updated 01/14/01

Janney Clocks in Hours as Lesbian

Allison In Bloom

Well-heeled

Not Political

Selfish & Cynical

10 Coolest People

Intimate Portrait

Strike Star Power

"Big Night" Bio

Bio from The Imposters

Janney Clocks in Hours as Lesbian

Emmy-winning West Wing star Allison Janney is adding Sapphic action to her resume. Janney has signed on to portray Meryl Streep's lesbian lover in the feature film The Hours, based on Michael Cunningham's Pulitzer-winning novel. The ensemble drama focuses on three women of different eras whose lives are profoundly affected by author Virginia Woolf. Queer uber-producer Scott Rudin has hired Stephen Daldry of Billy Elliot fame to direct the picture. Janney joins a high-profile cast including Ed Harris, Toni Collette, Julianne Moore, and Claire Danes. The Hours rolls before cameras later this month. Don't be surprised if The Hours hits theaters before the year's end to make Janney, Streep and the rest of the stellar cast eligible to make a date with a guy named Oscar next year.

http://msn.planetout.com/pno/popcornq/movienews/deep_inside/20010123.html

Allison In Bloom
With a career nurtured in stage work and supporting film roles, Allison Janney finds stardom as a political player on The West Wing.

by Elizabeth Snead
Early in Allison Janney's career, an agent made a devastating assessment: She was too tall to become a star and could only play "aliens or lesbians." A decade later, the Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee jokes about her stature ("5-foot-12"), and her boss Aaron Sorkin thinks that agent couldn't have been more wrong.

"Allison is like the great movie actresses from the '40s," says the creator and executive producer of NBC's The West Wing (Wednesdays, 9 P.M./ET). "She's the best actress working today, and she gives the dead ones a run for their money." As scrappy White House press secretary C.J. Gregg, Janney does seem like a dame who could out-drink Spencer Tracy, slay Bogie with a withering stare, yet still melt seductively in Cary Grant's arms.

One chilly morning, Janney breaks for a cappuccino and oatmeal near her rented Burbank abode. She tugs at an elastic back brace, worn to calm a muscle pulled in a yoga class. "Power Yoga," she says, deadpan save for a slight wince. "Isn't that a contradiction in terms?"

Contradiction is a term that applies equally to Janney. Shy in person but self-assured on the stage and screen, she received a 1998 Tony nomination for "A View From the Bridge" and praise for her film work as the stumbling teacher in "Primary Colors" and catatonic wife in "American Beauty." And while as C.J. she has mastered her poker face, the actress's trailer is in fact Party Central. She slyly credited pals in her Emmy speech by thanking "GADA," code for the Gower Academy of Dramatic Arts. (It's named for the street of her first Hollywood apartment, site of many wild bashes.) All GADA members get wacky names. Hers? "Dame Dr. Edie Emmywinni Edamame," in reference to her soybean addiction.

Janney gets to go slapstick in the Showtime mini-series A Girl Thing (January 20 and 27, 8 P.M./ET). She, Rebecca De Mornay and Glenne Headly play three sisters who "only get their inheritance if they stay in the family house for a week," says Janney. "We get to do a lot of funny physical fighting." For his part, Sorkin says, "I can't get enough of her klutziness. How many actresses are as gifted in physical comedy and as sexy as she is?" This season on The West Wing, she's already taken a pratfall into a pool and bonded with two turkeys.

Boston-born Janney, 40, was raised in Dayton, Ohio, with brothers Hal, 39, a small-business consultant, and Jay, 41, an artist-musician. Creativity was encouraged by dad Jervis, a jazz musician-turned-real estate agent, and ex-actress mom Macy, a doyenne of Dayton's cultural scene. As a child, Janney was athletic and determined. Visiting their granddad in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, she frequented the town's merry-go-round. "Darned if she didn't get that brass ring every time!" recalls brother Hal.

Janney's luck - and dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater - changed in 1977. Home from Hotchkiss, her Connecticut boarding school, she was at a party when someone stepped on her strapless dress, yanking it down. Horrified, she raced through a glass door, ripping leg muscles and arteries. "It was many years before she told me I was the one who [did it]," says Hal. "She never wanted me to feel badly."

New dreams surfaced in 1978 at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, when alum Paul Newman cast Janney in a play he was directing. Four years later, she took the advice of his wife, Joanne Woodward, to attend New York City's Neighborhood Playhouse. Then came the lean years: scooping ice cream, off-Broadway, a maid's role on The Guiding Light and, finally, small parts in a long list of films, including "Big Night" and "The Ice Storm."

