Jane Lynch News

Jane Lynch, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress of film, television and theater, spoke at Smith College’s 134th commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 20. "You are about to receive a piece of paper that proves to the world you are now fit to join the ranks of an elite and tremendously powerful group of game-changing women," she told the students. "Smith women have transformed cuisine, spearheaded social movements, created great literature and, in the case of my friend Piper, class of ’92, even gone to prison! But damnit — when a Smithie goes to prison — she writes a clever and compelling book about it!" Watch a video of Lynch at the podium below, and for the full text of the speech, click here! (more...)

The Boss to the Beatles to Madonna to Rod Stewart, GLEE’s emotional and invigorating season finale was pretty much everything a gleek could have asked for in a grand send-off to the original crew of McKinley High’s New Directions - at least insofar as we have seen them thus far - as the musical dramedy series ends its third season and heads into uncertain new terrain with Season Four and the purportedly revolutionary new dual-show concept GLEE mastermind Ryan Murphy and company plan to incorporate while bringing in guest stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Hudson and THE GLEE PROJECT winners. As seen in “Goodbye”, the future looks quite uncertain for many of the McKinley graduates - Rachel (Lea Michele) may have gotten into NYADA at the eleventh hour and arrived on Broadway to fulfill her theatre dreams, but Finn (Cory Monteith) and Kurt did not get into their performing arts academies of their choice. So, what now? So, too, will Quinn (Dianna Agron) assumedly head for the East Coast and Princeton, while Santana (Naya Rivera) will apparently be joining Rachel in New York - but, to do what? The future is evidently more promising for some than for others, but what we will see play out is infuriatingly indeterminable at this stage of the game. Anticipation is building, in any event - and GLEE continues to entice. What’s next for the rest of the glee club we will have to wait until next season to witness, but we can rest assured that Blaine (Darren Criss), Sam (Chord Overstreet), Joe (Samuel Larsen), Sugar (Vanessa Lengies) and Artie (Kevin McHale) will be around, with the fates of some of the original glee clubbers who graduated a little less cut and dry as far as their character’s trajectories are concerned - particularly Puck (Mark Salling), Mike (Harry Shum, Jr.), Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) and Mercedes (Amber Riley). And, as for Mr. Shu (Matt Morrison), Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), Coach Beiste (Dot-Marie Jones) and Emma (Jayma Mays)? We will definitely be seeing much more of them in September. While we can always rely on GLEE to provide us with outrageous jokes, outlandish characterizations, unexpected dramatic and thematic twists and turns, shockingly touching domestic drama and many incredibly heartwarming moments and socially progressive messages, the music - more importantly, the musical numbers - is what makes GLEE stand out from every other serial television series before or since and why the show will unquestionably be remembered as something revolutionary and indisputably idiosyncratic in the scheme of TV history. (more...)

In an interview with TVLine.com, iCARLY star Noah Munck has revealed that the series finale will include a guest starring stint by talk show host Jimmy Fallon. (more...)

L.A. Theatre Works (LATW) has recorded “8,” a dramatization of the legal fight against California’s Proposition 8 written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) founding board member Dustin Lance Black, for release on audiobook and for broadcast on LATW’s nationally syndicated radio theater series. Directed by Rob Reiner and featuring an all-star cast that includes Kevin Bacon, George Clooney, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christine Lahti, Jane Lynch, Brad Pitt, Martin Sheen and John C. Reilly, “8” will air on public radio stations across the U.S. during the week of June 9. (more...)

Tonight, May 15, FOX will air two back-to-back GLEE episodes, entitled 'Props' and 'Nationals'. As the countdown to graduation continues, the kids of New Directions prepare a high-concept routine for Nationals. When Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) bumps her head, the world of New Directions is turned upside down in her eyes. Then, New Directions face off against Wade (Alex Newell) and Vocal Adrenaline at Nationals in Chicago, where they perform in front of celebrity judge Lindsay Lohan (guest-starring as herself). (more...)

