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Allison Janney

Birth Place: Dayton, OH, USA

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BIO

The incredibly versatile Allison Janney has taken her place among a select group of actors who combine a leading lady's profile with a character actor's art of performance. Currently starring alongside Anna Faris in the CBS/Chuck Lorre sitcom, "Mom," Janney also received rave reviews for her turn as Margaret Scully on Showtime's groundbreaking drama "Masters of Sex." Janney won Emmys for both roles in the same year; a feat that has only been done twice before in Emmy history. She won a second Emmy for "Mom" the following year, bringing her total number of ATAS statues to seven. She has had three feature films released recently: Tallulah which reunited her with Ellen Page, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children for director Tim Burton, and The Girl on the Train, collaborating again with longtime friend, director Tate Taylor. Janney also appeared in two of last summer's biggest box office titles: the adorably animated Minions and Spy with Melissa McCarthy. Previous feature work includes The Duff, Jason Bateman's directorial debut, Bad Words, the Dreamworks' animated film Mr. Peabody & Sherman, and The Way, Way Back with Steve Carell and Toni Collette. Additionally, she co-starred in the much anticipated feature film The Help based on the best-selling novel of the same name. For their extraordinary performances, the cast won Ensemble awards from the Screen Actors Guild, National Board of Review and the Broadcast Film Critics. The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Janney has also delighted audiences with outstanding performances in the Oscar-winning ensemble hit Juno and in the movie version of the Tony Award winning play Hairspray. For her role in Todd Solondz's film Life During Wartime she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress by the Spirit Awards. She also appeared in Sam Mendes' Away We Go, the comedy Strangers with Candy, and was heard as the voice of Gladys in Dreamworks' animated film Over the Hedge as well as Peach in Finding Nemo. She received another Spirit Award nomination for her work in the independent feature Our Very Own, and starred opposite Meryl Streep in The Hours, which received a SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture. Other feature credits include the Academy Award-winning film American Beauty (for which she won a SAG Award for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture) as well as Nurse Betty, How to Deal, Drop Dead Gorgeous, 10 Things I Hate About You, Primary Colors, The Ice Storm, Six Days Seven Nights, The Object of My Affection, and Big Night. Throughout her career Janney has made a handful of memorable guest-star appearances on television, but she is renowned for her starring role in the acclaimed NBC series "The West Wing," where she won a remarkable four Emmy Awards and four SAG Awards for her portrayal of White House Press Secretary CJ Cregg. While a freshman studying acting at Kenyon College in Ohio, Janney auditioned for a play that Paul Newman was directing and got the part. Soon after, Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward suggested she study at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. She followed their advice and went on to make her Broadway debut in Noel Coward's Present Laughter for which she earned the Outer Critics Circle Award and Clarence Derwent Award. She also appeared in Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge, receiving her first Tony Award nomination and winning the Outer Critics Circle Award. Janney was last seen on Broadway in the musical 9 to 5, for which she earned a Tony nomination and won the Drama Desk Award.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Ouisa


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Violet Newstead


[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 2008


[Off-Broadway]
1999
Katherine


[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 1997
Beatrice


[Broadway]
1996
Liz Essendine


[Off-Broadway]
1996
Boo


[Off-Broadway]
1995
Gemma Baker


[Off-Broadway]
1993
Alice


[Off-Broadway]
1993
Mindy


[Off-Broadway]
1992
Megan Chamber


[Off-Broadway]
1989
Performer


Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2017 - Distinguished Performance Award

Allison Janney, Six Degrees of Separation

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Allison Janney, Six Degrees of Separation


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Allison Janney, 9 to 5

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Allison Janney, 9 to 5: The Musical


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Allison Janney, A View from the Bridge


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Featured Actress - Play

Allison Janney, A View from the Bridge

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Allison Janney, A View From the Bridge


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Allison Janne, A View from the Bridg


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Featured Actress - Play

Allison Janney, Present Laughter

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Allison Janney, Present Laughter

Videos

News


Cynthia Erivo Threw Snacks Into the Tony Awards Audience During Commercial Breaks
by Michael Major - Jun 10, 2025

Cynthia Erivo had snacks ready for hungry Tony Award nominees and audience members during commercial breaks. A new video shows the Wicked star walking through the audience at Radio City with baskets of snacks.
The 78th Tony Awards Draw Largest Audience in 6 Years with 4.85 Million Viewers
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 9, 2025

The 2025 Tony Awards achieved 4.85 million viewers, marking the largest Tony Awards audience since 2019. Winners included Maybe Happy Ending, Sunset Blvd., Buena Vista Social Club, Purpose, Kara Young, and more.
Photos: Inside the 2025 Tony Awards Ceremony
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 9, 2025

Last night saw the 78th Annual Tony Awards, celebrating the incredible theater work seen on Broadway this past year. Take a look inside the CBS and Pluto TV broadcasts below including photos from the cast of shows like Death Becomes Her, Floyd Collins, Gypsy, Maybe Happy Ending, Sunset Blvd. and more.
2025 Tony Awards Guide - How to Watch, Who is Nominated & More
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 7, 2025

