Summary
Allison Janney is an American actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. She was born on November 19, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Janney’s career began in the 1990s, and she quickly gained recognition for her versatile acting skills. She has won multiple awards, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Tony Award.
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Table of Contents
Some of her notable film roles include her performances in “The Help,” “Juno,” “The Hours,” and “Hairspray.” In television, she is perhaps best known for her role as C.J. Cregg in the acclaimed drama series “The West Wing,” for which she won four Emmy Awards. She has also appeared in other popular TV shows like “Mom,” “Masters of Sex,” and “Masters of Sex.”
In addition to her work in film and television, Janney has also had a successful career on stage, starring in a number of plays both on and off Broadway. She is widely considered to be one of the most talented and accomplished actresses working today.
Early life and education
Allison Janney was born on November 19, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, to parents Macy Brooks Putnam, a former actress and homemaker, and Jervis Spencer Janney Jr., a real estate developer, and jazz musician. She has two brothers, Jay and Hal.
Janney grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where she attended The Miami Valley School. She later attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where she studied drama and was a member of the college’s theater group. After graduating in 1982, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.
Janney continued her training at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre, where she studied under legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner. She also worked as a waitress and a typist to support herself while she auditioned for acting roles. She eventually landed her first professional acting job in 1984, appearing in a touring production of the musical “Grease.”
Career
Allison Janney has had a prolific career in film, television, and theater, spanning several decades. She has been acclaimed for her versatile acting skills, her ability to portray a wide range of characters, and her talent for both comedy and drama.
In film, Janney has appeared in a number of critically acclaimed movies, including “The Hours,” “American Beauty,” “Juno,” “The Help,” “The Girl on the Train,” and “I, Tonya,” for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2018. She has also lent her voice to several animated films, including “Finding Nemo,” “Minions,” and “The Addams Family.”
In television, Janney is best known for her role as White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg in the political drama series “The West Wing,” which aired from 1999 to 2006. She won four Emmy Awards for her performance on the show. She has also starred in several other successful TV series, including “Mom,” “Masters of Sex,” and “Masters of Sex.”
Janney has also had a successful career on stage, both on and off Broadway. She has starred in a number of plays, including “A View from the Bridge,” “The 24 Hour Plays,” “Six Degrees of Separation,” and “Present Laughter,” for which she won a Tony Award in 2018.
Throughout her career, Janney has received numerous awards and nominations, including seven Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Tony Award. She is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actresses in the industry.
The 1990s: Television debut and early work
Allison Janney began her professional acting career in the mid-1980s, but it was in the 1990s that she began to gain recognition for her work. She made her television debut in 1991 with a guest appearance on the CBS series “Morton & Hayes.”
In 1994, Janney had a recurring role on the NBC medical drama “ER,” playing the character of Nurse Carol Hathaway’s sister. She also had a small role in the film “Wolf” that same year.
In 1995, Janney appeared in the film “The Cowboy Way” and had a small role in the romantic comedy “The Associate.” She also had a guest appearance on the NBC sitcom “The Naked Truth.”
In 1997, Janney had a supporting role in the crime film “L.A. Confidential,” which was directed by Curtis Hanson and starred Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, and Kim Basinger. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Janney’s performance was widely praised.
Also in 1997, Janney landed her breakthrough role as White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg on the NBC drama series “The West Wing.” The show, which was created by Aaron Sorkin, premiered in September of that year and was an immediate critical and commercial success. Janney’s performance as C.J. Cregg earned her widespread acclaim and four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
1999โ2007: Critical recognition and The West Wing
Allison Janney’s work on “The West Wing” continued to earn critical acclaim throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. In addition to her four Emmy Awards, she also won two Screen Actors Guild Awards for her portrayal of C.J. Cregg. She remained a series regular throughout the show’s seven-season run, which ended in 2006.
During her time on “The West Wing,” Janney continued to appear in film and on stage. She had supporting roles in several successful movies, including “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999), “The Hours” (2002), and “How to Deal” (2003). She also provided the voice of Peach in the animated film “Finding Nemo” (2003).
In 2004, Janney starred in the one-woman play “The 24 Hour Plays,” which was staged at the American Airlines Theatre in New York City. The play was a critical and commercial success, and Janney’s performance was highly praised.
In 2005, Janney starred in the off-Broadway production of the play “The Normal Heart,” which was written by Larry Kramer and directed by David Esbjornson. The play was a critical success, and Janney’s performance earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Play.
