History of Allison Janney in Timeline

Allison Brooks Janney is a highly decorated American actress celebrated for her work in film, television, and theater. Her impressive list of awards includes an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and seven Primetime Emmys. She has also received two Tony Award nominations.

November 19, 1959: Allison Janney is born

On November 19, 1959, Allison Brooks Janney was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

1961: Birth of Hal Janney

Allison Janney's younger brother, Hal, was born in 1961.

1984: Scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

After attending the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York, Allison Janney received a scholarship to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in mid-1984.

1989: Professional Stage Debut

Allison Janney began her professional stage career in 1989 with an uncredited part in the Off-Broadway production of "Ladies".

1989: Off-Broadway Debut

Allison Janney began her professional stage career in 1989 with an uncredited role in the Off-Broadway production of "Ladies".

1989: Film Debut in "Who Shot Pat?"

Allison Janney made her first foray into film with a minor role in the 1989 movie "Who Shot Pat?".

1991: Early Television Role in "Morton & Hayes"

Allison Janney landed one of her first television roles in the short-lived comedy series "Morton & Hayes" in 1991, playing Eddie Hayes' wife in two episodes.

1994: Janney in "Wolf"

Allison Janney appeared in the horror film "Wolf" in 1994.

1994: Allison Janney began dating Dennis Gagomiros.

In 1994, Allison Janney began a romantic relationship with computer programmer Dennis Gagomiros.

1994: Guest Appearance on "Law & Order"

In 1994, Allison Janney made a guest appearance in the season-four finale of the police procedural and legal drama "Law & Order", portraying a reluctant witness against a member of the Russian mob.

1996: Broadway Debut and Critical Acclaim

Allison Janney made her Broadway debut in 1996 with the revival of Noël Coward's "Present Laughter," garnering praise for her performance as Liz Essendine.

1996: Broadway Debut in "Present Laughter"

Allison Janney made her Broadway debut in 1996, taking on the role of Liz Essendine in the revival of Noël Coward's "Present Laughter".

1997: Janney in "Private Parts" and "The Ice Storm"

Allison Janney had roles in two notable films in 1997: the biographical comedy "Private Parts" and the drama "The Ice Storm".

1997: Tony Award Nomination for "A View from the Bridge"

Allison Janney's performance in the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge" in 1997 earned her critical acclaim, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play.

1998: Janney in "Primary Colors"

Allison Janney appeared in the political satire film "Primary Colors" in 1998.

1998: Janney in "Primary Colors", "The Impostors", and "The Object of My Affection"

Allison Janney appeared in three films in 1998: the political satire "Primary Colors," the comedy "The Impostors," and the romantic comedy "The Object of My Affection".

1998: Critical Acclaim for "A View from the Bridge"

In 1998, Allison Janney starred in the Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge," earning rave reviews for her performance opposite Anthony LaPaglia.

1999: Janney in "Drop Dead Gorgeous", "10 Things I Hate About You", and "American Beauty"

Allison Janney showcased her versatility in 1999 with roles in three distinct films: the mockumentary comedy "Drop Dead Gorgeous," the teen romantic comedy "10 Things I Hate About You," and the acclaimed drama "American Beauty".

1999: Janney in "American Beauty"

In 1999, Allison Janney was part of the critically acclaimed film "American Beauty", known for its exploration of suburban life and its ensemble cast.

1999: Janney's Breakthrough Role in "The West Wing"

In 1999, Allison Janney's career took a significant leap forward when she landed the role of C.J. Cregg in the acclaimed NBC political drama series "The West Wing".

2000: Janney in "Nurse Betty"

Allison Janney appeared in the black comedy crime film "Nurse Betty" in 2000.

2001: Allison Janney and Dennis Gagomiros ended their relationship.

After seven years together, Allison Janney and Dennis Gagomiros ended their relationship in 2001.

2002: Janney in "The Hours"

Allison Janney joined an ensemble cast in the 2002 drama film "The Hours," which explores the interconnected lives of three women across different eras.

2002: Janney in "The Hours" and Guest Appearance on "Frasier"

In 2002, Allison Janney appeared in the drama film "The Hours" and made a guest appearance on the sitcom "Frasier" in the episode "Three Blind Dates".

2002: Allison Janney began dating Richard Jenik.

In 2002, Allison Janney began dating actor Richard Jenik, whom she met on the set of the play "Our Very Own."

2003: Janney in "Finding Nemo" and "How to Deal"

Allison Janney lent her voice to the animated Pixar film "Finding Nemo" and appeared in the teen romantic comedy "How to Deal" in 2003.

2004: Allison Janney and Richard Jenik get engaged.

Allison Janney and Richard Jenik got engaged in 2004.

2004: Janney in "Winter Solstice"

Allison Janney appeared in the drama film "Winter Solstice", which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004.

