Jane Lynch

Biography

Jane Marie Lynch (born July 14, 1960) is an American actress, comedian, and author. Lynch is known for starring as Sue Sylvester in the Fox musical comedy series Glee (2009–2015), which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award. She also gained recognition for her roles in Christopher Guest's mockumentary films, such as Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006). Lynch had a recurring role in the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men (2004–2014), for which she received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award, as well as recurring roles in the Showtime drama series The L Word (2005–2009), the CBS police drama series Criminal Minds (2006–2020), the CBS All Access drama series The Good Fight (2017–present), and the Amazon Prime Video period comedy series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–present), for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award. Since 2013, she has hosted the NBC game show Hollywood Game Night, which has earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards. Lynch has had roles in numerous mainstream comedy films, such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), Role Models (2008), Paul (2011), and The Three Stooges (2012). She has lent her voice to numerous animated films, including Space Chimps (2008), Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009), Shrek Forever After (2010), Rio (2011), Wreck-It Ralph (2012), and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). In 2013, Lynch received the 2,505th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the television category, located at 6640 Hollywood Blvd. Among her numerous accolades, Lynch has received five Primetime Emmy Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Golden Globe Award.

Known For

Law & Order

The Simpsons

The Simpsons

Criminal Minds

Family Guy

Family Guy

Family Guy

Family Guy

All Movies (107)

• Flower of the Dawn2025 · as Sinistra (voice)
• The 2025 FOX Fall Preview2025 · as Self
• The Little Pageant That Could2024 · as Self (archive footage)
• Dolly Parton's Pet Gala2024
• The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart2023 · as Bobbi St. Simone (voice)
• Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love2023 · as Self - Guest
• Her War, Her Story: World War II2022 · as Self - Narrator (voice)
• Ivy + Bean: The Ghost That Had to Go2022 · as Mrs. Noble
• Sarah Cooper: Everything's Fine2020 · as KJ Dillard
• 100% Wolf2020 · as The Commander (voice)
• #NoJoke2019 · as Self
• Prime Day Concert 20192019 · as Self
• UglyDolls2019 · as Scanner / Electronic Female Voice (voice)
• A Legendary Christmas with John & Chrissy2018 · as Self
• Ralph Breaks the Internet2018 · as Calhoun (voice)
• A Play2018 · as Betty
• Earth Live2017 · as Herself - Co-Host
• Dropping The Soap2017 · as Olivia Vanderstein
• Writer's Block2016 · as Jane
• The Late Bloomer2016 · as Caroline
• Mascots2016 · as Gabby Monkhouse
• After the Reality2016 · as Doctor
• Must See TV: An All Star Tribute to James Burrows2016 · as Self
• Back to the Jurassic2015 · as Sue
• To Russia with Love2014 · as Self - Narrator (voice)
• A.C.O.D.2013 · as Dr. Judith
• Afternoon Delight2013 · as Lenore
• Escape from Planet Earth2013 · as Io (voice)
• Dino Time2012 · as Sue Fitzpatrick (voice)
• Wreck-It Ralph2012 · as Sergeant Tamora Jean Calhoun (voice)
• Abominable Christmas2012 · as Margaret Knowhow (voice)
• Comedy Central Roast of Roseanne2012 · as Self
• The Three Stooges2012 · as Mother Superior
• Glee: Keep on Believin'2012 · as Self
• 82012 · as Maggie Gallagher
• WordGirl: The Rise of Miss Power2012
• Small Fry2011 · as Queen Neptuna (voice)
• Glee: The Concert Movie2011 · as Sue Sylvester (scenes deleted)
• The Lady with 700 Cats2011 · as narrator
• Rio2011 · as Alice / Goose (voice)
• Paul2011 · as Pat Stevenson
• Donkey's Christmas Shrektacular2010 · as Gretched (voice)
• Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back2010 · as Dr. Poole (voice)
• Shrek Forever After2010 · as Gretched (voice)
• Man Maid2009 · as Sabena
• Post Grad2009 · as Carmella Malby
• Julie & Julia2009 · as Dorothy McWilliams
• Weather Girl2009 · as J.D.
• Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs2009 · as Diatryma Mom (voice)
• Mr. Troop Mom2009 · as Miss Hulka
• The Face is Familiar2009
• Spring Breakdown2009 · as Senator Hartmann
• Annul Victory2009 · as Self
• The Toe Tactic2009 · as Honey Strumpet
• Big Breaks2008 · as M.J.
• Role Models2008 · as Gayle Sweeny
• Alex's Halloween2008 · as Mother
• Another Cinderella Story2008 · as Dominique Blatt
• The Rocker2008 · as Lisa
• Space Chimps2008 · as Dr. Poole (voice)
• Tru Loved2008 · as Ms. Maple
• Adventures of Power2008 · as Joni
• I Do & I Don't2008 · as Nora Stelmack
• Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story2007 · as Gail the Television Reporter
• Alvin and the Chipmunks2007 · as Gail
• Smiley Face2007 · as Casting Director
• Holly Hobbie and Friends: Best Friends Forever2007 · as Joan Hobbie / Minnie (voice)
• Holly Hobbie and Friends: Surprise Party2007 · as Joan Hobbie / Minnie (voice)
• Eye of the Dolphin2007 · as Glinton
• The List2007 · as Dr. Davina
• The Hammer2007 · as Knowledgable Shopper (uncredited)
• Suffering Man's Charity2007 · as Ingrid Sorensen
• Holly Hobbie and Friends: Secret Adventures2007 · as Joan Hobbie (voice)
• Area 572007 · as Irene Maloof
• For Your Consideration2006 · as Cindy
• Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes2006 · as Joan Hobbie / Minnie (voice)
• Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby2006 · as Lucy Bobby
• Fifty Pills2006 · as Doreen
• Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema2006 · as Self
• The Californians2005 · as Sybill Platt
• Bam Bam and Celeste2005 · as Darlene
• The 40 Year Old Virgin2005 · as Paula
• PROM-troversy2005 · as Mimi Nimby (Concerned Parent)
• Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events2004 · as Realtor (uncredited)
• Memoirs of an Evil Stepmother2004 · as Blanche Monroe
• Sleepover2004 · as Gabby Corky
• Surviving Eden2004 · as Maude Silver
• Little Black Boot2004 · as Grace
• Exposed2003 · as Julie Gross
• A Mighty Wind2003 · as Laurie Bohner
• The Big Time2002 · as Miss Rush
• Collateral Damage2002 · as Agent Russo
• Best in Show2000 · as Christy Cummings
• Colour Me Gay2000
• What Planet Are You From?2000 · as Doreen
• Red Lipstick2000 · as Final TV Newscaster
• Touch Me1997 · as Counselor
• Fatal Instinct1993 · as Prison Reporter
• The Fugitive1993 · as Kathy Wahlund
• Straight Talk1992 · as Gladys (voice)
• In the Best Interest of the Children1992 · as Gwen Hatcher
• Vice Versa1988 · as Ms. Lindstrom
• Taxi Killer1988
• The Rise of Miss Power— · as Miss Power
• Nice Guys Finish Last— · as Mom
• Rock Stars—
• Surprise! Instant Xmas Carol!— · as Self

