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.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Lily Tomlin, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Lily Tomlin rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
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
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Lily Tomlin
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Lily Tomlin has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring Lily Tomlin
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Jane Fonda in Five Acts
A Prairie Home Companion
Bella!
All of Me
I Heart Huckabees
80 for Brady
9 to 5
Grandma
Moving On
Big Business
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution
The World According to Allee Willis
Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Vito
Why We Laugh: Funny Women
An Apology to Elephants
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic
The Making of ‘Nashville’
Altman
Take Flight
TVTV: Video Revolutionaries
I Am Richard Pryor
Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate
Dolly Parton: Here I Am
Goodnight, We Love You
Superstar in a Housedress: The Life and Legend of Jackie Curtis
I ♥ Huckabees
Cutting Edge Comedians of the ’60s & ’70s
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe
The Incredible Shrinking Woman
Lily for President?
Lily: Sold Out
Nine to Five
The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years
Lily Tomlin
One World: Together at Home
Shadows and Fog
Free to Be… a Family
The Muppets Go to the Movies
The Martha Mitchell Effect
Still Working 9 to 5
Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration
Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin: Ladies Night Live
Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love
TVTV Looks at the Oscars
Moment by Moment
The Late Show
The Celluloid Closet
But… Seriously
The Paul Simon Special
Lily
Peter Allen: The Boy From Oz
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Edith Ann’s Christmas (Just Say Noël)
Krippendorf’s Tribe
The Beverly Hillbillies
And the Band Played On
Appearing Nitely
The Best of Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival
Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers
Juke and Opal
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Lily Tomlin, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2023
Bella!
80 for Brady
Lou
Moving On
Evelyn
Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love
Self - Guest
2022
The Martha Mitchell Effect
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Still Working 9 to 5
Self
Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration
Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin: Ladies Night Live
Self
The Best of Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival
Self
2019
I Am Richard Pryor
Self - Actress and Comedian
Still Laugh-In: The Stars Celebrate
Self
Dolly Parton: Here I Am
Self
2018
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Aunt May
Jane Fonda in Five Acts
Self - Actor
TVTV: Video Revolutionaries
Self
2013
Why We Laugh: Funny Women
Self
An Apology to Elephants
Narrator
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic
Self
The Making of ‘Nashville’
Self
2004
I Heart Huckabees
Goodnight, We Love You
Self
Superstar in a Housedress: The Life and Legend of Jackie Curtis
Self
I ♥ Huckabees
Vivian Jaffe
1991
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe
Trudy the Bag Lady / Agnus Angst / Kate / Brandy / Tina / Chrissy / Lud / Marie / Vince / Edie / Lynn / Marge
Shadows and Fog
Prostitute
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