One coup: being cast as a real estate agent in Woody Allen's "Celebrity." But then Allen asked if she knew how to say the word triplex: "try-plex" or "trip-lex"? She ran to Donald Trump, there for a cameo, who told her "trip-lex." "It was like being in a Woody Allen movie within a Woody Allen movie," she jokes.

Janney had no plans to do TV until she got The West Wing pilot script and read for Sorkin, a fan. Now she's having a blast: "Once Richard [Schiff] starts laughing, we can't get him back. Rob [Lowe] does Scooby-Doo and Robert Wagner impressions. Martin Sheen does Frank Sinatra impersonations." Timothy Busfield, who plays reporter Danny Concannon, says, "I had the easiest job, acting like I was in love with [C.J.]. All the guys hated me, especially [director and executive producer] Tommy Schlamme!"

The man who really merits their envy is Dennis Gagomiros, Janney's "amazing" boyfriend of eight years. The couple, who met at the Playhouse in 1982, share a Manhattan loft. Now a computer programmer, he returns to acting (as an FBI agent) in the March 4 season premiere of HBO's The Sopranos. And marriage? "Probably, but we're also fine the way we are," Janney replies. Kids? Or something furry to start? "Nothing would make me happier. But would they let me bring a dog to the set? I do have a trailer..." Ten bucks says Sorkin writes a part for her pooch.

January 13-19, 2001

http://www.greengoblin.com/dana/janney/tvguide.html

Well-heeled immigrants flock to Banana Republic
Shinan Govani
National Post

WHO NEEDS ARMANI AND PRADA when you can get down with the masses in Banana Republic rat-race garb? That's just what happened when The West Wing's Allison Janney arrived recently in New York for a slew of media appearances and suddenly realized she had nothing, nothing, nothing to wear. New York magazine tips us off that the extra-tall, extra-talented Janney scrambled to pull together a wardrobe that included shoes, handbag and clothing from that store that I like to call the Potassium Principality. Also reported doing some shopping at Banana Republic recently was Ben Affleck, whose luggage went missing on a recent trip to Toronto. Affleck flacks quickly assembled a few outfits from BP and word is the Pearl Harbor thespian even paid full price.

http://www.nationalpost.com/home/story.html?f=/stories/20010523/570400.html

West Wing's Janney Not Political
Thursday May 24 1:00 AM ET

NEW YORK (AP) - Although Allison Janney plays her ``West Wing'' character with brainy authority, she admits the world of politics was unfamiliar territory.

``If you asked me to talk about politics, I would not be able to,'' Janney told More magazine in its June issue. ``Growing up, I didn't even know if my parents were Democrat or Republican. I'm surrounded mostly by liberals, but I'm very cynical about politics - very cynical.''

Janney, 40, plays press secretary C.J. Cregg on ``The West Wing,'' the NBC drama starring Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlet.

``She's a brilliant speaker: confident, witty, powerful, very independent, efficient - everything I'm not,'' the actress said.
http://www.wn.com/?action=display&article=7374762&template=worldnews/search.txt&index=recent

Late news from Hollywood
Tuesday, 22 May 2001 17:12 (ET)

by PAT NASON, UPI Hollywood Reporter

'WEST WING' STAR IS 'SELFISH,' 'CYNICAL'

Allison Janney, the Emmy-winning star of "The West Wing," is selfish and cynical -- take it from her.

Janney tells MORE magazine she is very different from White House press secretary C.J. Cregg, the character she plays on the NBC political drama.

"She's a brilliant speaker," said Janney of her character, "confident, witty, powerful, very independent, efficient -- everything I'm not."

The 40-year-old actress, who has also appeared in the movies, "American Beauty," "Nurse Betty" and "Primary Colors," posed nude for a photo for the magazine. There's nothing between her and the lens but a copy of the Washington Post.

While she is contemplating marriage, Janney said motherhood is not in prospect.

"I feel like I'd be a lousy mother," she said, "though I've always wanted to have dogs. I'm so selfish with my career. It's been the focus of my entire life."

Although Janney plays a political animal on TV, she claims to pay little attention to the subject in real life.

"If you asked me to talk about politics, I would not be able to," she said. "Growing up, I didn't even know if my parents were Democrat or Republican. I'm surrounded mostly by liberals, but I'm very cynical about politics -- very cynical."

http://www.vny.com/cf/News/upidetail.cfm?QID=187934

Second Annual Survey Lists The "Ten Coolest People In Hollywood"
"Traffic's" Sulky, Smoldering Benicio Del Toro, Outspoken National Political Columnist Arianna Huffington, And "The Sopranos' " Brooding James Gandolfini Are Among Those Named By Inside Industry Survey Conducted By Tanqueray No. TEN
HOLLYWOOD, CA -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 05/08/2001 -- Who are the ten coolest people in Hollywood, according to the entertainment industry insiders?

