Career Timeline of Lily Tomlin: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

How Lily Tomlin built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lily Tomlin is a celebrated American actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer renowned for her versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry. Beginning in stand-up and sketch comedy, she transitioned to a successful acting career spanning stage and screen. Her distinguished career, which has lasted over half a century, has garnered numerous awards, including seven Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, two Tony Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor (2014), and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2017), showcasing her significant contributions to comedy and performing arts.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1971: Released This Is a Recording

In 1971, Lily Tomlin released This Is a Recording, which later won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording in 1972.

1971: Lily Tomlin's album 'This Is a Recording' released

In 1971, Lily Tomlin released the album 'This Is a Recording'.

1972: Won Grammy for This Is a Recording

In 1972, Lily Tomlin won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording for This Is a Recording (1971).

1973: Won Emmy for Lily Special

In 1973, Lily Tomlin won her first Emmy Award for her special, Lily.

1975: Modern Scream album released

In 1975, Lily Tomlin's album Modern Scream was released, featuring her commentary on straight actors distancing themselves from gay and lesbian characters.

1975: Nominated for Academy Award for Nashville

In 1975, Lily Tomlin's performance in Nashville earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

1976: Won Emmy for Lily Tomlin Special

In 1976, Lily Tomlin won another Emmy for the special Lily Tomlin.

1977: Received Special Tony Award

In 1977, Lily Tomlin received a Special Tony Award.

1977: Nominated for BAFTA and Golden Globe for The Late Show

In 1977, Lily Tomlin's performance in The Late Show earned her nominations for the BAFTA and Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.

1978: Won Emmy for The Paul Simon Special

In 1978, Lily Tomlin won an Emmy for her role in The Paul Simon Special.

1981: Won Emmy for Lily: Sold Out

In 1981, Lily Tomlin won an Emmy for her special Lily: Sold Out.

1984: Nominated for Golden Globe for All of Me

In 1984, Lily Tomlin received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for her performance in All of Me.

1986: Won Tony Award for The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe

In 1986, Lily Tomlin won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.

1994: Won Daytime Emmy for The Magic School Bus

From 1994 to 1997, Lily Tomlin voiced Miss Frizzle in the animated children's series The Magic School Bus, winning a Daytime Emmy.

1997: The Magic School Bus ended

From 1994 to 1997, Lily Tomlin voiced Miss Frizzle in the animated children's series The Magic School Bus.

March 2009: Received Dr. Susan M. Love Award

In March 2009, Lily Tomlin received Fenway Health's Dr. Susan M. Love Award for her contributions to women's health.

2013: Worked on An Apology to Elephants

In 2013, Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner collaborated on the film An Apology to Elephants, with Wagner as the writer and Tomlin as the narrator.

2015: Nominated for Golden Globe for Grandma and Grace and Frankie

In 2015, Lily Tomlin received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for her performance in Grandma and Grace and Frankie.

2015: Starred in Grace and Frankie and Grandma

In 2015, Lily Tomlin starred in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie, playing Frankie Bergstein, and also starred in the film Grandma, inspired by her, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She also received her first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2015.