such as ''[[Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby]]'', ''[[The 40-Year-Old Virgin]]'', ''[[Role Models]]'', and ''[[The Three Stooges (film)|The Three Stooges]]''.
In 2010, Lynch married [[clinical psychologist]] Lara Embry, Ph.D., who has two daughters: Haden and Chase, aged eight and ten respectively.
{{cite news|url= http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/06/fashion/weddings/06JLYNCH.html|title=Jane Lynch and Lara Embry|author=Paula Schwartz|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 2, 2010|accessdate=May 6, 2012}}
== Early life ==
Lynch was born and raised in [[Dolton, Illinois|Dolton]], Illinois, the daughter of a homemaker-secretary mother, Eileen (née Carney), and a banker father, Frank Lynch.
{{cite news | last = Berrin | first = Danielle | title = Jane Lynch: 'I'm just a goof' |work=The Guardian | date = January 9, 2010 | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/jan/09/jane-lynch-glee-interview | accessdate =January 8, 2010}}
{{cite web|last=Goldman |first=Andrew |url=http://www.elle.com/Pop-Culture/Celebrity-Spotlight/Jane-Lynch/See-Jane-Run |title=See Jane Run |publisher=Elle |date=January 24, 2011 |accessdate=December 24, 2011}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.npr.org/books/titles/140503583/happy-accidents#excerpt |title=Happy Accidents by Jane Lynch |publisher=NPR |accessdate=December 24, 2011}}
Her father was of Irish descent and her mother was of Irish and Swedish ancestry.
{{cite web|last=Bowles |first=Hamish |url=http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/queen-jane-lynch/ |title=Queen Jane Lynch |publisher=Vogue |date=July 14, 2011 |accessdate=December 24, 2011}}
She was raised in a Catholic family and attended [[Thornridge High School]].
She received her [[bachelor's degree]] in theater from [[Illinois State University]] and her [[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]] in theater from [[Cornell University]].
== Career ==
===Early work===
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.
Stated on ''[[Inside the Actors Studio]]'', 2012
She then continued to hone her comical and improvisational skills at [[Annoyance Theater]], playing [[Carol Brady]] in the theater's ''The Real Live Brady Bunch''. [[Andy Richter]] played [[Mike Brady (The Brady Bunch)|Mike Brady]] in the New York shows. He and Lynch became very good friends.
{{cite web| url= http://www.hernameisjanelynch.com/2010/07/12/jane-lynchs-panel-at-outfest-now-with-video |title=Jane Lynch at Outfest | work = Her Name is Jane Lynch | date = June 12, 2010 }}
===Films===
Lynch got her start in films in 1988, playing a small role in the film ''[[Vice Versa (1988 film)|Vice Versa]]''. In 1993, she had a secondary role as a doctor alongside [[Harrison Ford]] in ''[[The Fugitive (1993 film)|The Fugitive]]''.
During the 1990s, she made numerous television commercials, including one for [[Frosted Flakes]] for an adult audience, directed by [[Christopher Guest]]. A few years later, Guest would remember Lynch, as he cast actors for his dog show [[mockumentary]], ''[[Best in Show (film)|Best in Show]]'' (2000). Lynch played Christy Cummings, 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 music|folk singer]] Laurie Bohner and in ''[[For Your Consideration (film)|For Your Consideration]]'' (2006) as an entertainment reporter.
Audiences and critics took notice of Lynch for her 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.
{{cite web| url = http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120086244 |title = The many roles of 'Glee' meanie Jane Lynch | work = npr.org | publisher = NPR | date = November 4, 2009 | accessdate =November 29, 2010 }}
Since then, she has had supporting roles 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 (film)|The Rocker]]'', ''[[The Hammer (film)|The Hammer]]'', ''[[Another Cinderella Story]]'', ''[[Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs]]'', and ''[[Spring Breakdown]]''.
{{cite news |work=Toronto Sun | url = http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/movies/2009/08/18/10493296-sun.html | title = 40 is the new 20 for Jane Lynch | first = Kevin | last = Williamson | date = August 18, 2009}}
In ''Adventures of Power'', a critically acclaimed comedy about air-drumming released in 2008, Lynch reunited with her former co-star [[Michael McKean]] (from ''[[For Your Consideration (film)|For Your Consideration]]'') in the role of Aunt Joanie and starring alongside [[Ari Gold (filmmaker)|Ari Gold]], [[Adrian Grenier]], [[Chiu Chi Ling]], and [[Shoshannah Stern]]. Similar to her contribution as [[Sue Sylvester]] on the [[comedy-drama|Fox musical comedy-drama series]] [[Glee (TV series)|Glee]], Lynch's role as the encouraging Aunt Joanie to Power, a young musician who plays the air drums because he never had access to musical instruments, promotes the initiative to support music education.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjupGPt0USQ. Power Saves the Music & The VH1 Save the Music Foundation in Jersey City
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.