On May 15, FOX will air two back-to-back GLEE episodes, entitled 'Props' and 'Nationals'. As the countdown to graduation continues, the kids of New Directions prepare a high-concept routine for Nationals. When Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) bumps her head, the world of New Directions is turned upside down in her eyes. Then, New Directions face off against Wade (Alex Newell) and Vocal Adrenaline at Nationals in Chicago, where they perform in front of celebrity judge Lindsay Lohan (guest-starring as herself). Check out new photos from the episodes below, including Perez Hilton as a Nationals judge, Lea Michele performing solo at the competition, and Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch and Jayma Mays prepping for the show-down. (more...)

“Prom-asaurus” proved that GLEE can still pack a powerful pop culture punch when required to do so; and when it wants to - and spike it with some effervescence and make it pop, too. Even those among us who don’t partake in drinking the GLEE Kool-Aid, all must agree that there was more than one episode’s fair share of fun, frivolity, twists and tunes, with some very fitting dramatic and musicals moments that we have by now come to anticipate from the genre-hopping musical dramedy enterprise - all of it integrated effectively into the stream-lined storyline, as well. Prom. It’s all about prom this time of year and GLEE always makes a point to pay tribute to the month of May in this way. It is in pop culture melding mega-moments like last night’s One Direction cover by way of GLEE - “What You Makes You Beautiful” - that we are again reminded of the special place GLEE holds in the American pop pantheon of the 21st century - using real, of-the-moment pop songs and utilizing them to comment on current events while musicalizing and dramatizing the lives of high school students. The classic cuts that come along are a bonus, really, when one considers GLEE from this viewpoint, though the contemporary covers have become the bread and butter of song sales for the mega-music-selling series - “Teenage Dream” by Blaine & The Warblers, as well as the Troubletones’s Adele “Someone Like You/Rumor Has It” mash-up sold nearly as many copies as their predecessors - the originals - as far as iTunes sales go. Though FOX channel-mate Simon Cowell of course discovered and shepherds the international pop smash super group One Direction, their musical appearance on GLEE this season marks the continued exposure of the of-the-moment boy band phenomena we have not seen the likes of in over a decade - not since the days of N*SYNC and the Backstreet Boys - after the New Directions success with The Wanted’s “Glad You Came” a few episodes back and their upcoming continued presence, no doubt, in addition. What makes GLEE must-see-TV week after week is more often than not the try-anything approach of the creators and cast - some sequences shockingly come off brilliantly and hit all-too-squarely their intended targets, while others fall far short and flop completely, even embarrassingly so. To crib a phrase from One Direction’s hit single, what makes GLEE beautiful is that GLEE does not always know what makes it beautiful - experiencing drama coming to us delivered from that rocky, risky-to-mount precipice is sometimes frustrating, sometimes rewarding, but almost always somehow more than merely satisfying. (more...)

On May 15, FOX will air two back-to-back GLEE episodes, entitled 'Props' and 'Nationals'. As the countdown to graduation continues, the kids of New Directions prepare a high-concept routine for Nationals. When Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) bumps her head, the world of New Directions is turned upside down in her eyes. Then, New Directions face off against Wade (Alex Newell) and Vocal Adrenaline at Nationals in Chicago, where they perform in front of celebrity judge Lindsay Lohan (guest-starring as herself). (more...)

In response to an effort to remove art from classrooms in California, Jane Lynch, Wayne Hoffman, Matt Sorum, Tony Okungbowa, KISS, Steven Tyler, Johnathan Schaech, Hiimrawn, Davin Dell'Osa, Shay Carl, Epic Lloyd, and Mary Doodles (the dog) got together to create this epic "keep art in schools" battle. Watch the video below! (more...)

L.A. Theatre Works has recorded “8,” a dramatization of the legal fight against California’s Proposition 8 written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and American Foundation for Equal Rights founding board member Dustin Lance Black, for release on audiobook and for broadcast on LATW’s nationally syndicated radio theater series. (more...)