2004: Allison Janney began lending her voice to Kaiser Permanente's "Thrive" media campaign.

Starting in 2004, Allison Janney's distinctive voice was featured in television and radio advertisements for Kaiser Permanente as part of their large-scale "Thrive" health campaign. She also lent her voice to a radio campaign for the American Institute of Architects.

2005: Janney in "The Chumscrubber", "Winter Solstice", and "Our Very Own"

Allison Janney appeared in three films in 2005: the black comedy-drama "The Chumscrubber," the drama "Winter Solstice," and the comedy-drama "Our Very Own".

2005: Distinguished Alumna

Allison Janney was recognized as a distinguished alumna of the Miami Valley School in Dayton, Ohio, in 2005.

2006: "The West Wing" Concludes

After a successful run, "The West Wing" came to an end in 2006. Allison Janney's portrayal of C.J. Cregg earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, solidifying her status as a prominent television actress.

2006: Allison Janney and Richard Jenik ended their engagement.

Allison Janney and Richard Jenik ended their engagement in 2006.

2007: Janney in "Juno" and "Hairspray"

Allison Janney appeared in two notable films in 2007: the coming-of-age comedy-drama "Juno" and the musical comedy "Hairspray".

2007: Guest Appearance as Herself on "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"

Allison Janney made a guest appearance as herself in an episode of the television series "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" in 2007.

2007: Allison Janney starred in Juno and Hairspray, and won awards for Best Supporting Actress and Best Acting Ensemble.

In 2007, Allison Janney took on notable roles in the comedy-drama "Juno" as Bren MacGuff and the musical "Hairspray." Her performances earned her the Austin Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Critics' Choice Movie Awards for Best Acting Ensemble.

2009: Pilot Episode of "Shameless"

Allison Janney was initially cast as Sheila Jackson in the pilot episode of "Shameless" in 2009.

2009: Tony Award Nomination for "9 to 5"

In 2009, Allison Janney received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal in the original Broadway production of "9 to 5".

2009: Allison Janney starred in the musical 9 to 5.

In 2009, Allison Janney starred in the musical "9 to 5" alongside Stephanie J. Block and Megan Hilty. Her performance was well-received, earning her the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical and a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

May 2010: Guest Appearance on "Lost"

In May 2010, Allison Janney made a memorable guest appearance in the penultimate episode of the television series "Lost", playing the adoptive mother of Jacob and The Man in Black.

September 2010: Allison Janney became the voice of Aly San San in the Disney attraction Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.

In September 2010, it was announced that Allison Janney would provide the voice for the character Aly San San, a spokesdroid featured in the revamped Disney attraction "Star Tours – The Adventures Continue." The attraction, featuring Janney's voice work, opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland.

2010: Allison Janney earned praise for her performance in the comedy-drama Life During Wartime.

In 2010, Allison Janney received critical acclaim for her performance in Todd Solondz's comedy-drama "Life During Wartime."

2011: Janney in "The Help"

Allison Janney was part of the ensemble cast in the 2011 historical drama "The Help," set in 1960s Mississippi and based on the novel of the same name.

2011: Janney appeared in The Help and won awards for Best Acting Ensemble.

In 2011, Allison Janney joined an ensemble cast for Tate Taylor's period drama, "The Help." This performance led to her winning a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Acting Ensemble alongside her castmates. The film also secured a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

2011: Hal Janney's Passing

Tragically, in 2011, Allison Janney's younger brother, Hal, passed away at the age of 49.

2012: Allison Janney began dating Philip Joncas.

In 2012, Allison Janney began dating production manager Philip Joncas, whom she had met on the set of the film "The Way, Way Back."

2012: Allison Janney appeared in three films: Margaret, Struck by Lightning, and Liberal Arts.

Throughout 2012, Allison Janney appeared in three films across different genres: the drama "Margaret," the coming-of-age comedy "Struck by Lightning," and the comedy "Liberal Arts."

2013: Janney Stars in "Mom"

Allison Janney took on the role of Bonnie Plunkett, a cynical recovering addict, in the CBS sitcom "Mom", which premiered in 2013.

2013: Allison Janney appeared in the comedy film The Way Way Back.

In 2013, Allison Janney appeared in the coming-of-age comedy film "The Way, Way Back."

2013: Allison Janney starred in the CBS sitcom Mom.

In 2013, Allison Janney returned to television with a starring role in the CBS sitcom "Mom." She portrayed Bonnie Plunkett, a recovering addict trying to rebuild her relationship with her daughter, played by Anna Faris. Janney's performance received critical acclaim, earning her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series out of six nominations. She also received recognition at the Critics' Choice Television Awards with two wins for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series out of six nominations.

2014: Emmy Award for "Masters of Sex"

Allison Janney's performance as Margaret Scully, a sexually repressed 1950s housewife, in Showtime's period drama series "Masters of Sex" earned her a fifth Primetime Emmy Award in 2014.

