Jane Lynch on Only Murders in the Building, Working with Meryl Streep & Big Break in Best in Show

Summary

In this engaging interview, Emmy-winning actress Jane Lynch shares her career journey, from her childhood dreams of performing to her big break in *Best in Show*. She discusses her experiences working with comedic legends like Christopher Guest and Meryl Streep, her love for show business, and the challenges of performing on Broadway. With humor and heart, Jane reflects on her family, her role in *Only Murders in the Building*, and the resilience required to navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. The conversation highlights her warmth, wit, and the joy she finds in every aspect of her work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jane Lynch always had a passion for performing, recalling how her parents' church musicals inspired her early love for the stage.
• 😀 At 12 years old, Jane Lynch sent a letter to Universal Studios expressing her desire to be an actress, despite receiving a rejection letter that she took as encouragement.
• 😀 Jane's breakthrough role came in *Best in Show*, which she describes as the 'big break' that solidified her career in show business.
• 😀 Lynch's sense of humor is key to her personality; she finds the funny in everything, often making jokes on set that others laugh at, showcasing her comedic timing.
• 😀 Working with Christopher Guest on *Best in Show* was a career highlight for Jane Lynch, as she admired his dry humor and creative genius.
• 😀 Jane Lynch humorously reflects on backstage visits, revealing her dislike for them due to people's inability to fake enthusiasm for performances they didn’t enjoy.
• 😀 Jane describes her father, who was of Irish descent, as a joyful and creative person who loved to tell stories and create nicknames for everyone.
• 😀 Lynch’s mother had a memorable interaction with Meryl Streep at a premiere, where she ran toward Streep, proudly declaring herself as Jane’s mother.
• 😀 On *Only Murders in the Building*, Jane Lynch celebrates her role and shares that her character's murder at the end of season 3 will be central to the next season's storyline.
• 😀 Jane expresses deep admiration for her co-stars on *Only Murders in the Building*, particularly Steve Martin, with whom she shares great chemistry on set.
• 😀 Despite the demanding nature of Broadway, with eight shows a week, Jane Lynch acknowledges her love for theater but also jokes about the toll it takes on one's voice and health.

Q & A

What was Jane Lynch's early aspiration in life?

Jane Lynch's early aspiration was to perform and be on television. She recalls being inspired at a young age when she saw a play at school, which made her realize that she wanted to perform.

How did Jane Lynch's interaction with Universal Studios at age 12 shape her career?

At age 12, Jane Lynch wrote a letter to Universal Studios expressing her desire to be an actress. Although the response was not encouraging, the letter suggested that people from small towns like hers didn't often make it in Hollywood. Rather than being discouraged, Jane found the response encouraging, which pushed her further towards her career in acting.

What was Jane Lynch's big break in her acting career?

Jane Lynch's big break was her role in the film *Best in Show* (2000), directed by Christopher Guest. She credits this project as a pivotal moment in her career.

How did Jane Lynch describe Christopher Guest's style as a director?

Jane Lynch describes Christopher Guest as a genius with a unique, dry sense of humor and irony. She emphasizes his ability to create moments that feel spontaneous and filled with subtle humor.

What were Jane Lynch's thoughts on Broadway performances?

Jane Lynch enjoys performing on Broadway but acknowledges the challenge of doing eight shows a week. She humorously describes the physical toll it takes, including the fear of speaking the wrong way and needing constant vocal care.

Why does Jane Lynch dislike backstage visits after Broadway performances?

Jane Lynch dislikes backstage visits, especially from actors, because she feels they don't always know how to give genuine feedback. She humorously suggests that actors should lie to spare performers' feelings if they didn't enjoy the show.

How did Jane Lynch's mother react at the *Julie & Julia* premiere?

At the premiere of *Julie & Julia*, Jane Lynch's mother, who was in her 80s, was initially unimpressed. However, when Meryl Streep arrived, Jane's mother sprinted toward her, proudly announcing that she was Jane Lynch's mother. This moment provided both humor and a touching reflection of her mother's personality.

What personal connection did Jane Lynch have to Irish culture?

Jane Lynch shared that her father was of Irish descent and was a first-generation American. He was a joyful, story-loving man who also had a talent for creating nicknames. Jane mentions that her father was quite a sober person but also had an engaging and knowledgeable personality.

What was Jane Lynch's reaction to playing a murder victim on *Only Murders in the Building*?

Jane Lynch found it a positive experience to play a murder victim at the end of season 3 of *Only Murders in the Building*. She celebrated it because it allowed her to be part of a larger storyline in the following season, with flashbacks to her character.

What is Jane Lynch's view on how she approaches humor in everyday life?

Jane Lynch describes herself as always finding the humor in everything around her. She enjoys asking questions, making jokes, and creating laughter even in mundane or stressful situations, like when she's on set or interacting with others. Her ability to bring humor to any situation is something that her co-stars, like Steve Martin, admire.