In a recent episode of Sony Music Entertainment’s Dinner’s On Me podcast, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Emmy-winning actress Jane Lynch opened up about her career, personal life, and the impact of her roles on LGBTQ+ audiences. The conversation, recorded at Tre Lune in Montecito, California, offered a candid look into Lynch’s experiences in Hollywood and her journey toward self-acceptance.
A Slower Pace in Montecito
Lynch, 64, shared insights into her life in Montecito, describing a significant shift from her previous fast-paced lifestyle. “It’s really slow, and it took me a while,” she said. “I’m in the place now where it feels good and it feels normal.” She mentioned that her daily routine now includes walks, grocery shopping, and visits to local spots like Café Lux. However, she revealed that she has given up coffee due to health reasons, describing the transition as challenging.
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From Vegan to Carnivore
In a humorous exchange, Ferguson recalled a dining experience with Lynch during a shoot in Vancouver. At the time, Lynch was vegan and had ordered a bland, unseasoned cauliflower dish. She admitted to having “vegan arrogance” and now embraces a carnivorous diet, much to Ferguson’s surprise.
Collaborating with Jennifer Coolidge
Lynch reflected on her role in the 2000 mockumentary Best in Show, where she portrayed a dog handler alongside Jennifer Coolidge. She described the collaboration as a blend of nervousness and excitement, noting that both actresses spent time developing their characters and rehearsing their interactions.
The star noted, “Jennifer and I got ahold of each other and we were both very nervous ’cause we were both first timers, but we had talked so much and our stories synced up and we had a lot of fun doing it. We would walk through Stanley Park and say, what if I say ha ha ha. So we kind of planned out what our interactions would be, right?”
The conversation turned to Lynch’s personal life, particularly her journey of self-discovery and coming out. She recounted realizing she was gay around the age of 12 and coming out to her parents at 30. Lynch expressed relief that her parents reacted positively, which she attributed to the visibility of other public figures like Ellen DeGeneres and Melissa Etheridge at the time.
The Birth of Sue Sylvester
Lynch discussed her iconic role as Sue Sylvester on Glee, revealing that the character was specifically written for her. She explained that Fox executive Kevin Reilly suggested the need for a villain, and creator Ryan Murphy envisioned Sue as a character portrayed by Lynch. Lynch credited writer Ian Brennan with shaping the character’s lines and personality.
Lynch noted, “The 13-year-old Jane. Yeah. If she had glee. Yeah. Oh my God, I would’ve been, and I’m sure you too obsessed with it. Yeah. It just, the seeing kids, your, your age, going through stuff and then singing a song and people having your back. “
‘Glee’ and Its Impact on Young Audiences
Reflecting on Glee, Lynch expressed that the show would have been meaningful to her as a 13-year-old. She highlighted the show’s portrayal of a supportive community within the choir room, contrasting it with the challenges faced in the high school hallways. Lynch hopes that society is moving toward a “golden age of caring about each other,” emphasizing the importance of empathy and support.
Insights into ‘Julie & Julia’
Lynch also shared behind-the-scenes details from her role in Julie & Julia, where she played a character based on Julia Child’s sister. She explained that to achieve the desired height difference between her and Meryl Streep, who portrayed Julia Child, she wore platforms covered by the same fabric as her dress, creating an optical illusion.
In a lighthearted moment, Ferguson recounted a memorable background acting performance from an episode of Modern Family, where an extra was seen conversing with an empty chair. Lynch praised the dedication of background actors, noting that their performances can significantly impact the overall quality of a scene.