{{cite web| last = Slezak | first = Michael | url = http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/08/14/jane-lynch-julie-julia-oscar/ | title = Jane Lynch: How 'bout an Oscar nod for her work in 'Julie & Julia'? |work=Entertainment Weekly | date = August 14, 2009 | accessdate =November 29, 2010 }}
{{cite web
| last = Perry
| first = Byron
| title = Jane Lynch
| date = March 5, 2008
|work=Variety
| url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117981898.html?categoryid=28&cs=1&nid=2562
| accessdate =May 26, 2008
}}
===Television===
Lynch has appeared in television roles for over a decade, including work in ''[[L.A. Law]]'', ''[[Judging Amy]]'', ''[[The West Wing (television)|The West Wing]]'', ''[[7th Heaven]]'', ''[[Desperate Housewives]]'', ''[[Friends]]'', [[Dawson's Creek]], ''[[Felicity (TV series)|Felicity]]'', ''[[Arrested Development (TV series)|Arrested Development]]'', ''[[Lovespring International]]'', ''[[Two and a Half Men]]'', ''[[Weeds (TV series)|Weeds]]'', ''[[Boston Legal]]'', ''[[The L Word]]'', ''[[Criminal Minds]]'', ''[[Help Me Help You]]'', ''[[Gilmore Girls]]'', ''[[The New Adventures of Old Christine]]'', ''[[Psych]]'', ''[[Monk (TV series)|Monk]]'', and ''[[Party Down]]''. She also starred with [[John Hannah (actor)|John Hannah]] and [[William Fichtner]] in 2002's ''MDs'' and has appeared in the crime drama ''[[Criminal Minds]]'' as [[Spencer Reid]]'s [[schizophrenic]] mother.
Beginning 2009, Lynch appeared on the Fox series ''[[Glee (TV 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."
{{cite news |work=Los Angeles Times | first = Mary | last = McNamara | url = http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-glee19-2009may19,0,3088358.story | title = 'Glee' on Fox | date = May 19, 2009 | accessdate =October 11, 2010}}
Before her work with ''Glee'', she was a series regular on the [[Starz (TV channel)|Starz]] comedy ''[[Party Down]]''. Though the series was renewed for a second season, Lynch would not be returning, due to her work on ''Glee''.
{{cite web | last = Godwin | first = Jennifer | title = Who Could Replace Jane Lynch on Party Down? | url = http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b133021_who_could_replace_jane_lynch_on_party.html | date = July 7, 2009 | publisher = [[E! Online]] | accessdate =July 8, 2009}}
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 (writer)|Ryan Murphy]], by text message.
{{cite news | url = http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/jane-lynch-found-out-shes-hosting-snl-by-text-2010118 | title = Jane Lynch Found Out She's Hosting SNL by Text | publisher = [[Us Weekly]] |work=[[Us (magazine)|Us]] | date = August 11, 2010 | accessdate =October 11, 2010}}
Lynch also guest starred on the [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] show ''[[iCarly]]'' as Pam Puckett, Sam Puckett's mother, in the episode "iSam's Mom".
===Other work===
Lynch 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.
{{cite web | url = http://movies.nytimes.com/person/43934/Jane-Lynch/biography | title = Jane Lynch |work=The New York Times | accessdate =June 4, 2011 }}
She starred in [[Comcast]]'s XFinity ads, mainly with two different laptops and two different colored [[Persian (cat)|Persian]] cats. She also stars in [[LG Corp.]]'s Text Ed campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of texting while driving.
{{cite web| url=http://www.hernameisjanelynch.com/2010/08/25/jane-lynch-is-a-text-ed-teacher | title = Jane Lynch is a Text Ed Teacher | work = Her Name is Jane Lynch | date = August 25, 2010 }}
Lynch's first experience hosting an awards show was in 2010 when she hosted the 2010 VH1 [[Do Something|DoSomething]] Awards.
