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Lily Tomlin

What's After the Movie

Lily Tomlin

Mary Jean 'Lily' Tomlin (born September 1, 1939) is an American actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer. Tomlin's career spans over six decades starting as a stand-up comedian during the 1960s. Her breakthrough role was on the variety show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1969-1973). Tomlin's portrayal of characters created by her then partner, now wife, Jane Wagner in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe won her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. Her film debut was in Robert Altman's Nashville in 1975, garnering her an Academy Award nomination. Other notable films include All of Me, Big Business, Flirting with Disaster, Tea with Mussolini, I Heart Huckabees, A Prairie Home Companion, and Grandma. She is also known for her collaborations with Jane Fonda and for her roles in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie. She has received numerous accolades, including seven Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, two Tony Awards, and a nomination for an Academy Award. She was also awarded the Kennedy Center Honor in 2014 and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2017.

Tomlin was born in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of housewife and nurse's aide Lillie Mae (Ford) and factory worker Guy Tomlin. She attended Wayne State University and studied biology before moving into stand-up comedy in nightclubs in Detroit and later in New York City. She continued to study acting at the HB Studio. Tomlin's characters including Ernestine, Edith Ann, and Mrs. Judith Beasley have become well-known in American popular culture, and she has been recognized as a key figure in the American entertainment industry.

14 movies
6 nominations

Information

Learn more about Lily Tomlin, including their biography, filmography, and personal life. Find out about their early career, major achievements, and the impact they've had on the film industry.


Given Name: Mary Jean Tomlin

Born: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Citizenship: United States

Birthday: September 1, 1939

Occupations: Actress, comedian, writer, singer, producer

Years Active: 1965-present

Spouses: Jane Wagner

Explore the awards and nominations Lily Tomlin has received throughout their career.


21st Critics' Choice Awards 2016

Nomination

Best Actress in a Comedy Movie

Grandma

73rd Golden Globe Awards 2016

Nomination

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Grandma

42nd Golden Globe Awards 1985

Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Actress)

All of Me

29th British Academy Film Awards 1976

Nomination

Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles

Nashville

33rd Golden Globe Awards 1976

Nomination

Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Comedy or Musical (Supporting Actress)

Nashville
Nomination

New Star of the Year – Actress

Nashville

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