2014: Allison Janney began a guest-starring role in the Showtime period drama Masters of Sex.

Starting in 2014, Allison Janney took on a recurring guest role in Showtime's period drama, "Masters of Sex." She portrayed a sexually repressed homemaker navigating a failing marriage in the 1950s. This role garnered her critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2014 and nominations for the same award in the two following years. She also won a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series.

2015: Janney in "Spy"

Allison Janney showcased her comedic talents in the 2015 action comedy "Spy", starring alongside Melissa McCarthy.

2015: Allison Janney appeared in two films: Spy and The DUFF.

Throughout 2015, Allison Janney appeared in two films: the spy comedy "Spy" and the teen comedy "The DUFF."

October 2016: Allison Janney received the Alumni Award from The Hotchkiss School and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

October 2016 marked a significant moment in Allison Janney's career. She was honored with the Alumni Award from The Hotchkiss School, recognizing her achievements and contributions to the arts. Additionally, she received a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her legacy in the entertainment industry. Her star can be found at 6100 Hollywood Boulevard.

2016: Allison Janney's guest-starring role in Masters of Sex ended.

By 2016, Allison Janney's recurring role in the Showtime period drama "Masters of Sex" came to an end.

2016: Honored at the White House as a "Champion of Change"

In 2016, Allison Janney was among 10 individuals recognized at the White House for their efforts in promoting addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. Janney also participated in a panel discussion on the media's portrayal of addiction and recovery with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

2016: Alumna of the Year

In 2016, Allison Janney was named Alumna of the Year by the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, acknowledging her accomplishments in the entertainment industry.

2016: Allison Janney appeared in four films, voiced Julia in The Simpsons, and acted in an episode of Comedy Bang! Bang!

Throughout 2016, Allison Janney had a busy year in film. She appeared in four films: the fantasy film "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," the comedy-drama "Tallulah," the thriller "The Girl on the Train," and an uncredited role in the comedy "The Purge: Election Year." She also lent her voice to the animated series "The Simpsons," playing Julia in the episode "Friends and Family." Additionally, she appeared as herself in an episode of the IFC sketch comedy series "Comedy Bang! Bang!" titled "Allison Janney Wears a Chambray Western Shirt and Suede Fringe Boots."

2017: Allison Janney and Philip Joncas ended their relationship.

After five years of dating, Allison Janney and Philip Joncas ended their relationship in 2017.

2017: Donated to Planned Parenthood

Allison Janney donated $250,000 to Planned Parenthood in 2017.

2017: Academy Award for "I, Tonya"

Allison Janney won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her compelling performance as LaVona Golden, the demanding mother of figure skater Tonya Harding, in the 2017 biographical black comedy "I, Tonya".

2017: Allison Janney returned to Broadway in the revival of Six Degrees of Separation.

In 2017, Allison Janney graced the Broadway stage once again, taking on the role of Ouisa Kittredge in the revival of John Guare's play "Six Degrees of Separation." Her performance was met with high praise from critics. For this role, she received a nomination for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play, a nomination for the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play.

2017: Allison Janney starred as LaVona Golden in "I, Tonya."

In 2017, Allison Janney took on the role of LaVona Golden, the mother of figure skater Tonya Harding, in the biographical black comedy "I, Tonya." Screenwriter Steven Rogers had specifically written the role with Janney in mind, even refusing to sell the script until she was cast. Janney herself considered this role to be one of the most challenging of her career. Her portrayal earned her widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades. She won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics' Choice Movie Award, Independent Spirit Award, and BAFTA Award, all for Best Supporting Actress.

March 4, 2018: Allison Janney dedicated her Academy Award win to her late brother, Hal.

On March 4, 2018, during her acceptance speech for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Allison Janney poignantly dedicated the honor to her brother, Hal, who had passed away. In interviews, she had spoken about her brother's struggles with drug addiction and how they influenced her portrayal of a recovering addict in the sitcom "Mom."

2018: Allison Janney participated in the 2018 Women's March in Los Angeles.

In 2018, Allison Janney showed her support for women's rights and social justice by participating in the Women's March in Los Angeles, a significant event that was part of a larger national movement.

2019: Janney in "Bad Education" and "Bombshell"

Allison Janney appeared in two critically acclaimed films in 2019: the black comedy-crime film "Bad Education" and the biographical drama "Bombshell".

2019: Allison Janney appeared in five films and voiced a character in the animated version of The Addams Family.

Allison Janney had a busy 2019, appearing in five films: "Troop Zero," "Ma," "Bombshell," "Bad Education," and "Breaking News in Yuba County." She also lent her voice to the animated adaptation of "The Addams Family," voicing the character Margaux Needler. Notably, her performances in "Ma" and "Bombshell" earned her nominations for Best Supporting Actress at both the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Critics' Choice Movie Awards.