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Jane Lynch is a prolific American actress, comedian, singer, and writer.

Biography[]

Lynch was born and raised in Dolton, Illinois, the daughter of a housewife mother and a banker father. She was raised in an Irish Catholic family and attended Thornridge High School. She received her bachelor's degree in theatre from Illinois State University and her MFA from Cornell University, also in theater.

Lynch is openly gay and was engaged to be married to her partner Dr. Lara Embry in May 2010. They have since separated. Embry herself received much publicity surrounding a custody battle over two children with her former partner, which she won.

Lynch's extensive theater background involved touring with The Second City comedy troupe and playing Carol Brady in The Real Live Brady Bunch. She 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 L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center in 2004.

Her breakthrough film role was as Christy Cummings, the butch lesbian personal dog handler to trophy wife Sheri Ann Cabot in director Christopher Guest's 2000 mockumentary Best in Show (2000). She also appeared in Guest's A Mighty Wind (2003) as porn actress-turned-folk singer Laurie Bohner and in For Your Consideration (2006) as an entertainment reporter.

Lynch is also a seasoned television performer. She starred in 2002's MDs, and has made guest appearances in numerous television series, including Judging Amy, The West Wing, 7th Heaven, Felicity, Arrested Development, Two and a Half Men, Glee, Boston Legal, The L Word, Criminal Minds, Help Me Help You, Gilmore Girls and The New Adventures of Old Christine, among others.

Criminal Minds[]

Lynch portrayed Diana Reid, Dr. Spencer Reid's mother, in the Season One episode "The Fisher King, Part 1", the Season Two episodes "The Fisher King, Part 2" and "Revelations", the Season Four episodes "The Instincts" and "Memoriam", the Season Twelve episodes "Surface Tension", "Unforgettable", and "Red Light", and in Season Fifteen episode "Awakenings" and the series finale "And in the End...".

Filmography[]