{{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]]}}
It was announced that she will be hosting the 2011 VH1 DoSomething Awards, airing on VH1 on August 18.
{{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]]}}
Lynch hosted the [[63rd Primetime Emmy Awards]] on September 18, 2011, only the third woman in Emmy history to host the awards show solo.
{{cite news | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2011/05/glee-on-fox-tv-jane-lynch-to-host-emmys-entertainment-news.html | title = Is Jane Lynch Going to Host the Emmys? |work=Los Angeles Times | date = May 24, 2011}}
According to September 19's ''[[Hollywood Reporter]]'' Lynch hosting the Emmys did not help ratings, as viewing was down 8% year over year and eight million fewer people watched the Emmys as watched Michael Vick's return to Atlanta on Sunday Night Football on NBC (21.5 million for Eagles-Falcons, 13.5 million for the Emmys).
{{cite web|last=Guthrie |first=Marisa |last2=Powers |first2=Lindsay |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/emmy-ratings-expected-be-even-2010-2010-237168 |title=Emmy Ratings Down Among Viewers But Steady in Younger Demo |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 19, 2011 |accessdate=December 24, 2011}}
''Happy Accidents'' was released Fall 2011 by [[Hyperion Books|Hyperion Voice]]. Lynch 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.
{{cite web| url= http://www.hernameisjanelynch.com/2011/05/26/previews-of-happy-accidents |title=Previews of Happy Accidents | work = Her Name is Jane Lynch | date = 2011—5–26}}
The memoir also includes detail about her years as an [[alcoholism|alcoholic]] and her success in battling this addiction.
{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Judith|title=Jane Lynch Finds Herself|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/18/fashion/jane-lynch-finds-herself.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1|accessdate=September 18, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 16, 2011}}
Lynch is openly [[lesbian]], and married Lara Embry in 2010.
{{cite web|first=Hadley |last=Freeman |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/sep/19/jane-lynch-emmy-awards-glee |title=Jane Lynch: 'I came wired with extra angst' |work=The Guardian |date=September 19, 2011 |accessdate=December 24, 2011}}
A self-proclaimed animal lover, Lynch has two dogs and a cat.
Amelia Proud, "[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2073414/Jane-Lynch-gives-dog-home-adopts-rescue-pooch.html#ixzz1ghFG52tc Puppy Glee! Jane Lynch Gives A Dog A Home as She Adopts Rescue Pooch]," MailOnline December 13, 2011.l
She has recorded a [[Public service announcement|PSA]] for [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA]] encouraging the adoption of shelter animals.
"Jane Lynch Stands Up for Bitches," [http://www.ecorazzi.com/2011/02/01/jane-lynch-stands-up-for-bitches/ Ecorazzi] February 1, 2011.
On February 23, 2012, it was announced that she would be the commencement speaker for [[Smith College|Smith College's]] class of 2012 where she received an honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts.
In March 2012, Lynch was featured with [[Martin Sheen]], [[Jamie Lee Curtis]], and [[Brad Pitt]] in a performance of [[Dustin Lance Black]]'s play, ''[[8 (play)|'8']]'' — a staged reenactment of the [[Perry v. Brown|federal trial]] that overturned California's [[Proposition 8|Prop 8 ban]] on [[same-sex marriage]] — as [[Maggie Gallagher]].
{{cite news |title=‘Glee’ Stars ‘Touched’ By Pitt & Clooney’s Support Of ‘8’ |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/jesse-tyler-ferguson/glee-stars-touched-by-brad-pitt-and-george-clooneys-support-of-8_article_61543|publisher=[[Access Hollywood]]. accesshollywood.com|accessdate=March 18, 2012}}
The production was held at the [[Wilshire Ebell Theatre]] and broadcast on YouTube to raise money for the [[American Foundation for Equal Rights]].