On the May 8 episode of GLEE entitled "Prom-asaurus", the students celebrate the end of the school year by partying and performing at the dinosaur-themed McKinley High prom. The episode airs Tuesday, May 8th at 8:00 pm/ET on the Fox network. Check out photos below! (more...)

Rachel doesn’t seem likely to be headed to New York and NYADA - nope, not this time. Mucking up her major shot at Broadway glory - at least as far as high school auditions go - by messing up the words to “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from FUNNY GIRL, her anthem, no less - the focus on GLEE’s appropriately titled “Choke” episode brought to mind a lyric from Stephen Sondheim’s MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, a musical about the sacrifices we make to get what we thought we wanted - “still with dreams, / just reshaping them. / Growing up….” And that is Season Three of GLEE in a nutshell - the senior members of New Directions learning to let go of childhood and move ahead into the unknown world of maturity; whether the future may bring college, career or pool-cleaning. With more musical theatre references per minute than any episode of the twenty so far in GLEE S3, “Choke” was filled with the stylized storytelling and absurd, although always appreciable surprises along the way that makes GLEE consistently, near-constantly compelling. No, no, no - GLEE has not flagged in the least sixty-odd episodes into the series so far, although the rating may have slightly. Last night’s GLEE was a good example of the shifting focus and repeated reinvention that keeps the series fresh - and the comedy is as fearless and biting as ever. (more...)

Check out these snaps of Lea Michelle, Darren Criss, Chris Colfer, Matthew Morrison, Cory Monteith, and Jane Lynch at the Glee Academy Screening in Los Angeles. (more...)

Third Street Theatre has added a host and 3 new cast members to its gala performance of The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown on May 4th, 5th and 6th. Just before the airing of the final episodes of the hit show, The Closer, Tony nominee Corey Reynolds (Hairspray) will host on Saturday May 5th. Added to the cast are Janelle Lynn Randall (Boardwalk Empire, All Shook Up), Daniel Tatar (The Company Men, Hairspray) and Allen Hidalgo (Jersey Boys). These actors join hosts Jane Lynch, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, as well as cast members Tracie Thoms (Rent), Shoshana Bean (Wicked), Lindsay Pearce (The Glee Project), Chase Williamson (Spring Awakening). Every performance will be followed by a catered reception and hosted wine bar. (more...)

Emmy Award winning actress Jane Lynch will host this year’s Backstage at the Geffen fundraiser, which recognizes leadership in the theater community while raising support for the theater’s artistic and outreach initiatives, honoring Hollywood legend Carol Burnett and Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment Jim Gianopulos. Ms. Burnett will receive the Distinction in Theater Award and Mr. Gianopulos will be presented with the Distinction in Service Award by entertainment icon and longtime colleague Warren Beatty. The star-studded event will be co-chaired by Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Robert A. Iger and his wife, journalist Willow Bay. This irreverent evening of laughter, music and stories, which is sponsored by City National Bank, will be held on Monday June 4, 2012 at the Geffen Playhouse. (more...)

Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, Lindsay Lohan, Whoopi Goldberg, Fergie, Justin Long, Rashida Jones, Bryan Cranston, Olivia Wilde, Anna Kendrick, NeNe Leakes, Fred Willard, Eric Roberts, Wayne Brady, Ryan O'Neal, Phylicia Rashad, Patton Oswalt, Treat Williams, George Stults, Steve Coogan and Werner Herzog make guest appearances in all-new episodes of shows on FOX. (more...)

The cast of GLEE pays homage to the late, great Whitney Houston on the April 24th episode entitled "Dance With Somebody". The episode will feature Houston's heartfelt tunes to help the graduating seniors cope with their impending goodbyes. The episode airs Tuesday, 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT on FOX. Get a first look at the cast singing Houston's 'How Will I Know?' below! (more...)

