With The White Lotus season 2 underway, Jennifer Coolidge finds herself back in the spotlight of her Emmy-winning role of the troubled heiress Tanya McQuoid. Known for her comedic work in the early 2000s, Coolidge's resurgence as a star shouldn't come as a surprise to those familiar with her work.
An alumnus of The Groundlings, a famous L.A.-based improv troupe, Coolidge's ability to steal the scene in everything from cameos to starring parts has earned her a loyal following. From mother figures to larger-than-life parodies, here are Coolidge's best roles, according to Letterboxd.
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) - 3.2/5
Based on the book of the same name, A Series of Unfortunate Events recounts the stories of an orphan trio who are set to inherit their family fortune after their mansion burns down, killing their parents. However, Count Olaf, a nefarious stage actor, sets his sights on their fortune and schemes to take it from them.
Coolidge has a small but vital role as one of the White-Faced Women, actresses in Olaf's stage troupe. In an ensemble of familiar faces including Catherine O'Hara, Luis Gúzman, and Craig Ferguson, Coolidge stands out as a whiny but compliant accessory to Olaf's plans. A sequel never came to fruition, but the rest of the book series was explored years later in a Netflix show of the same name.
A Cinderella Story (2004) - 3.2/5
An adaptation of the classic fairytale, A Cinderella Story focuses on two internet pen pals who plan to meet in person for the first time at their high school's Halloween Dance. However, Sam, the 'cinderella', is plagued by the attempts of her stepmother and stepsisters to keep her from inheriting her deceased father's wealth.
In one of the best live-action Cinderella renditions, Coolidge plays Sam's evil stepmother Fiona. While critics panned the film for being uninspired, it was the charismatic performances of Coolidge alongside co-stars Hilary Duff, Chad Michael Murray, and Regina King that led the film to box-office success and its status as a cult classic.
Austenland (2013) - 3.2/5
In what's considered one of the best Pride And Prejudice adaptations, Austenland follows American woman Jane Hayes who's obsessed with the source novel, spending her life savings to go on a trip to a Jane Austen-themed resort. Although she can only afford the cheapest package, Jane is determined to live out her fantasy one way or another.
Coolidge appears as Elizabeth Charming, a wealthier guest Jane befriends who helps her carry out her plans. Coolidge's quirky chemistry opposite co-star Keri Russell elevates the film above its B-movie premise, which helped Austenland secure a premiere at Sundance and later a limited release.
The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (2000) - 3.3/5
Greg Berlanti's feature directorial debut, The Broken Hearts Club follows a group of gay friends in West Hollywood as they look for love, deal with personal losses, and try to discover themselves while working at a restaurant run by their father figure Jack.
In an important supporting part, Coolidge dryly plays Betty, a hairstylist who doubles as many from the group's therapist. The film received mixed reviews, and yet simultaneously many critics noted that it was a milestone in filmmaking for the LGTBQ+ community thanks to the humanization of its minority characters.
The Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call - New Orleans (2009) - 3.5/5
Loosely resembling the 1992 film of the same name, The Bad Lieutenant tracks Terence McDonagh, played by Nicolas Cage in one of his best roles, a New Orleans police officer who struggles to balance his multiple addictions with climbing up the ranks of local law enforcement.
In a rare dramatic role, Coolidge plays Terence's estranged alcoholic stepmother Genevieve, a hypocritical firecracker who comes to odds with Terence on various occasions. Despite its shlocky title, the Werner Herzog-directed crime thriller received critical acclaim thanks to its post-ironic appeal.
Swan Song (2021) - 3.5/5
Against the stark backdrop of Sandusky, Ohio, Swan Song follows a retired hairdresser Pat who leaves their retirement home to fulfill one of his former client's final request to style her hair for her funeral. Along the way, he must come to terms with his past and the people he's alienated along the way.
Coolidge acts opposite star Udo Kier as Dee Dee Dale, a former pupil who put Pat out of business and now has a shop opposite where he used to work. Filling her scenes with snarky retorts and shady insults, Coolidge's performance added to the eclectic ensemble of characters that brought the film success.
A Mighty Wind (2003) - 3.6/5
Taking place in the world of folk music, A Mighty Wind acts as a mockumentary that follows three bands that reunite for a tribute television concert for the first time in decades after their shared music producer dies. The bands, which have all faded in relevance, jump at the opportunity to be in the spotlight once again.
As part of Christopher Guest's ensemble, Coolidge plays PR firm rep Amber Cole, whose indistinguishable accent and vague description of her job hilariously contrast with that of her straight-man, direct counterpart. Other familiar faces that appear throughout the film include Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, and Fred Willard.
Promising Young Woman (2020) - 3.7/5
Set in Ohioan suburbs, Promising Young Woman starts with Cassie Thomas, a medical school dropout still grappling with the loss of her friend Nina who committed suicide following her uninvestigated rape. Now, Cassie seeks vengeance, feigning drunkness to men who take her home and punishing those who try and take advantage of her.
Against type, Coolidge plays Cassie's sweet, concerned mother Susan who suspects there is more going on that Cassie's not telling her. Thanks to Coolidge's subtle performance, along with the rest of the ensemble and a dazzling star turn from Carey Mulligan, the film was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture.
Legally Blonde (2001) - 3.8/5
One of Reese Witherspoon's best rom-coms, Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who tries to win her ex-boyfriend back by getting into Harvard Law School, and in the process, learns she has what it takes to become a lawyer.
Coolidge plays Elle's manicurist friend Paulette, who Elle gives both relationship and legal advice to and helps come out of her shell. Thanks to their charming relationship along with on-point performances from the rest of the cast, Legally Blonde subverted expectations to become a critical and box office hit.
Best In Show (2000) - 3.9/5
Best In Show follows five entrants in the fictional Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show, each of whom is led by kooky owners often more interested in divulging their backstories to the camera than talking about their dogs themselves.
Coolidge plays Sherri Ann Cabot, the trophy wife owner of a Standard Poodle 'Rhapsody in White'. Hilarious opposite her dog's trainer turned lover Christy Cummings, played by Jane Lynch, the film's ability to use its stars' improv backgrounds puts it over the top as one of the best in its subgenre of mockumentary comedies.
Source:gamerant.com