  • The Weakest Link (2020) - Host
  • Fairy Tale Forest (2020) - Sinistra
  • Glitch Techs - 2 episodes (2020) - Joan Fishback (voice)
  • American Dad! - 6 episodes (2007-2020) - Farmer's Wife/Chief of Police/Doctor/Al/Timmy's Mom (voice)
  • Peacock Presents: The At-Home Variety Show Featuring Seth MacFarlane (2020) - Performer
  • Space Force - 3 episodes (2020) - Chief of Naval Operations
  • 100% Wolf (2020) - The Commander (voice)
  • Criminal Minds - 10 episodes (2006-2020) TV episodes - Diana Reid
  • Big Hero 6: The Series- 3 episodes (2019-2020) - Supersonic Sue
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - 9 episodes (2017-2019) - Sophie Lennon
  • Middle School Moguls - 4 episodes (2019) - Mogul Victoria (voice)
  • Final Space - 13 episodes (2019) - AVA / Dartricio / Mrs. Graven (voice)
  • The Stinky & Dirty Show - 16 episodes (2016-2019) TV episodes - Dumper (voice)
  • Summer Camp Island (2019) - Skadi/ Additional Voices (voice)
  • Arthur (2019) - Patty Ratburn
  • Tuca & Bertie (2019) - Meredith Maple (voice)
  • UglyDolls (2019) - Scanner / Electronic Female Voice (voice)
  • HRC Americans for the Equality Act Awareness Campaign (2019) - Herself
  • The Loud House (2019) - Coach Hutch
  • The Simpsons - 2 episodes (2011-2018) - Jeanie / Roz Davis
  • Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) - Calhoun (voice)
  • A Play (2018) - Betty
  • We Bare Bears (2018) - Tank / Additional Voices (voice)
  • The Birds Sing Too Loud (2018) - Clarice
  • Dallas & Robo - 4 episodes (2018) - Carol / Carol The Biker King (voice)
  • The Good Fight - 3 episodes (2017-2018) - Madeline Starkey
  • Relatively Happy (2017) - Bobbi Martin
  • Goldie and Bear - 3 episodes (2017) - Mrs. Locks (voice)
  • Will & Grace (2017) - Roberta
  • Manhunt - 3 episodes (2017) - Janet Reno
  • The Adventures of Puss in Boots (2017) - Sally (voice)
  • Your Biggest Fan (2017) - Unknown Character
  • Dropping the Soap - 8 episodes (2017) - Olivia Vanderstein
  • Little Bird's Big Adventure (2017) - Olga (voice)
  • The Real O'Neals (2016) - Jane Lynch (uncredited)
  • The Late Bloomer (2016) - Caroline Chambers
  • Writer's Block (2016) - Jane
  • Tween Fest - 3 episodes (2016) TV episodes - Sophia Sharp
  • Mascots (2016) - Gabby Monkhouse
  • Angel from Hell - 13 episodes (2016) TV episodes - Amy
  • After the Reality (2016) - Doctor
  • The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show (2016) - Bernadette Steele (voice)
  • Back to the Jurassic (2015) - Sue (voice)
  • Glee - 121 episodes (2009-2015) - Sue Sylvester / Jane Lynch / Will Schuester
  • Portlandia (2015) - Barbecue Manager
  • The Team Unicorn Saturday Action Fun Hour! (2014) - Dark Puba
  • Two and a Half Men - 14 episodes (2004-2014) - Dr. Linda Freeman
  • Jane Lynch in Wrong Tracks (2013) - Unknown Character
  • Murder Police - 13 episodes (2013) - Unknown Character (voice)
  • Escape from Planet Earth (2013) - Io (voice)
  • A.C.O.D (2013) - Dr. Judith
  • Afternoon Delight (2013) - Dr. Lenore
  • Jungle Master (2013) - Ilene (English Version, voice)
  • Phineas and Ferb - 5 episodes (2011-2013) - Mrs. Johnson (voice)
  • The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange- 2 episodes (2012) - Jane the Peanut / Cobb (voice)
  • Abominable Christmas (2012) - Margret Knowhow (voice)
  • Dino Time (2012) - Sue (voice)
  • Wreck-It Ralph (2012) - Calhoun (voice)
  • Handy Manny - 5 episodes (2006-2012) - Jackie Greenway (voice)
  • Wreck-It Ralph (2012) - Sergeant Calhoun (voice) (Video Game)
  • Delhi Safari (2012) - Female Flamingo (English Version, voice)
  • The Three Stooges (2012) - Mother Superior
  • 8 (2012) - Maggie Gallagher
  • WordGirl (2012) - Unknown Character
  • Toy Story Toons: Small Fry (2011) - Queen Neptuna (voice)
  • Web Therapy (2011) - Claire Dudak