Throughout her time on “The West Wing,” Janney established herself as one of the most talented and versatile actresses in the industry, and her work on the show remains one of the highlights of her career.
2002โ2011: Continued guest roles
During this period, Janney appeared on shows such as “Frasier,” “King of the Hill,” “The West Wing,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Lost.” She also lent her voice to several animated shows, including “American Dad!” and “Robot Chicken.”
In addition to her television work, Janney continued to appear in films, including “The Hours,” “The Chumscrubber,” “Juno,” “Away We Go,” and “Life During Wartime.”
Janney’s most notable role during this period was her portrayal of White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg on the television series “The West Wing.” She appeared on the show from 1999 to 2006 and won four Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance.
Overall, Janney’s guest roles during this period allowed her to showcase her versatility as an actress and build on her already impressive body of work.
2013โ2021: Mom, Masters of Sex, and other roles
From 2013 to 2021, Allison Janney continued to work on various projects in film and television. During this time, she appeared in several notable roles, including the television series “Mom” and “Masters of Sex.”
Janney’s role as Bonnie Plunkett in “Mom” was particularly noteworthy. The show, which aired from 2013 to 2021, followed the story of a single mother and recovering alcoholic who tries to rebuild her life with the help of her mother and friends. Janney played the role of Bonnie, the mother of the main character, and won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance. Her work on “Mom” was widely praised and showcased her ability to portray complex and emotionally nuanced characters.
In addition to “Mom,” Janney also appeared on several other television shows, including “Masters of Sex,” “The Leftovers,” “American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson,” and “The Kominsky Method.” She also continued to appear in films, including “The Help,” “The Girl on the Train,” and “I, Tonya.”
Overall, Janney’s work from 2013 to 2021 further solidified her reputation as one of the most talented and versatile actresses in Hollywood. Her range of performances, from comedic to dramatic, demonstrated her ability to bring depth and complexity to any character she plays.
Personal life
Allison Janney is a private person and generally keeps her personal life out of the public eye. However, some information is available about her personal life.
Janney was born on November 19, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Ohio. She is the daughter of Macy Brooks Putnam, a former actress, and Jervis Spencer Janney, Jr., a real estate developer and jazz musician.
Janney has never been married and does not have any children. She has been open about her decision to not have children, stating that it was a choice she made because of the demands of her career.
In terms of her hobbies and interests, Janney is an avid golfer and has participated in several celebrity golf tournaments. She is also a supporter of various charitable organizations, including The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth, and the Jed Foundation, which works to prevent suicide and improve mental health in young adults.
Overall, while Janney is known for her impressive career as an actress, she has also made significant contributions to various causes and charities and continues to be an influential figure both on and off the screen.
List of all Allison Janney Movies and TV shows
Here is a list of some of Allison Janney’s notable movies and TV shows:
Movies:
- Dead Funny (1994)
- The Cowboy Way (1994)
- Big Night (1996)
- The Ice Storm (1997)
- Primary Colors (1998)
- The Object of My Affection (1998)
- American Beauty (1999)
- Nurse Betty (2000)
- How to Deal (2003)
- The Hours (2002)
- The Chumscrubber (2005)
- Hairspray (2007)
- Juno (2007)
- Away We Go (2009)
