Jennifer Coolidge

Jennifer Coolidge achieved recognition for her role as Stifler's mom in the "American Pie" film series and further cemented her comedic reputation with her portrayal of "Paulette" in the iconic "Legally Blonde" film series. Her work has resulted in several accolades, such as a Golden Globe Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards, particularly for her portrayal of the character Tanya McQuoid in the HBO anthology series "The White Lotus." She reprised this role in the second season, garnering even more acclaim and a second Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 75th Emmy Awards.

Known for her frequent collaborations with director Christopher Guest, Coolidge has appeared in four of his mockumentary films: "Best in Show," "A Mighty Wind," "For Your Consideration," and "Mascots." Originally from Boston, Coolidge studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and was an integral part of The Groundlings comedy troupe in Los Angeles for nine years.

Coolidge has had a diverse career, appearing in films such as "A Cinderella Story," "Click," "Date Movie," "Epic Movie," "Promising Young Woman," "Single All the Way," and "Shotgun Wedding." She has also ventured into television, featuring in sitcoms such as "Joey" and "2 Broke Girls," and the drama series "The Watcher" (2022). Coolidge has also made strides behind the scenes as an executive producer for Dito Montiel's comedy film "Riff Raff," where she also starred. In 2025, she was featured in "A Minecraft Movie."

Her impact and influence were recognized in 2023, being named Woman of the Year by Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals and featured on Time's "The 100 Most Influential People of 2023." She hosted the 2023 Time 100 gala, and her work has been recognized with numerous awards, such as the Critics' Choice Television Awards and AARP Movies for Grownups Awards. Outside of her professional achievements, Coolidge is considered a gay icon and is vocal in her support for the LGBT+ community, while also contributing to charitable work and activism, including supporting AIDS assistance and animal rights.