"Traffic's" sulky, smoldering Benicio Del Toro, national political columnist Arianna Huffington, "The Sopranos' " brooding James Gandolfini, and irreverent Oscar comedy writer Bruce Vilanch are among the "Ten Coolest People in Hollywood" in the second annual survey conducted by Tanqueray No. TEN.

The ten also includes swarthy heartthrob actor Johnny Depp, Oscar-nominated actress Laura Linney, "West Wing" director Paris Barclay and actress Allison Janney, "Erin Brockovich" Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh, and "Sex and the City's" so-hot-she-is-cool Sarah Jessica Parker.

The ten were chosen from the list of nominees selected by last year's winners, which included actress Heather Graham, "American Beauty" producer Bruce Cohen, Rhino Films President Stephen Nemeth, and actor / director Ben Stiller. They were asked to suggest up to ten people working within the entertainment industry who represent "style, wit, intelligence, finesse, good taste."

The list of semi-finalists was mailed in an online survey in March to a specially-culled list of 1000 agents, writers, journalists, managers, publicists and studio executives. More than fifty names were on the list of semi-finalists suggested for "their talent, their cool, their cutting edge quality."

The survey was conducted for the second year by the super premium gin Tanqueray No.TEN , made from fresh botanicals, distilled only in small batches and packaged in the "coolest" green bottle.

The ten recipients will receive a hand-delivered bottle of Tanqueray No. TEN specially packaged with a personalized book describing why their peers thought they were "cool". They will also be invited to select ten of their "coolest" associates or friends in the industry to receive No. TEN, making it the latest "must have" item in Hollywood.

http://www1.internetwire.com/iwire/release_clickthrough?release_id=26626&category=Entertainment

TV Guide Online
http://www.tvguide.com/movies/database/moviesearch.asp?SearchType=1&name=allison%20janney

Review of Intimate Portrait: Allison Janney

I really enjoyed this program. The following people gave interviews about AJ: Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, Brad Whitford, Aaron Sorkin, Martin Sheen, Joanne Woodward, Macy and Jervis Janney (her parents), Hal Janney (brother), High School (Hotchkiss) Drama Teachers, Kenyon College Drama Teachers, Dennis Gagomiros (boy friend), Alan Ball (writer of American Beauty)and Shannon McMahon Lichte (friend).

They showed West Wing scenes from "Shibboleth," the Thanksgiving episode from the 2nd season. In fact I think they just about showed all of the scenes with "CJ" in that episode. They also showed film clips from "American Beauty," and the soap opera "The Guiding Light." Allison played a character named "Ginger" in 1993. She said it was great, she only had to work 2 days a week, and her rent got paid.

They also showed video from two Broadway plays: "5 Women Wearing the Same Dress (1993)," "Noel Coward's Present Laughter (1996)," and "View from the Bridge (1998)." Allison said she got her first agent after the "5 Women Wearing the Same Dress." She got a Tony nomination after "View from the Bridge."

Alan Ball wrote Broadway play - "5 Women Wearing the Same Dress." He also wrote "American Beauty." While Allison was filming "American Beauty in Los Angeles, she auditioned for West Wing pilot episode. Aaron Sorkin said she had the role from the first reading but she didn't know that. Allison said she thought that they didn't like her. Aaron was afraid that she wouldn't take role because she didn't have much to do in the pilot episode. But, Allison said she loved the role. The only problem was she really didn't want to leave New York and her boy friend, Dennis. Dennis said that they talk every day but it's not the same as "having someone's head in your lap." He teared up when talking about her. He said that they have "practiced" talking about marriage and he had given her his grandmother's engagement ring. Allison said she doesn't feel any pressure to get married but it was obvious she was joking because she said in a really high pitched voice and laughing "I don't want to talk about marriage, is it getting hot in here?"