- Life During Wartime (2009)
- The Help (2011)
- The Way, Way Back (2013)
- Tammy (2014)
- Get on Up (2014)
- Spy (2015)
- The Girl on the Train (2016)
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
- I, Tonya (2017)
- Breaking News in Yuba County (2021)
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1989 | Who Shot Pat? | Miss Penny | |
1994 | Dead Funny | Jennifer | |
1994 | The Cowboy Way | NYPD computer operator | |
1994 | Wolf | Party Guest | |
1994 | Miracle on 34th Street | Woman in Christmas Shop | |
1994 | Heading Home | Mary Polanski | |
1996 | Flux | Heather | |
1996 | Rescuing Desire | Betsy | |
1996 | Walking and Talking | Gum Puller | |
1996 | Big Night | Ann | |
1996 | Faithful | Saleswoman | |
1996 | The Associate | Sandy | |
1997 | Anita Liberty | Gynecologist | Short film |
1997 | Private Parts | Dee Dee | |
1997 | The Ice Storm | Dot Halford | |
1997 | Julian Po | Lilah Leech | |
1998 | Primary Colors | Miss Walsh | |
1998 | The Object of My Affection | Constance Miller | |
1998 | The Impostors | Maxine | |
1998 | Six Days, Seven Nights | Marjorie Smith , Robin’s Boss | |
1998 | Celebrity | Evelyn Isaacs | |
1999 | 10 Things I Hate About You | Ms. Perky | |
1999 | Drop Dead Gorgeous | Loretta | |
1999 | American Beauty | Barbara Fitts | |
1999 | The Debtors | ||
2000 | Leaving Drew | Paula | Short film |
2000 | Auto Motives | Gretchen | Short film |
2000 | Nurse Betty | Lyla Branch | |
2000 | Rooftop Kisses | Melissa | Short film |
2002 | The Hours | Sally Lester | |
2003 | Finding Nemo | Peach (voice) | |
2003 | How to Deal | Lydia Martin | |
2003 | Chicken Party | Barbara Strasser | Short film |
2004 | Piccadilly Jim | Eugenia Crocker | |
2004 | Winter Solstice | Molly Ripkin | |
2005 | Strangers with Candy | Alice | |
2005 | The Chumscrubber | Allie Stifle | |
2005 | Our Very Own | Joan Whitfield | |
2006 | Over the Hedge | Gladys Sharp (voice) | |
2007 | Hairspray | Prudy Pingleton | |
2007 | Juno | Brenda “Bren” MacGuff | |
2008 | Pretty Ugly People | Suzanna | |
2008 | Prop 8: The Musical | Prop 8 leader’s wife | |
2009 | Away We Go | Lily Anderson | |
2009 | Life During Wartime | Trish Maplewood | |
2011 | Margaret | Wounded woman / Monica Patterson | |
2011 | The Help | Charlotte Phelan | |
2011 | The Oranges | Cathy Ostroff | |
2012 | A Thousand Words | Samantha Davis | |
2012 | Struck by Lightning | Sheryl Phillips | |
2012 | Liberal Arts | Prof. Judith Fairfield | |
2013 | The Way, Way Back | Betty Thompson | |
2013 | Days and Nights | Elizabeth | |
2013 | Bad Words | Dr. Bernice Deagan | |
2013 | Trust Me | Meg | |
2013 | Brightest Star | The Astronomer | |
2014 | Tammy | Deb | |
2014 | Mr. Peabody & Sherman | Mrs. Grunion (voice) | |
2014 | The Rewrite | Prof. Mary Weldon | |
2014 | Get on Up | Kathy | |
2015 | The DUFF | Dottie Piper | |
2015 | Spy | Elaine Crocker | |
2015 | Minions | Madge Nelson (voice) | |
2016 | Tallulah | Margaret “Margo” Mooney | |
2016 | Finding Dory | Peach (voice) | Cameo |
2016 | Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children | Dr. Nancy Golan / Mr. Barron | |
2016 | The Girl on the Train | Detective Riley | |
2017 | A Happening of Monumental Proportions | Principal Nichols | |
2017 | Sun Dogs | Rose Chipley | |
2017 | I, Tonya | LaVona Golden | |
2019 | Troop Zero | Miss Massey | |
2019 | Ma | Dr. Brooks | |
2019 | Bad Education | Pamela “Pam” Gluckin | |
2019 | The Addams Family | Margaux Needler (voice) | |
2019 | Bombshell | Susan Estrich | |
2020 | Lazy Susan | Velvet Swensen | |
2021 | Breaking News in Yuba County | Sue Buttons | |
2022 | To Leslie | Nancy | |
2022 | Lou | Lou | |
2022 | The People We Hate at the Wedding | Donna | |
2023 | True Love | TBA | Post-production |
Here is a list of some of Allison Janney’s notable movies and TV shows:
Movies:
- Dead Funny (1994)
- The Cowboy Way (1994)
- Big Night (1996)
- The Ice Storm (1997)
- Primary Colors (1998)
- The Object of My Affection (1998)
- American Beauty (1999)
- Nurse Betty (2000)
- How to Deal (2003)
- The Hours (2002)
- The Chumscrubber (2005)