{{cite web|title="8": A Play about the Fight for Marriage Equality|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlUG8F9uVgM|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=March 18, 2012}}
{{cite news|title=YouTube to broadcast Proposition 8 play live|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/03/01/youtube-to-broadcast-proposition-8-play-live/|publisher=pinknews.co.uk|accessdate=March 18, 2012}}
== Filmography ==
=== Film ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1988
| ''Taxi Killer''
|
|
|-
| 1988
| ''[[Vice Versa (1988 film)|Vice Versa]]''
| Ms. Linstrom
|
|-
| 1992
| ''[[In the Best Interest of the Children]]''
| Gwen Hatcher
| Television film, as Jany Lynch
|-
| 1992
| ''[[Straight Talk]]''
| Gladys
| Voice role only. Not seen onscreen.
|-
| 1993
| ''{{sortname|The|Fugitive|dab=1993 film}}''
| Dr. Kathy Wahlund
|
|-
| 1993
| ''[[Fatal Instinct]]''
| Prison Reporter
|
|-
| 1997
| ''Touch Me''
| Counselor
|
|-
| 2000
| ''[[What Planet Are You From?]]''
| Doreen
|
|-
| 2000
| ''Red Lipstick''
| Final TV Newscaster
|
|-
| 2000
| ''Color Me Gay''
| Executive / Do-Rag Lesbian
| Finalist at the 2nd PlanetOut.com Short Movie Awards
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Best in Show (film)|Best in Show]]''
| Christy Cummings
|
|-
| 2001
| ''Nice Guys Finish Last''
| Mom
| Comedy short
|-
| 2001
| ''Martini''
| Dr. Jane
| Short film
|-
| 2002
| ''Hiding in Walls''
| Diane Moffet
| Comedy short
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Collateral Damage (film)|Collateral Damage]]''
| Agent Russo
|
|-
| 2002
| ''{{sortname|The|Big Time|nolink=1}}''
| Miss Rush
| Television film
|-
| 2003
| ''{{sortname|A|Mighty Wind}}''
| Laurie Bohner
| [[Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Cast]]
Nominated—[[Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Cast]]
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Exposed (film)|Exposed]]''
| Julie Gross
|
|-
| 2004
| ''Little Black Boot''
| Grace
| Comedy short
|-
| 2004
| ''Surviving Eden''
| Maude Silver
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Sleepover (2004 film)|Sleepover]]''
| Gabby Corky
|
|-
| 2004
| ''Memoirs of an Evil Stepmother''
| Blanche Monroe
| Comedy short
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events]]''
| Realtor
| Uncredited role
|-
| 2004
| ''{{sortname|The|Aviator|dab=2004 film}}''
| [[Amelia Earhart]]
| Scenes deleted from final cut
[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338751/trivia/ IMDb—The Aviator – Trivia]
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Holly Hobbie and Friends: Surprise Party]]''
| Joan Hobbie / Minnie
| Voice role
|-
| 2005
| ''Promtroversy''
| Mimi Nimby (Concerned Parent)
| Comedy short
|-
| 2005
| ''{{sortname|The|40-Year-Old Virgin}}''
| Paula
|
|-
| 2005
| ''Bam Bam and Celeste''
| Darlene
|
|-
| 2005
| ''{{sortname|The|Californians}}''
| Sybill Platt
|
|-
| 2006
| ''{{sortname|The|List|nolink=1}}''
| Dr. Davina
|
|-
| 2006
| ''Separated at Worth''
| Jennifer
| Television film
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Fifty Pills]]''
| Doreen
|
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby]]''
| Lucy Bobby
|
|-
| 2006
| ''[[For Your Consideration (film)|For Your Consideration]]''
| Cindy
| Nominated—[[Gotham Award]] for Best Ensemble Cast
|-
| 2006
| ''{{sortname|The|Frank Anderson|nolink=1}}''
| Dr. Emily Brice
| Comedy short
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes]]''
| Joan Hobbie / Minnie
| Voice role
|-
| 2006
| ''[[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
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Smiley Face (film)|Smiley Face]]''
| Casting Director
|
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Suffering Man's Charity]]''
| Ingrid
|
|-
| 2007
| ''Love Is Love''
| Reverend Greeley
| Comedy short
|-
| 2007
| ''Holly Hobbie and Friends: Best Friends Forever''
| Joan Hobbie / Minnie
| Voice role
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Alvin and the Chipmunks (film)|Alvin and the Chipmunks]]''
| Gail
|
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story]]''
| News Interviewer
| Uncredited role
|-
| 2008
| ''{{sortname|The|Toe Tactic|nolink=1}}''
| Honey Strumpet
|
|-
| 2008
| ''{{sortname|The|Hammer|dab=film}}''
| Woman in hardware store
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Adventures of Power]]''
| Joni
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Tru Loved]]''
| Ms. Maple
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Space Chimps]]''
| Dr. Poole
| Voice role
|-
| 2008
| ''{{sortname|The|Rocker|dab=film}}''
| Lisa
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Another Cinderella Story]]''
| Dominique Blatt
| [[Direct-to-DVD]]
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Role Models]]''
| Gayle Sweeny
|
|-
| 2008
| ''Man Maid''
| Sabena
|
|-
| 2009
| ''Big Breaks''
| M.J.
| Short
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Spring Breakdown]]''
| Senator Kay Bee Hartmann
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Weather Girl]]''
| J.D.