Third Street Theatre, the West Hollywood 99-seat Equity Waiver theatre that brought LA the critically-acclaimed smash hit Falsettos, is pleased to announce three limited engagement fundraising gala performances of The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown on May 4th, 5th and 6th. Each night will bring audiences a fresh mix of Broadway, film and television talent with hosts Jane Lynch, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, and a cast that includes Tracie Thoms (Rent), Shoshana Bean (Wicked), Lindsay Pearce (The Glee Project) and Chase Williamson (Spring Awakening). Every performance will be immediately followed by a catered reception and a hosted wine bar. (more...)

“How about the soundtrack that defined a generation… wait for it… SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER?!” sayeth Sue Sylvester on last night’s glitzy disco-themed GLEE. Sporting seriously choice song selections and with all outfitted in fierce far-out duds, “Saturday Night GLEE-ver” was a slice of soundtrack heaven - and sporadically hotter than, well, a disco inferno. Besides the all-out Bee Gees bonanza, we were also treated to the welcome return of GLEE guest star extraordinaire and Broadway regular Jonathan Groff as fan favorite Jessie St. James, as well as a chance for some secondary players of New Directions to break out in song, dance and - given the theme - strut. Before the tribute-heavy second half of Season Three excels into high gear next week with the Whitney Houston homage, last night’s GLEE gone disco struck the right poses, affected the right look and made all the right moves in making a memory for a new generation with the timeless music of another - as GLEE has proven it does best, time and time again. Yes, tribute episodes are where GLEE achieves maximum momentum as not only a TV series, but an entertainment entity itself - as the eight song sequences in “Saturday Night GLEE-ver” surely attest. (more...)

The answer to the question we have been waiting eight weeks to be answered finally arrived last night on GLEE: Quinn is still standing - well, more or less. And, she’s singing, too! Duetting on Elton John’s ear-worm 80s up-tempo classic with similarly wheelchair bound Artie (Kevin McHale), Quinn (Dianna Agron) acted as last night’s GLEE’s moral figurehead of the hour, while guest star Matt Bomer provided some serious skills in the dramatic and musical fronts in the form of two tremendous duets with brother Blaine (Darren Criss). Besides Blaine’s big brother and Quinn’s quick recovery from her potentially fatal crash on the mid-season finale back in February, GLEE’s “Big Brother” return showed GLEE back in fine form and remaining as outrageous, outlandish, hilarious, spontaneously brilliant and always invigorating as always and how we have come to expect it to be over the course of the uneven three seasons of the series so far. The winning streak continues, and the uniformly strong Season Three barrels on and cements its place as the show’s strongest season overall so far. If this episode didn’t have enough implicit excitement in evidence already, Bomer and Criss covered one of the biggest songs of 2012 by taking on Australian rising star Gotye’s hypnotic pop anthem “Somebody That I Used To Know” in dual-bro mode - instantly becoming an of-the-moment GLEE cultural meta-musical mini-masterpiece to stand proudly with Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff’s reinvention of Adele‘s “Rolling In The Deep” and Michele and Menzel’s reworking of Lady Gaga‘s “Poker Face” from previous seasons. GLEE tells stories in a wholly unique way, and, in moments like this, we are reminded why it will remain appointment TV for fans of musical storytelling as long as it remains as relevant, pertinent and surprisingly profound as it often is - more often than not, as we have seen throughout this season. While hot button, water cooler entertainment of the freshest and hottest manner it may not always be anymore, GLEE is a well-oiled machine that fans can rely on to deliver what they want - and, given the proposed revolutionary Season Four concept devised by series mastermind Ryan Murphy, GLEE may reclaim its place as the most must-see show on TV once again. As it is, roughly sixty episodes in, it remains consistently surprising and uniformly entertaining, anyway - perhaps not even halfway through what we can predict its eventual total episode tally may be. But, before Season Four in September, let's discuss the first of the back 8 episodes of GLEE Season Three. (more...)