On Sunday, Jennifer Coolidge reminded everyone why she is such a winner after taking home the Critics Choice Award for best supporting actress in a drama series for her role in HBO’s The White Lotus as the wildly rich Tanya McQuoid. After taking the stage and accepting her statue, Coolidge reflected on her celebrated performance after a period of quiet in her career.
“I just want to say to all the people out there, for anyone who’s sort of given up hope: I hope this gives you inspiration,” Coolidge said. “It’s not over ’til it’s over. It’s not over ’til you’re dead.”
Well said.
This was a big week for Coolidge, who took home her first Golden Globe last Tuesday at the age of 61, for best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a series, limited Series or TV movie. In September, she received her first Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie. With all these wins, Coolidge has clearly had time to consider the messages she wants to get out there during her acceptance speeches.
At the Golden Globes, Coolidge was similarly hilarious as she talked about her rise and fall and rise again as a comedic actress.
“I just want you all to know that I had such big dreams and expectations as a younger person but what happened was they get sort of fizzled by life or whatever,” she said. “You know I thought I was going to be Queen of Monaco even though someone else did it.”
She went on to thank the creator of The White Lotus, saying, “Mike White —You’ve given me a new beginning … You sort of changed my life in a million different ways. My neighbors are speaking to me. Things like that.”
The star has had many other memorable roles, starring in Legally Blonde, the American Pie franchises, and Best In Show.
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.