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Mr. Troop Mom]]''
| Ms. Hulka
| [[Nickelodeon Studios|Nickelodeon]] film
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust]]''
|
| Voice role
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs]]''
| Diatryma Mom
| Voice role
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Julie & Julia]]''
| Dorothy McWilliams
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Post Grad]]''
| Carmella Malby
|
|-
| 2010
| ''[[Shrek Forever After]]''
| Gretchen
| Voice role
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Rio (film)|Rio]]''
| Yo/Alice
| Voice role
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Paul (film)|Paul]]''
| Pat Stevenson
|
|-
| 2012
| ''{{sortname|The|Three Stooges|dab=film}}''
| Mother Superior
|
|-
| 2012
| ''[[Wreck-It Ralph]]''
| Sergeant Calhoun
| Voice role
|-
|2012
| ''[[Dino Time]]''
| Sue
| Voice role
|}
=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1993
| ''[[Bakersfield P.D.]]''
| Michelle Hathaway
| Episode: "Bakersfield Madam"
|-
| 1993
| ''[[Empty Nest (TV series)|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
| ''{{sortname|The|John Larroquette Show}}''
| Evaluator
| Episode: "The Tutor"
|-
| 1995
| ''[[In the House (TV series)|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 (TV series)|JAG]]''
|
| Episode: "The Witches of Gulfport"
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Gilmore Girls]]''
| Nurse
| Episode: "Forgiveness and Stuff"
|-
| 2000–2001
| ''{{sortname|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 (TV show)|Cursed]]''
| Carla
| Episode: "...And Then Jack Had Two Dates"
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Popular (TV series)|Popular]]''
| Susie Klein
| Episode: "I Know What You Did Last Spring Break"
|-
| 2001
| ''{{sortname|The|Division}}''
|
| Episode: "The First Hit's Free, Baby"
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Arliss|Arli$$]]''
|
| Episode: "Giving Something Back"
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Boston Public]]''
| Jane Morrell
| Episode: "Chapter Twenty-Four"
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Family Law (TV series)|Family Law]]''
| Cheryl Bowman
| Episode: "No Options"
|-
| 2001
| ''{{sortname|The|X-Files}}''
| Mrs. Anne T. Lokensgard
| Episode: "Lord of the Flies"
|-
| 2001
| ''{{sortname|The|King of Queens}}''
| Dr. Foreman
| Episode: "Ovary Action"
|-
| 2001–02
| ''[[Family Guy]]''
| Dotty Campbell, the nudist
| Voice role, 4 Episodes
|-
| 2001–02
| ''[[7th Heaven]]''
| Nurse
| 4 Episodes
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Titus (TV series)|Titus]]''
| Prosecutor
| Episode: "The Trial"
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Felicity (TV series)|Felicity]]''
| Professor Carnes
| 2 Episodes: "Ben Don't Leave" & "The Paper Chase"
|-
| 2002
| ''MDs''
| Aileen Poole, [[Registered nurse|RN]], PhD
| Series regular
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Watching Ellie]]''
| Roman
| Episode: "TV"
|-
| 2003
| ''{{sortname|The|Dead Zone|dab=TV series}}''
| Flo McMurtry
| Episode: "The Storm"
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Spider-Man: The New Animated Series]]''
| Oscorp Executive
| Voice role, Episode: "Heroes and Villains"
|-
| 2003
| ''[[According to Jim]]''
| Janice
| Episode: "The Lemonade Stand"
|-
| 2004
| ''[[NYPD Blue]]''
| Susanna Howe
| Episode: "You Da Bomb"
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Monk (TV series)|Monk]]''
| Dr. Julie Waterford
| Episode: "Mr. Monk Gets Married"
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Las Vegas (TV series)|Las Vegas]]''
| Helen Putasca
| Episode: "You Can't Take It With You"
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Arrested Development (TV series)|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 (TV series)|Blind Justice]]''
| Dr. Taylor
| 2 Episodes: "Four Feet Under" & "Rub a Tub Tub"
|-
| 2005
| ''{{sortname|The|Life and Times of Juniper Lee}}''
| Madame Rothchild
| Voice role, Episode: "Magic Takes a Holiday"
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Weeds (TV series)|Weeds]]''
| The Candyman
| Episode: "Fashion of the Christ"
|-
| 2005
| ''Illeanarama''
|
| [[Illeana Douglas]] project
|-
| 2005–06
| ''[[Rodney (TV series)|Rodney]]''
| Amy O'Brien
| 2 Episodes: "Rodney Moonlights" & "Rodney Gets a Leg Up"
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Desperate Housewives]]''
| Maxine Bennett
| Episode: "[[Silly People]]"
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Night Stalker (TV series)|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
|-
| 2006–08
| ''[[Criminal Minds]]''
| Diana Reid
| 5 Episodes: "The Fisher King: Part 1", "The Fisher King: Part 2", "Revelations", "The Instincts" & "Memoriam"
|-
| 2006–08
| ''[[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
| ''{{sortname|The|New Adventures of Old Christine}}''
| Ms. Hammond
| 2 Episodes: "The Real Thing" & "Friends"
|-
| 2007
| ''[[American Dad!]]''