  • The Lady with 700 Cats (2011) - Narrator
  • The Super Hero Squad Show - 2 episodes (2010-2011) - Nebula
  • Carpool (2011) - Unknown Character
  • Rio (2011) - Alice (The Other Goose) (voice)
  • Paul (2011) - Pat Stevenson
  • The Cleveland Show - 2 episodes (2010) - Sue Sylvester/ Ms. Eck (voice)
  • Mitzvah Communication (2010) - Elaine French
  • Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet (2010) - Nebula (voice) (Video Game)
  • iCarly (2010) - Pam Puckett
  • Neighbors from Hell - 3 episodes (2010) - Alex (voice)
  • Pretty Parts (2010) - Unknown Character (Voice)
  • Party Down - 9 episodes (2009-2010) - Constance Carmell
  • Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back (2010) - Dr. Poole (voice)
  • Shrek Forever After (2010) - Gretched (voice)
  • Birds of Paradise (2010) - Rosie (voice)
  • Big Breaks (2009) - M.J.
  • Glee: Director's Cut Pilot Episode (2009) - Sue Sylvester
  • Post Grad (2009) - Carmella Malby
  • Julie & Julia (2009) - Dorothy McWilliams
  • Reno 911! (2009) - Therapist
  • Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009) - Diatryma Mom (voice)
  • Mr. Troop Mom (2009) - Ms.Hulka
  • Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust (2009) - Denise Lemon (voice) (Video Game)
  • The Spectacular Spider-Man (2009) - Joan Jameson (voice)
  • The L Word - 15 episodes (2005-2009) - Joyce Wischnia
  • Weather Girl (2009) - J.D.
  • Spring Breakdown (2009) - Senator 'Kay Bee' Hartmann
  • Never Better (2008) - Linda
  • The Adventures of Captain Cross Dresser (2008) - Unknown Character (voice)
  • Easy to Assemble- 15 episodes (2008) - Manager Swenka/ Manager Gjorna
  • Role Models (2008) - Sweeny
  • Boston Legal - 4 episodes (2006-2008) - Joanna Monroe
  • Alex's Halloween (2008) - Mother
  • Web Therapy - 3 episodes (2008) - Claire Dudek
  • Psych (2008) - Commander Barbara Dunlap
  • The Consultants (2008) - Chase
  • Space Chimps (2008) (voice) - Dr. Poole
  • The Rocker (2008) - Lisa
  • Man Maid (2008) - Lonely Businesswomen Sabena
  • My Name Is Earl (2008) - Sissy
  • The Toe Tactic (2008) - Honey Strumpet
  • Tru Loved (2008) - Ms. Maple
  • Another Cinderella Story (2008) - Dominique
  • Adventures of Power (2008) - Joni
  • Area 57 (2007) - Irene Maloof
  • I Do & I Don't (2007) - Nora Stelmack
  • Untitled Christine Taylor Project (2007) - Janet
  • Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) - Gail the Television Reporter
  • Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) - Gail
  • Holly Hobbie and Friends: Best Friends Forever (2007) - Joan Hobbie / Minnie (voice)
  • Love Is Love (2007) - Reverend Greeley
  • The List (2007) - Dr. Davina
  • The New Adventures of Old Christine - 2 episodes (2007) - Ms. Hammond
  • The Hammer (2007) - Woman Who Argues With Jerry (uncredited)
  • Suffering Man's Charity (2007) - Ingrid Sorensen
  • Holly Hobbie and Friends: Secret Adventures (2007) - Joan Hobbie (voice)
  • Smiley Face (2007) - Casting Director
  • Campus Ladies (2007) - Professor
  • Help Me Help You - 6 episodes (2006-2007) - Raquel Janes
  • Separated at Worth (2006) - Jennifer
  • Eye of the Dolphin (2006) - Elizabeth
  • Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes (2006) - Joan Hobbie / Minnie (voice)
  • The Frank Anderson (2006) - Dr. Emily Brice
  • Lovespring International - 13 episodes (2006) - Victoria Ratchford
  • For Your Consideration (2006) - Cindy
  • Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) - Lucy Bobby
  • Fifty Pills (2006) - Doreen
  • Night Stalker (2006) - Dr. Dominic Messinger (uncredited)
  • Desperate Housewives (2006) - Maxine Bennett
  • Holly Hobbie and Friends: Surprise Party (2005) - Joan Hobbie / Minnie (voice)
  • The Californians (2005) - Sybill Platt
  • Illeanarama (2005) - Ann
  • Bam Bam and Celeste (2005) - Darlene
