‘White Lotus’ Actress Jennifer Coolidge Reflects On Her Career With Humor And Hope
Jennifer Coolidge, 61, had dreams which she recalls being “fizzled out by life” that became reignited after winning her first
Victoria Liotta
Jennifer Coolidge, 61, had dreams which she recalls being “fizzled out by life” that became reignited after winning her first Golden Globe. The White Lotus actress became the ceremony’s star with her drawn-out yet hilarious speeches as both a presenter and a winner. In fact, her acceptance speech has taken over the internet given the positive light she shed on her challenges as an actress.
“This Thing That Wasn’t Going Anywhere”
Coolidge won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in HBO’s White Lotus. She expressed her gratitude for everyone who stood behind her and kept her going throughout her career, explaining that each small gig was just enough to get her to the next. “I just want to say, some of the people in this room, there were like five people that kept me going for, you know, 20 years with these little jobs. And Ryan Murphy, you were one of them. It’s these little jobs that kept me going, it was like five — it was like you, Ryan, and, let’s see, we got — who else was there. It was … just you, Ryan,” said Coolidge.
Coolidge continued, “I didn’t know anybody, and it just was sort of this thing that wasn’t going anywhere. Then there were these people who would give me these cute little jobs and it would just be enough to get to the next one.”
Mike White And The ‘White Lotus’
Mike White, the creator of White Lotus, was brought to tears after Coolidge thanked him for the hope he’s given her as an actress.
“Mike White … I just — truly, I just want you all to know that I had such big dreams and expectations as a younger person, but what happened is they get sort of fizzled by life and whatever. I thought I was going to be Queen of Monaco even though someone else did it. [Laughter] But I had these giant ideas. And then you get older and, oh, shit’s going to happen. And, Mike White, you have given me hope. You’ve given me a new beginning. Even if this is the end because you did kill me off, but even if this is the end, you changed my life in a million different ways,” said Coolidge.
She credited him for the never-before-gotten invites to parties on her hill and her neighbors speaking to her now. The White Lotus actress also expressed her gratitude for him and his ability to make people want to live longer given his kindness and great character.
Coolidge concluded, “So anyway, I just want to say, Mike White, I love you to death. I just want to say, this is a real fun night, thank you. Thank you!”