Allison Janney

Allison Brooks Janney, born on November 19, 1959, is an illustrious American actress. Recognized extensively for her compelling performances across stage and screen, she has garnered a myriad of accolades including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award, and seven Primetime Emmy Awards. She has also been twice nominated for Tony Awards. Born in Boston and brought up in Dayton, Ohio, Janney received a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London after her graduation from Kenyon College. Despite starting with minor roles, her breakthrough came with the role of C. J. Cregg in the NBC political drama series The West Wing (1999–2006), for which she received four Primetime Emmy Awards. She also earned critical acclamation for the guest role of Margaret Scully, a sexually repressed 1950s housewife on Showtime's period drama series Masters of Sex, and for the portrayal of Bonnie Plunkett, a cynical recovering addict on the CBS sitcom Mom (2013–2021).

Janney made her professional stage debut in 'Ladies' (1989) and debuted on Broadway in 1996 with the revival of 'Present Laughter'. She has won two Drama Desk Awards and received Tony Award nominations for her performances in the Broadway revival of 'A View from the Bridge' and the original Broadway production of '9 to 5'. Extension of her talent is seen in several films including 'Primary Colors', 'American Beauty', 'The Hours', 'Juno', 'Hairspray', 'The Help', 'Spy', 'Bad Education', and 'Bombshell'. She also currently stars as Vice President Grace Penn in the Netflix series 'The Diplomat'.