There are some roles that are iconic and memorable for the actors that have played them. Hollywood star Jennifer Coolidge is a celebrity who is synonymous with some of the most unforgettable characters that she has made her own over the years. Stifler’s mom in American Pie 2 and the s*xy Sophie Kachinsky in Two Broke Girls has gained cult status thanks to Coolidge’s fantastic flair for comedy and wit.
Yet, it is only after decades of being in the entertainment business that Coolidge is finally getting the recognition she deserves after her award-winning performance in the widely appreciated The White Lotus and her impressive collaboration with Naomi Watts in The Watcher. Speaking candidly in an interview, Coolidge looked back on her career and her present position of power in Hollywood.
Jennifer Coolidge Is Grateful For Her Late Professional Success
Jennifer Coolidge is one of the most instinctive and talented funny women in Hollywood today. Her impressive performance in The White Lotus has witnessed the actor collecting every award for the year including a well-deserved Emmy. But the star who has been around for many years, is only now getting her due as an actor of repute. Coolidge’s co-star in The Watcher Naomi Watts was empathetic to her situation and acknowledged the Two Broke Girls star for continuing to persevere despite many rejections. Watts, who has also faced a similar trajectory after her breakthrough role in Mullholland Drive, said,
“She’s obviously worked very, very hard for a very long time. And I can relate to that. I feel like everything that happened to me that was good happened later as well, or a bit later than what’s considered regular in Hollywood.”
Coolidge for her part, was grateful for the diverse roles and characters that are now coming her way after many years of not being offered prestigious opportunities. She also said that choice was not a luxury that she took for granted after not having had it for a long time in her career.
Jennifer Coolidge Almost Rejected Her Role In The White Lotus
In The White Lotus, Jennifer Coolidge played her character Tanya McQuoid with a hilarious streak of privilege and selfishness. While the role was filled with lots of cutting humor, the well-rounded character allowed Coolidge to touch upon various other emotional nuances as well. But this career changing role almost did not materialize owing to the star initially refusing the part. Coolidge recalled the time when the offer came to her during the pandemic when the series was greenlit. The star who was in a low ebb at the time as she was physically out of shape and mentally fragile owing to the effects of Covid, was hesitant to take up the project.
“I was, like, not in the mood. I was depressed. I was very depressed.”
Ultimately, reason won over fear and vulnerability that led to Jennifer Coolidge signing on her marquee role. The show saw the star making the most of her unique talent and personality. The rest as they say, is history.
Source: GQ
