BWW Profile: Allison Janney, Emmy-Nominated Star of Stage and Screen

Allison Janney is a stage and screen legend: a six-time Emmy Award winner and a two-time Tony nominee. Janney was born in Ludlow Falls, Ohio, and attended Kenyon College. After school, she trained at the Neighborhhood Playhouse in New York and spent summers at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Janney got her first television gig in two episdoes of the short-lived MORTON & HAYES. She then did stints on soap operas like AS THE WORLD TURNS and GUILDING LIGHT. She also appeared on the season finale of LAW & ORDER in 1994.

In 1999, Janney was cast as C.J. Cregg, White House Press Secretary, on THE WEST WING. THe show lawsted seven seasons, and Janney won four Emmy Awards and two SAG Awards for her role. C.J. Cregg is an iconcic television character, the only female amongst the chief White House staff, Janney effortless played the role of Cregg, creating many memorable moments, like her performance of "The Jackal" and for being an incredibly strong, female character on television.

Janney continues to be a force in television, starring opposite Anna Farris on the CBS show, MOM, which has earned her an Emmy Awards, and also as a guest star on the Showtime series, MASTERS OF SEX, which she received an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.

Besides television, Janney is a veteran star of the screen as well. She's appeared in countless films, like 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, AMERICAN BEAUTY, HAIRSPRAY, JUNO, THE HELP, THE WAY WAY BACK, SPY, and more. She won two SAG Awards for her her part in AMERICAN BEAUTY and THE HELP.

Janney has also graced the Broadway stage. In 1998 she received a Tony nomination for her role in Artheur Miller's A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE. In 2009, she starred opposite Megan Hilty, Stephanie J. Block, and Marc Kudisch in the musical 9 TO 5. Janney played Violet Newstead, the role that won her the 2009 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical and her second Tony nomination.

Allison Janney is an incredible actress who has been a staple on stage and screen for over two decades. Her talent and personality has made her a favorite in the business. She is nominated for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for this year's Emmy Awards for her role on MOM.

Also fun fact, Janney voices a spokesdroid at the Disney attraction: Star Tours: The Adventure Continues! If you're ever in a Disney park and you're on the ride, be sure to spot her voice while your in line!

Photo Credits: 1. 2. 3.