  • Weeds (2005) - The Candyman
  • The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005) - Paula
  • The Life and Times of Juniper Lee (2005) - Madame Rothchild (voice)
  • Father of the Pride - 2 episodes (2004-2005) - Lily/ Gift Store Clerk
  • Rodney - 2 episodes (2005) - Amy O'Brien
  • Blind Justice - 2 episodes (2005) - Dr. Taylor
  • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2005) - Ranger
  • Unscripted - 2 episodes (2005) - Jane
  • Promtroversy (2005) - Mimi Nimby (Concerned Parent)
  • Holly Hobbie and Friends: Surprise Party (2005) - Joan Hobbie / Minnie
  • Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) - Realtor (uncredited)
  • Veronica Mars- 2 episodes (2004) - Mrs. Donaldson
  • Memoirs of an Evil Stepmother (2004) - Blanche Monroe
  • How to Be a Hollywood Player in Less Than Ten Minutes (2004) - Hollywood Mogul
  • Sleepover (2004) - Gabby
  • Friends (2004) - Ellen
  • Surviving Eden (2004) - Maude Silver
  • Arrested Development (2004) - Cindi Lightballoon
  • Las Vegas (2004) - Helen Putasca
  • Monk (2004) - Dr. Julie Waterford
  • NYPD Blue (2004) - Susanna Howe
  • Little Black Boot (2004) - Grace
  • According to Jim (2003) - Janice
  • Exposed (2003) - Julie Gross
  • Spider-Man (2003) - Oscorp Executive (voice) (TV series)
  • The Dead Zone (2003) - Flo McMurtry
  • Watching Ellie (2003) - Roman
  • A Mighty Wind (2003) - Laurie Bohner
  • MDs - 10 episodes (2002) - Aileen Poole, RN, Ph.D
  • The Big Time (2002) - Miss Rush
  • 7th Heaven - 4 episodes (2001-2002) - Nurse
  • Felicity - 2 episodes (2002) - Professor Carnes
  • Family Guy - 4 episodes (2001-2002) - French Teacher/ Unknown Character/ Dotty Campbell/ English Mother at Airport (voice)
  • Collateral Damage (2002) - Agent Russo
  • Titus - The Trial (2002) TV episode - Prosecutor
  • Hiding in Walls (2002) - Diane Moffet
  • The King of Queens (2001) - Dr. Foreman
  • The X Files (2001) - Mrs. Anne T. Lokensgard
  • Family Law (2001) - Cheryl Bowman
  • Boston Public (2001) - Jane Morrell
  • Arli$$ (2001) - Unknown Character
  • The Division (2001) - Unknown Character
  • Martini (2001) - Dr. Jane
  • Nice Guys Finish Last (2001) - Mom
  • The West Wing - 2 episodes (2000-2001) - Reporter
  • Popular (2001) - Susie Klein
  • Cursed (2001) - Carla
  • Dawson's Creek (2001) - Mrs. Witter
  • Gilmore Girls (2000) - Nurse
  • Judging Amy - 3 episodes (1999-2000) - ASA Perkins
  • Best in Show (2000) - Christy Cummings
  • Color Me Gay (2000) - Executive
  • JAG - The Witches of Gulfport (2000) TV episode
  • Red Lipstick (2000) - Final TV Newscaster
  • What Planet Are You From? (2000) - Doreen
  • Dharma & Greg (1999) - Sheryl
  • Caroline in the City (1998) - Hostess
  • Touch Me (1997) - Counselor
  • Frasier (1996) - Cynthia
  • 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996) - Mrs. Koppel
  • Cybill (1996) - Mrs. Sweeney
  • NewsRadio (1995) - Carol
  • In the House (1995) - Ruth
  • The John Larroquette Show (1994) - Evaluator
  • Party of Five (1994) - Dr. Pennant
  • Married with Children (1994) - Greta
  • Empty Nest (1993) - Tammy
  • Bakersfield P.D. (1993) - Michelle Hathaway
  • Fatal Instinct (1993) - Prison Reporter
  • The Fugitive (1993) - Doctor Kathy Wahlund
  • Straight Talk (1992) - Gladys
  • In the Best Interest of the Children (1992) - Gwen Hatcher (credited as Jany Lynch)
  • Taxi Killer (1988) - Unknown Character
  • Vice Versa (1988) - Ms. Lindstrom

Soundtrack[]

  • Another Cinderella Story (2008) (performer: Hold 4 You, Baby Got Bacne)
  • Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes (2006) (performer: Jingle Bells, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, There's No Room At The Inn, It's Christmas Time Again)

External Links[]

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