Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is an American actress, comedian, and singer who began her career in the improvisational theatre scene of Chicago, performing with the renowned Second City troupe. Her breakthrough came with her roles in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries such as "Best in Show" and "A Mighty Wind," which showcased her comedic range and timing.

Lynch cemented her position in Hollywood with her portrayal of Sue Sylvester on the popular television series "Glee." Her depiction of the sharp-tongued, track-suit-wearing cheerleading coach won her numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, a Satellite Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. This role also led to her being a regular on the Starz comedy "Party Down." In addition to "Glee," Lynch has appeared in a plethora of television series such as "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," "Criminal Minds," "The X-Files," "L.A. Law," "The West Wing," and "Weeds," among others.

Aside from series-based television, Lynch has also hosted several shows, including NBC's "Hollywood Game Night," for which she also won two Primetime Emmy Awards, and the revival of "Weakest Link" on NBC. She has guest-hosted on "Saturday Night Live" and co-hosted the NBC special "New Year's Eve with Carson Daly." Lynch has also participated in the "The Price Is Right" game show as a Celebrity Charity Week contestant.

On the big screen, Lynch appeared in successful films like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Role Models," and "Julie & Julia." She has also lent her voice to animated films, including "Wreck-It Ralph," "Rio," and "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs."

Aside from acting and hosting, Lynch has significantly contributed to theater and music. She debuted as Miss Hannigan in "Annie," and later joined the Broadway revival of "Funny Girl." Lynch also wrote and starred in the award-winning play "Oh Sister, My Sister" and debuted "See Jane Sing," a cabaret show. She also released a Christmas album, "A Swingin' Little Christmas."

Lynch has used her platform to advocate for important causes, including joining the "Ban Bossy" campaign as a spokesperson advocating leadership roles for girls. Lynch also served as an honorary chair for AIDS Walk Wisconsin, one of the many charitable organizations that she has supported, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Trevor Project, and ACLU of Southern California, among others. She also wrote an autobiography titled "Happy Accidents," offering insights into her personal and professional life. In 2013, Lynch received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the industry.