Jennifer Coolidge had just told the audience at the GLAAD Media Awards on Thursday night, “Here I am again, surrounded by gay people: it’s the story of my life,” when her “Best in Show” co-star Jane Lynch, surprised her on stage. with a special prize.
“Everybody, listen here now,” the former “Glee” star said. “This wonderful woman here was pro-gay before it was cool to be pro-gay. She is one of us, ladies and gentlemen. And I’ve always said the world has to catch up with Jennifer Coolidge, and now the world has caught up!”
Coolidge, who won an Emmy for her role as wealthy globetrotter Tanya in “The White Lotus,” was delighted to see Lynch and exclaimed, first greeting her with a heartfelt, “Shit!”
The two actresses co-starred in four Christopher Guest comedies: “Best in Show,” “A Mighty Wind,” “For Your Consideration” and “Mascots,” as well as in the 2004 film “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” In the above film about nationwide dog competitors, the two play the lesbian lovers and editors behind the fictional “American Bitch” magazine.
Elsewhere in his speech, Coolidge introduced the GLAAD Media Awards by saying, “We’re all here for a very important reason and you want to know why? Because we’re here to honor the media that helps the world understand and accept the LGBTQ+ community.”
“I have a lot of respect for the LGBTQ community. I just want everyone to know that I love you and thank you for always being there for me,” she continued. “That’s why I’m here, because I want to give back. I think we all have the right to be who we are and love the people we love and tell our stories and celebrate it in every way we can.”
At the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, hosted by Margaret Cho and held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Christina Aguilera received the Advocate for Change Award, Bad Bunny received the Vanguard Award, and Jeremy Pope received the Stephen F Award. Kolzak.
The GLAAD Media Awards will stream in its entirety on Hulu, the organization’s official streaming partner, on Wednesday, April 12.
Check out Coolidge’s heartfelt speech in the video above.