Lily Tomlin is a highly acclaimed American entertainer with a career spanning over five decades. Starting as a stand-up and sketch comedian, she transitioned to acting on stage and screen. Her extensive work has earned her numerous awards, including seven Emmys, a Grammy, two Tonys, and an Oscar nomination. She has also received the Kennedy Center Honor and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
March 1971: Meeting Jane Wagner
Lily Tomlin met her future wife, Jane Wagner, in March 1971.
March 1977: Broadway Debut and Time Magazine Cover
In March 1977, Lily Tomlin debuted on Broadway in "Appearing Nitely", a show she co-wrote and co-directed. The same month, she was featured on the cover of Time magazine, titled "America's New Queen of Comedy".
1980: 9 to 5 Film Release
In 1980, Tomlin co-starred in the hit film "9 to 5", playing the role of Violet Newstead alongside Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton.
1981: The Incredible Shrinking Woman
Tomlin starred in the science fiction comedy "The Incredible Shrinking Woman" in 1981, playing three roles.
1984: All of Me Film Release
Tomlin starred opposite Steve Martin in the successful comedy "All of Me" in 1984.
1985: The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe Premiere
In 1985, Tomlin starred in the Broadway show "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe", written by her partner, Jane Wagner.
1988: Big Business Film Release
Tomlin and Bette Midler co-starred in the comedy film "Big Business" in 1988.
1989: Sarah Siddons Award
Tomlin won the Sarah Siddons Award for her Chicago theatre work in 1989.
1991: Film Adaptation of The Search for Signs
"The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" was adapted into a film in 1991.
1993: Short Cuts Film Release
Tomlin appeared in Robert Altman's ensemble film "Short Cuts" in 1993.
1994: The Magic School Bus
Tomlin began voicing Ms. Valerie Frizzle on the animated series "The Magic School Bus" in 1994.
1995: Homicide: Life on the Street Appearance
In 1995, Tomlin guest-starred on an episode of "Homicide: Life on the Street".
1997: End of The Magic School Bus (Initial Run)
Tomlin's voice work on "The Magic School Bus" concluded its initial run in 1997.
1998: The X-Files Appearance
Tomlin guest-starred on "The X-Files" in 1998.
2000: Broadway Revival of The Search for Signs
In 2000, Tomlin revived "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" on Broadway, followed by a national tour until mid-2002.
2002: The West Wing Recurring Role
Tomlin started her recurring role on "The West Wing" as Deborah Fiderer in 2002.
2005: The Simpsons Guest Appearance
Tomlin voiced Tammy in "The Simpsons" episode "The Last of the Red Hat Mamas" in 2005.
2005: Will & Grace Recurring Role
Tomlin had a recurring role on "Will & Grace" in 2005 and 2006.
2006: A Prairie Home Companion Release
Tomlin appeared in Robert Altman's final film, "A Prairie Home Companion", in 2006.
March 2007: On-Set Argument Videos Leaked
In March 2007, videos of on-set arguments between Tomlin and director David O. Russell were leaked on YouTube.
2008: Desperate Housewives Recurring Role and Laugh-In Tribute
Tomlin appeared in a recurring role on "Desperate Housewives" and participated in a tribute to "Laugh-In" during the 2008 Emmy Awards.
2008: wowOwow Contributor
Tomlin became a contributor for wowOwow.com in 2008.
May 2009: Desperate Housewives Spin-off Announced
A "Desperate Housewives" spin-off starring Tomlin and Kathryn Joosten was announced in May 2009 but later scrapped due to Joosten's illness.
August 2009: Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea Release
Tomlin provided a voice for the film "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea", released in August 2009.
November 2009: Not Playing with a Full Deck Premiere
In November 2009, Tomlin premiered her one-woman show, "Not Playing with a Full Deck", in Las Vegas.
2010: Damages Guest Appearance
Tomlin guest-starred in "Damages" in 2010, earning an Emmy nomination.
June 2, 2012: Kathryn Joosten's Death
Kathryn Joosten, who was in talks with Tomlin for a "Desperate Housewives" spin-off, died on June 2, 2012.
August 2012: Malibu Country Filming Begins
Filming for "Malibu Country" began in August 2012.
November 2, 2012: Malibu Country Premiere
"Malibu Country", starring Tomlin and Reba McEntire, premiered on November 2, 2012.
2013: Malibu Country Cancellation
"Malibu Country" was canceled in 2013.
December 31, 2013: Marriage to Jane Wagner
Tomlin and Wagner married on December 31, 2013, after 42 years together.
2015: Grace and Frankie Premiere and Grandma Release
In 2015, Tomlin began starring in "Grace and Frankie" and also starred in the film "Grandma", earning a Golden Globe nomination.
2017: The Magic School Bus Rides Again Premiere
Tomlin reprised her role as Professor Frizzle in "The Magic School Bus Rides Again" in 2017.
2018: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Voice Role
Tomlin voiced Aunt May in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" in 2018.
2022: End of Grace and Frankie
"Grace and Frankie" concluded in 2022.