The best of Broadway will take the stage today at Radio City Music Hall for the 78th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo. Need a refresher on how to watch and when? We've got you covered!
Videos You Missed This Week: Prep for Tonys Weekend
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 6, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! It's Tony Awards weekend! Catch up on all the latest from the week ending June 6, 2025 with videos from Heathers, Hadestown, and more!
Video: Bryan Cranston Stars in Exclusive Clip From Theater Dramedy EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BE GREAT
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 5, 2025

BroadwayWorld is excited to share an exclusive clip from Everything's Going to Be Great, the new movie starring Broadway alums Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney as regional theater performers. Watch it now!
Kristin Chenoweth, Lea Michele, Lin-Manuel Miranda and More to Present at the Tony Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025

Tony Award Productions has revealed the lineup of stars set to present at 78th Annual Tony Awards. Learn more about the awards ceremony here and see how to tune in!
Review: 9 TO 5 Takes Center Stage at Carrollwood Players Theatre
by Drew Eberhard - Jun 1, 2025

9 to 5: The Musical is a stage adaptation of the 1980 film of the same name, featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. This outlandish musical comedy features a book by Patricia Resnick, and is based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins.
Brittany Snow Recalls 'Bombing' Initial Audition for HAIRSPRAY Movie
by Josh Sharpe - May 16, 2025

In 2007, Brittany Snow starred as Amber Von Tussle in the hit film adaptation of Hairspray. However, on a recent episode of Owen Thiele's In Your Dreams, the Pitch Perfect star recalled that the initial audition was far from perfect.
Ana Gasteyer, Andrew Rannells, And More Join BROADWAY & VINE 2025 Season
by A.A. Cristi - May 9, 2025

Broadway and Vine, will kick off its 2025 season on June 20, with Olivier® Award Nominee Julian Ovenden (TV: Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, Broadway/West End: South Pacific, Company, Merrily We Roll Along, Butley) in concert at Francis Ford Coppola’s historic Inglenook Estate.
Video: Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney Star as Theater Performers in EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BE GREAT Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025

There’s no business like show business! In the first trailer for Everything's Going to Be Great, Broadway alums Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney showcase their stage chops in the roles of regional theater performers Buddy and Macy Smart. Watch it now!
Laura Benanti Will Make UK Premiere With Solo Show at the Edinburgh Fringe
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2025

Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares is a one-woman comedy show from the mind of Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti. In this show, Benanti blends side-splitting storytelling with original songs.
Video: Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman Star in THE ROSES Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

Searchlight Pictures has released the first trailer for The Roses, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, and more. Watch it now.
Tribeca Festival 2025 Lineup Includes World Premiere of Josh Gad Film, Miley Cyrus' Pop Opera & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

The 2025 Tribeca Festival has unveiled its feature film lineup, offering a diverse array of narrative, documentary, and animated films, including Miley Cyrus' pop opera and a slew of other films featuring several Broadway veterans.
Bryan Cranston, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Paapa Essiedu Will Lead ALL MY SONS Directed By Ivo Van Hove
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2025

Bryan Cranston will star as ‘Joe Keller', Marianne Jean-Baptiste as ‘Kate Keller' and Paapa Essiedu as ‘Chris Keller' in Arthur Miller's ALL MY SONS. Learn more about the show here!
Tony-Winner Alex Newell To Appear At 92NY In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 7, 2025

The 92nd Street Y, New York will present An Evening with Alex Newell, showcasing the Tony Award winner in a special solo concert performance. The evening includes such numbers as “Independently Owned” from Shucked and “Mama Will Provide” from Once on This Island.
Ben Platt and More To Honor Mandy Patinkin At Signature Theatre Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025

On April 14, 2025, Virginia's Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Mandy Patinkin with the company's fourteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. The Stephen Sondheim Award will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit at The Anthem and will benefit Signature Theatre's artistic, education, and community programs.
Photos/Video: Anna Kendrick, Andrew Rannells, & More in ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR First-Look
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 26, 2025

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are back. A teaser trailer and new first-look photos are now available for Another Simple Favor, the highly anticipated follow-up to Paul Feig’s A Simple Favor.  Take a look at the photos and trailer here!
EMILIA PEREZ, Timothée Chalamet and More Take Home Screen Actors Guild Awards
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

Discover the top winners of the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, where Timothée Chalamet and Emilia Perez took center stage. Explore the full list of 2025 SAG Awards winners and notable snubs.
Tony Awards FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 23, 2025

Broadway's biggest night will be back in 2025! The Tony Awards, Broadway's most beloved tradition, returns in June, honoring theater professionals for distinguished achievement in the 2024/2025 Broadway season. What can you expect this time around? We've got the scoop!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Allison Janney been in?

Allison Janney has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Allison Janney been in?

Allison Janney has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Allison Janney been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Six Degrees of Separation, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for 9 to 5, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 9 to 5: The Musical, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A View from the Bridge, Best Featured Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A View from the Bridge , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A View From the Bridge, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A View from the Bridg, Best Featured Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Present Laughter and Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Present Laughter.

What awards has Allison Janney won?

Allison Janney has won several awards, including Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for 9 to 5, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A View from the Bridge, and Best Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A View from the Bridge. She also received Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A View from the Bridge and Best Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Present Laughter.

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