The show gave the normal historical data about AJ:
Born on November 19, 1960, middle child. Really into sports (field hockey, soccer, ice skating). Started ice skating at 6 and trained until 15. Coach left and she was too tall for the spins. Acted in High School play her senior year. Loved it.
The summer between High School and College she had a serious accident involving running into a sliding glass door. She cut her lower right leg very badly. She was in the hospital for months. She lost an artery in her leg and had numerous skin grafts and operations. She went to college a year late because of the accident. Her first year at Kenyon College in Ohio, a new theater opened on campus. Paul Newman, an alumnus of the college, directed the first play. She got cast in the play and came to the attention of Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward. Joanne convinced Allison to come to New York after graduation. Allison attended the Neighborhood Playhouse for two years and learned her craft. She also met Dennis at the Playhouse. Allison trained under Shelly Winters at the Actors Studio. Shelly had her act like a "rhino" for an entire hour. I don't think Allison was too impressed and she claimed that her knees have not been the same since. She had lots of odd jobs: waitress (friend said she was a terrible waitress), ice cream scooper, and night receptionist at a broadcasting company. It was all to pay the rent and pay for acting lessons. Her first steady job was the soap opera part.

Allison bounced back and forth between Los Angeles and New York looking for acting jobs. She said she likes to stay comfortable and safe. But, the career she has chosen will never let her stay safe. She will always have to take risks.

Her friend, Shannon McMahon Lichte, talked about sewing Allison into her dress for the 2000 Emmy Awards. She said Allison was so nervous and never thought she was going to win.

Allison talked about going to Washington, D.C. and meeting Joe Lockhart. She really enjoyed going to last year's White House Correspondent's Dinner.

The end of the show had a couple of good lines from Janel and Richard:
Janel: Allison is like a traveling party, where ever she is, the party is.
Richard: Allison's trailer on the studio lot is "party central." "After a long day shooting, we will all go into her trailer and see how happy we can get." (Lost the email from the person who gave the summary)

Excerpt from: Strike Star Power

By David Robb (BPI)

Janney, who plays the media-savvy press secretary C.J. Cregg on West Wing, said the dozen or more reporters on hand for Monday's picket action probably would not have shown up had celebrities not been present. "I'm here to give some new blood to the strike," she said. "I guess because we're on West Wing and some ER people are here, that means [reporters] are out here, and that's great. That's why we're out here-to get some more attention for the strike."

Janney became a hero of the strike two weeks ago when she spoke out while accepting an award for West Wing at the Family Friendly Programming Forum, a coalition of top advertisers. The awards show was taped, and after she left the stage, executive producer Dick Clark assured the crowd that her strike-related comment would be edited from the telecast. West Wing executive producer John Wells later returned the award, saying he did not want it after Janney's comments were censored. "Wells returned it to support me, and I couldn't have been more pleased," Janney said.

http://www.backstage.com/news/la/lan2000082325013.asp

"Big Night" Bio

Allison Janney plays Ann, the object of Primo's affections.
A well known New York stage actress, she has also appeared in movies, including "Wolf," "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Walking and Talking," directed by Nicole Holefcener, which was premiered in the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. Janney is currently shooting Howard Stern's "Private Parts" on location in New York. On stage, she has been featured in serveral Manhattan Theatre Club productions, including New England" and "Blue Window," and the Naked Angel production of "Fat Men in Skirts," starring Marissa Tomei and Stanley Tucci. She was also a member of the Actors Goup of New York, where she appeared in "Velvet Elvis," directed by Joanne Woodward.

http://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/bignight.html

Bio from The Imposters

Allison Janney plays Maxi (Maxine), a gorgeous woman with the smooth sexuality of a sophisticated bad girl.

A well-known New York stage actress, Janney appeared with Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub as Ann, the object of Primo's (Shalhoub) affections, in "Big Night." Her other movies include Howard Stern's "Private Parts," "Miracle on 34th Street," Ang Lee's "The Ice Storm," "The Object of My Affection," directed by Nicholas Hytner and "Mike Nichols' "Primary Colors," and "6 Days, 7 Nights" with Harrison Ford.

On Broadway, she won the Outer Critics Circle Award, The Drama League Award and the Clarence Derwent Award for her performance as Liz Essendine in "Present Laughter." She has been featured in the Manhattan Theater Club productions of "New England" and "Blue Window," and the Naked Angel production of "Fat Men in Skirts" starring Marisa Tomei and Stanley Tucci.

She is currently starring in the Roundabout Theater's production of "A View from the Bridge" with Anthony LaPaglia.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/impostors/players_rightb.html

Website maintained by Wendy Repass [email protected]

This site uses information gleamed from the many, many sites available on productions Ms. Janney has been involved. This site is meant to be a tribute to the actress and uses information not endorsed by the actress, NBC, The West Wing, or the creators of the material therein. We have tried to keep the references to writers of material, however, photos have merely been copied and transferred.