Full Name: Jennifer Coolidge
Date of Birth: August 28, 1961
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Famous For: The White Lotus, Legally Blonde, American Pie, 2 Broke Girls, The Watcher, Shotgun Wedding
Awards:
- Primetime Emmy Award – Outstanding Supporting Actress (Won)
- Golden Globe Award – Best Supporting Actress (Won)
- SAG Award – Outstanding Performance (Won)
Early Life and Education
Jennifer Coolidge was born in Boston and later attended Emerson College and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She began her acting career with a role in a 1993 episode of Seinfeld, with other early work including films like A Bucket of Blood, A Night at the Roxbury, and a voice role in King of the Hill.
Career Breakthrough
Jennifer’s breakout role came in 1999 as Stifler’s mom in American Pie, a role she reprised in sequels American Pie 2, American Wedding, and American Reunion. Her portrayal of Paulette Bonafonté, the quirky manicurist, in the Legally Blonde films cemented her as a fan favorite, with the first movie grossing $141 million worldwide.
Television Success
Coolidge became a regular on the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, starring from 2011 to 2017. However, her career took a turn towards critical acclaim with her portrayal of Tanya McQuoid in HBO’s The White Lotus (2021), which earned her multiple prestigious awards including an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award.
Recent Work
Jennifer Coolidge’s recent roles include starring in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix thriller The Watcher and the action comedy Shotgun Wedding alongside Jennifer Lopez. She also returned for The White Lotus Season 2, continuing her streak of standout performances.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Seinfeld | Unknown | TV Debut |
| 1999 | American Pie | Stifler’s Mom | Breakthrough Role |
| 2001 | Legally Blonde | Paulette Bonafonté | Iconic Comedy Role |
| 2011-2017 | 2 Broke Girls | Sophie Kachinsky | Main Cast |
| 2021 | The White Lotus | Tanya McQuoid | Emmy and Golden Globe Win |
| 2022 | The Watcher | Karen Calhoun | Main Role |
| 2023 | Shotgun Wedding | Carol | Action Comedy |
Jennifer Coolidge remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, admired for her unique comedic timing and ability to portray endearing, memorable characters. Her roles in The White Lotus and Legally Blonde continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
