Jennifer Coolidge is an iconic actress. She has gained a reputation for her distinct humor, which she brings to all her roles. Indeed, as evidenced by her vast body of work, Coolidge is the type of actor who has a style that no one else can replicate, bringing a unique energy to each role she performs.
Coolidge gained a cult reputation thanks to her role in American Pie, one that she says, per PEOPLE, got her a lot of “action” as a result. She followed that role in another, equally iconic part in Legally Blonde, her lines in which are still quoted to this day. Today, Coolidge is enjoying monumental success in HBO’s The White Lotus, from winning an Emmy earlier this year to returning for the series’ second season. In light of The White Lotus’ return to our screens, in fact, let’s take a look at Coolidge’s best performances, ranked.
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7 Best in Show
Castle Rock Entertainment
Best in Show is one of Coolidge’s highest-rated movies, and sees her starring 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, engaging in interactions with her husband Leslie that create some of the best moments in the film.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 American Pie
Universal Pictures
American Pie was released in 1999 and is a coming-of-age comedy directed by Paul Weitz in his directorial debut. The film marked the first in a commercially successful franchise, featuring an ensemble cast including Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Tara Reid, and Mena Suvari. The plot centers around five high school classmates who make a pact to lose their virginities before they graduate. Coolidge stars as Stiffler’s mom in one of the most notable performances of her career, one that effectively put her on the map.
5 Single All the Way
Netflix
Single All the Way is a Netflix Christmas rom-com that follows the story of Peter, a gay man who returns home for the holidays with his friend who is posing as his romantic partner. They end up developing genuine feelings for each other, and his family quickly 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 yet another often quoted role in the actress’ filmography.
4 Sawn Song
Magnolia Pictures
Swan Song sees Udo Kier star as Pat Pitsenbarger, an aging man who is called back to action for his styling expertise. Coolidge has a supporting role as Dee Dee Dale, and she steals the screen as usual whenever she appears, bringing her quirky mannerisms to the role and delivering hilarious lines.
3 Promising Young Woman
FilmNation Entertainment
Promising Young Woman is a more recent release, which sees Carey Mulligan play Cassie Thomas, a woman who takes revenge on men who take advantage of women after her friend took her own life due to a past sexual assault. Coolidge stars as Cassie’s mom, Susan Thomas, in a role that combines her comedic and dramatic talents. A wholly original film, Promising Young Woman proved to be a critical and commercial success, nabbing multiple Oscar nominations during its year, including Best Actress for Mulligan.
2 Legally Blonde
Type A Films
Legally Blonde was a career-changing film for its lead actress, Reese Witherspoon. She starred as Elle Woods, a young woman who enrols in Harvard Law School initially in an attempt to win back her boyfriend after he dumps 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 been chasing isn’t worth it after all. Coolidge stars as Paulette, whom Elle meets when she decides to get her nails done. She delivers hilarious lines that are still quoted to this day. It’s easily one of her best performances, and Legally Blonde remains culturally relevant.
1 The White Lotus
HBO
Coolidge’s most recent performance is in the hit HBO series The White Lotus, which has gained significant critical acclaim. Coolidge stars as Tanya McQuoid, a hilariously out of touch wealthy woman who is overly emotional and gets easily attached to the people around her. She succeeds in bringing her unique flair to the character, making her at once endearing and lovable. Coolidge is the only cast member from The White Lotus season 1 to return for season 2.