- Hairspray (2007)
- Juno (2007)
- Away We Go (2009)
- Life During Wartime (2009)
- The Help (2011)
- The Way, Way Back (2013)
- Tammy (2014)
- Get on Up (2014)
- Spy (2015)
- The Girl on the Train (2016)
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
- I, Tonya (2017)
- Breaking News in Yuba County (2021)
TV Shows:
- Morton & Hayes (1991)
- Law & Order (1992)
- The Guiding Light (1993-1995)
- The West Wing (1999-2006)
- Frasier (2001)
- King of the Hill (2002)
- The Ellen Show (2002)
- Two and a Half Men (2004-2015)
- Lost (2004-2010)
- The Lost Room (2006)
- Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006-2007)
- Mr. Sunshine (2011)
- Mom (2013-2021)
- Masters of Sex (2013-2016)
- The Leftovers (2014-2017)
- American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson (2016)
- Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017)
- Mom: Plush Rush (2019)
- 9-1-1: Lone Star (2021)
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1991 | Morton & Hayes | Beatrice Caldicott-Hayes | 2 episodes |
1992 | Law & Order | Nora | Episode: “Star Struck” |
1993 | Blind Spot | Doreen | Television film |
1993โ95 | Guiding Light | Ginger | 2 episodes |
1994 | Law & Order | Ann Madsen | Episode: “Old Friends” |
1995 | The Wright Verdicts | Alice Klein | Episode: “Sins of the Father” |
1995 | New York Undercover | Vivian | Episode: “Digital Underground” |
1996 | Aliens in the Family | Principal Sherman | Episode: “A Very Brody Tweeznax” |
1996 | Cosby | Podiatric Nurse | Episode: “Happily Ever Hilton” |
1997 | …First Do No Harm | Dr. Melanie Abbasac | Television film |
1997 | Path to Paradise | Assistant District Attorney | Television film |
1998 | David and Lisa | Alix | Television film |
1999 | LateLine | Helen Marschant | Episode: “The Minister of Television” |
1999โ2006 | The West Wing | C. J. Cregg | Main cast; 145 episodes |
2000โ03 | Scruff | Holly (voice) | Main role |
2000 | A Girl Thing | Kathy McCormack | Television film |
2001โ02 | Frasier | Phyllis (voice) / Susanna | 2 episodes |
2003 | King of the Hill | Laura | Episode: “Full Metal Dust Jacket” |
2005 | Weeds | Ms. Greenstein | Episode: “Lude Awakening” |
2007 | Two and a Half Men | Beverly | Episode: “My Damn Stalker” |
2007 | Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip | Herself | Episode: “The Disaster Show” |
2008โ13 | Phineas and Ferb | Charlene Doofenshmirtz (voice) | 9 episodes |
2010โ15 | Family Guy | Various (voice) | 3 episodes |
2010 | Lost | “Mother” | Episode: “Across the Sea“ |
2010 | In Plain Sight | Allison Pearson | 2 episodes |
2011 | Glenn Martin, DDS | Marcia | Episode: “GlennHog Day” |
2011 | Mr. Sunshine | Crystal Cohen | Main cast; 13 episodes |
2012 | The Big C | Rita Strauss | Episode: “Life Rights” |
2012 | Robot Chicken | Grammi Gummi / Woman (voice) | Episode: “In Bed Surrounded by Loved Ones” |
2013 | Veep | Janet Ryland | Episode: “First Response” |
2013โ15 | Masters of Sex | Margaret Scully | 9 episodes |
2013โ21 | Mom | Bonnie Plunkett | Main role; 170 episodes |
2014 | Web Therapy | Judith Frick | 2 episodes |
2015 | Key & Peele | Various | Episode: “Key & Peele’s Super Bowl Special” |
2016 | The Simpsons | Julia (voice) | Episode: “Friends and Family“ |
2016 | Comedy Bang! Bang! | Herself | Episode: “Allison Janney Wears a Chambray Western Shirt and Suede Fringe Boots” |
2017โ18 | F Is for Family | Henrietta Van Horne (voice) | 5 episodes[81] |
2017 | Nobodies | Herself | 2 episodes |
2017 | American Dad! | Jessie (voice) | Episode: “Family Plan” |
2018โ20 | DuckTales | Goldie O’Gilt (voice) | 5 episodes |
2019 | The Kominsky Method | Herself | Episode: “Chapter 16. A Thetan Arrives” |
2020 | A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote | C. J. Cregg | Television special |
2020 | Celebrity IOU | Herself | Episode: “Alison Janney Gifts A Showstopper” |
2021 | Q-Force | (voice) | Episode: “WeHo Confidential” |
2022 | Who Do You Think You Are? | Herself | Episode: “Allison Janney” |
TBA | Mrs. American Pie | Evelyn | Main role, upcoming miniseries |