| Various
| Voice role, 2 Episodes: "Surro-Gate" & "The Most Adequate Christmas Ever"
|-
| 2004–present
| ''[[Two and a Half Men]]''
| Dr. Linda Freeman
| Recurring minor role; 13 episodes
Nominated — [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series]] (2010)
|-
| 2007–present
| ''[[Handy Manny]]''
| Jackie Greenway
| Recurring role/voice role
|-
| 2005–09
| ''{{sortname|The|L Word}}''
| Joyce Wischnia
| Recurring role; 15 episodes (Seasons 2–6)
|-
| 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
| ''{{sortname|The|Spectacular Spider-Man|dab=TV series}}''
| Joan Jameson
| Voice role, Episode: "Gangland"
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Party Down]]''
| Constance Carmell
| Series regular
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Reno 911]] ''
| Counselor
| Episode: "Wiegel's Couple's Therapy"
|-
| 2009–present
| ''[[Glee (TV series)|Glee]]''
| [[Sue Sylvester]]
| Series regular
[[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries, or Television Film]] {{small|(2010)}}
[[People's Choice Award]] for Favorite TV Comedy Actress {{small|(2011)}}
[[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series]] {{small|(2010)}}
[[Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries, or Television Film]] {{small|(2010)}}
[[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series]] {{small|(2010)}}
[[TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy]] {{small|(2010)}}
Nominated – [[Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Supporting Actress|Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series]] {{small|(2011)}}
Nominated – [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries, or Television Film]] {{small|(2009)}}
Nominated – [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series]] {{small|(2011)}}
Nominated – [[Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries, or Television Film]] {{small|(2011)}}
Nominated – [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series]] {{small|(2010–2011)}}
Nominated – [[Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series]] {{small|(2011)}}
Nominated – [[People's Choice Award]] for Favorite TV Comedy Actress {{small|(2012)}}
|-
| 2010–11
| ''{{sortname|The|Cleveland Show}}''
| Ms. Eck/[[Sue Sylvester]]
| Episode: "[[Love Rollercoaster (The Cleveland Show)|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"
{{cite web| last = Porter | first = Rick | url = http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/07/glees-jane-lynch-visiting-icarly.html | title = 'Glee's' Jane Lynch visiting 'iCarly' | work = zap2it.com | publisher = Tribune Media Services, Inc | date = July 2, 2010 | accessdate =November 29, 2010 }}
|-
| 2010
| ''VH1 Do Something Awards''
| Herself
| Host
|-
| 2010
| ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''
| Herself
| Host
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]''
| Mrs. Johnson
| Episodes: "Run, Candace, Run", "Canderemy" and "Bad Hair Day"
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Web Therapy (TV series)|Web Therapy]]''
| Claire Dudek
| Episode: "Public Relations"
|-
| 2011
| ''{{sortname|The|Simpsons}}''
| Roz Davis
| 1 Episode: "[[Replaceable You]]"
|-
| 2012
| ''[[Word Girl]]''
| Miss Power
| 1 Episode: The Rise of Miss Power
|-
| 2012
| ''{{sortname|The|Ellen DeGeneres Show}}''
| Ellen DeGeneres' Wax Figure
|
|}
== 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''