All TV Shows (153)

• Celebrity Weakest Link2025 · as Self - Host
• Only Murders in the Building: Official Podcast2025 · as Self
• Happy's Place2024 · as Val
• Krapopolis2023 · as Brenda the Sphinx (voice)
• Digman!2023 · as Amelia Earhart (voice)
• Velma2023 · as Donna (voice)
• Oddballs2022 · as Grandma (voice)
• Sherri2022 · as Self - Guest
• The Jennifer Hudson Show2022 · as Self - Guest
• The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder2022 · as Celia (voice)
• El Deafo2022 · as Mrs. Sinklemann (voice)
• Harriet the Spy2021 · as Ole Golly (voice)
• The Ghost and Molly McGee2021 · as Ms. Roop (voice)
• Only Murders in the Building2021 · as Sazz Pataki
• Money, Explained2021 · as Self - Narrator
• The Great North2021 · as Aunt Dirt (voice)
• Meet the Chimps2020 · as Narrator
• Weakest Link2020 · as Self - Host
• Close Enough2020 · as Barb (voice)
• Space Force2020 · as Admiral Maywheather
• Solar Opposites2020 · as Kabronius (voice)
• Stars in the House2020 · as Self
• Tamron Hall2019 · as Self - Guest
• Tamron Hall2019
• The Kelly Clarkson Show2019 · as Self
• Middle School Moguls2019 · as Mogul Victoria (voice)
• 25 Words or Less2018 · as Self
• Summer Camp Island2018 · as Skadi's Mom (voice)
• Blark and Son2018 · as Frankie
• Dallas & Robo2018 · as Carol
• Final Space2018 · as AVA (voice)
• Big Hero 6 The Series2017 · as Supersonic Sue (voice)
• Will & Grace2017 · as Roberta
• Manhunt2017 · as Janet Reno
• Talking with Chris Hardwick2017 · as Self
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel2017 · as Sophie Lennon
• The Good Fight2017 · as Madeline Starkey
• The Stinky & Dirty Show2016 · as Dumper (voice)
• The Real O'Neals2016 · as Jane Lynch
• Full Frontal with Samantha Bee2016 · as Self
• Angel from Hell2016 · as Amy
• The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show2015 · as Bernadette Steel ​(voice)
• We Bare Bears2015 · as Tank / Additional Voices (voice)
• Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter2015 · as Self
• Girl Meets World2014 · as Self
• Late Night with Seth Meyers2014 · as Self
• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon2014 · as Self
• Hollywood Game Night2013 · as Self - Host
• The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange2012 · as Cob (voice)
• Finding Your Roots2012 · as Self
• Inside Comedy2012 · as Self
• Web Therapy2011 · as Claire Dudek
• The Glee Project2011 · as Self
• Bubble Guppies2011 · as The Genie (voice)
• Portlandia2011 · as Barbecue Planner
• Bob's Burgers2011 · as Carol (voice)
• Conan2010 · as Self
• Conan2010 · as Self - Guest
• MasterChef2010 · as Self
• The Cleveland Show2009
• Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen2009 · as Self - Guest
• Glee2009 · as Sue Sylvester
• Party Down2009 · as Constance Carmell
• Web Therapy2008 · as Claire Dudek
• iCarly2007 · as Pam Puckett
• Phineas and Ferb2007 · as Mrs. Johnson (voice)
• Thank God You're Here2007 · as Self
• Help Me Help You2006
• Psych2006 · as Commander Barbara Dunlap
• Lovespring International2006 · as Victoria Ratchford
• The New Adventures of Old Christine2006 · as Ms. Hammond
• Holly Hobbie & Friends2006 · as Joan Hobbie (voice)
• The Reichen Show2005 · as Self
