Jennifer Coolidge is an iconic actress. She has built a reputation for her outspoken humor, which she brings to all her roles. Indeed, as evidenced by her vast body of work, Coolidge is the type of actor with a style that no one else can replicate, bringing a unique energy to every role she plays.
Coolidge gained a cult following thanks to her role in american pieone she says, per PEOPLE, has brought her a lot of “action”. She followed that role in another equally iconic role in legal blonde, her lines in which are still quoted to this day. Today Coolidge enjoys huge success in HBOs The white lotusfrom win an Emmy earlier this year to return for the series’ second season. In the light of The white lotusBack to our screens, let’s take a look at Coolidge’s best performances, ranked.
7/7 Best of the show
Best of the show is one of Coolidge’s highest-rated films and sees her star opposite Christopher Guest in a mockumentary that follows the events of a dog show. Coolidge stars as Sherri Ann Cabot, and she brings her hilarious flair to the role, interacting with her husband Leslie who creates some of the best moments in the film.
6/7 american pie
american pie was released in 1999 and is a coming-of-age comedy directed by Paul Weitz in his directorial debut. The film was the first in a commercially successful franchise, with an ensemble cast including Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Tara Reid and Mena Suvari. The plot revolves around five high school classmates who make a pact to lose their virginity before graduating. Coolidge stars as Stiffler’s mother in one of the most notable performances of her career, one that effectively put her on the map.
5/7 Single
Single is a Netflix Christmas drama that follows the story of Peter, a gay man who returns home for the holidays with his boyfriend pretending to be his romantic partner. Eventually they develop genuine feelings for each other and his family soon becomes involved in a plot to get them together. Coolidge plays Peter’s Aunt Sandy, and she steals every scene she appears in. This is another oft-cited role in the filmography of the actress.
4/7 Sawn Song
swan song sees Udo Kier as Pat Pitsenbarger, an aging man called back into action for his styling expertise. Coolidge has a supporting role as Dee Dee Dale, and she steals the screen as usual when she appears, with her quirky mannerisms in the role and hilarious lines.
3/7 Promising young woman
Promising young woman is a more recent release, in which Carey Mulligan plays Cassie Thomas, a woman who takes revenge on men who abuse women after her boyfriend took her own life as a result of a previous sexual assault. Coolidge stars as Cassie’s mother, Susan Thomas, in a role that combines her comedic and dramatic talents. An entirely original movie, Promising young woman proved to be a critical and commercial success, receiving multiple Oscar nominations during the year, including Best Actress for Mulligan.
2/7 legal blonde
legal blonde was a career-changing film for its lead actress, Reese Witherspoon. She played Elle Woods, a young woman who initially enrolls at Harvard Law School in an attempt to win back her boyfriend after he dumped her for being too “blonde”. However, Elle comes into her own as a law student (and eventually full-fledged lawyer) and realizes that the man she’s chasing isn’t worth it after all. Coolidge stars as Paulette, who meets Elle when she decides to get her nails done. She delivers hilarious lines that are quoted to this day. It’s easily one of her best performances, and legal blonde remains culturally relevant.
1/7 The white lotus
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Coolidge’s most recent appearance is in the hit HBO series The white lotus, which has received much critical acclaim. Coolidge stars as Tanya McQuoid, a hilariously maladjusted rich woman who is overly emotional and easily becomes attached to those around her. She manages to bring her unique flair to the character, making her both endearing and sweet. Coolidge is the only cast member of The white lotus season 1 to return for season 2.