• Criminal Minds2005 · as Diana Reid
• My Name Is Earl2005 · as Sissy
• Weeds2005 · as The Candyman
• The Life and Times of Juniper Lee2005 · as Madame Rothchild (voice)
• Blind Justice2005 · as Dr. Taylor
• Robot Chicken2005 · as Miss Grundy (voice)
• American Dad!2005 · as Mother (voice)
• American Dad!2005 · as Chief of Police (voice)
• American Dad!2005 · as Timmy's Mom (voice)
• American Dad!2005 · as Al (voice)
• American Dad!2005 · as Doctor (voice)
• American Dad!2005 · as Mother (Farmer's Wife) (voice)
• Unscripted2005 · as Jane Lynch
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson2005 · as Self
• Miley's New Year's Eve Party2004 · as Self - Host
• Desperate Housewives2004 · as Maxine Bennett
• Boston Legal2004 · as Joanna Monroe
• Veronica Mars2004 · as Mrs. Donaldson
• Rodney2004 · as Amy O'Brien
• Father of the Pride2004 · as Gift Store Clerk (voice)
• Father of the Pride2004 · as Lily (voice)
• The Soup2004 · as Self
• The L Word2004 · as Joyce Wischnia
• Arrested Development2003 · as Cindi Lightballoon
• Las Vegas2003 · as Helen Putasca
• Two and a Half Men2003 · as Dr. Linda Freeman
• The Ellen DeGeneres Show2003 · as Self - Guest
• The Ellen DeGeneres Show2003 · as Self
• Reno 911!2003 · as Therapist
• Spider-Man: The New Animated Series2003 · as Oscorp Executive (voice)
• Real Time with Bill Maher2003 · as Self
• Jimmy Kimmel Live!2003 · as Self - Guest
• MDs2002 · as Aileen Poole
• Monk2002 · as Dr. Julie Waterford
• The Dead Zone2002 · as Flo McMurtry
• Watching Ellie2002 · as Roman
• According to Jim2001 · as Janice
• The Division2001
• The Weber Show2000 · as Carla
• Boston Public2000 · as Jane Morrell
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation2000 · as Ranger
• Gilmore Girls2000 · as Nurse
• Titus2000 · as Prosecutor
• Popular1999 · as Suzi Klein
• The West Wing1999 · as Reporter
• Family Law1999 · as Cheryl Bowman
• Judging Amy1999 · as ASA Perkins
• Family Guy1999 · as Dotty Campbell / English Mother at airport (voice)
• Family Guy1999 · as French Teacher (voice)
• Family Guy1999 · as (voice)
• Family Guy1999 · as Dotty Campbell (voice)
• Felicity1998 · as Professor Carnes
• The King of Queens1998 · as Dr. Foreman
• Dawson's Creek1998 · as Mrs. Witter
• Dharma & Greg1997 · as Sheryl
• The View1997 · as Self - Guest Co-Host
• Arthur1996 · as Patty Ratburn (voice)
• 7th Heaven1996 · as Nurse
• Arli$$1996 · as Penny Bullock
• 3rd Rock from the Sun1996 · as Ms. Koppel
• JAG1995 · as Sandy's Friend
• Caroline in the City1995 · as Hostess
• NewsRadio1995 · as Carol
• Cybill1995 · as Mrs. Sweeney
• Friends1994 · as Ellen
• Party of Five1994 · as Dr. Pennant
• NYPD Blue1993 · as Susanna Howe
• Frasier1993 · as Cynthia
• Bakersfield P.D.1993 · as Michelle Hathaway
• The X-Files1993 · as Mrs. Anne T. Lokensgard
• The John Larroquette Show1993 · as Mary Travers
• Law & Order1990 · as Cordelia Travers
• The Simpsons1989 · as Jeanie (voice)
• The Simpsons1989 · as Roz Davis (voice)
• LIVE with Kelly and Mark1988 · as Self - Guest
• Married... with Children1987 · as Greta
• Entertainment Tonight1981 · as Self
• Saturday Night Live1975 · as Self - Host
• People's Choice Awards1975 · as Self - Host
• The Emmy Awards1949 · as Self