‘Mom’ actress Allison Janney receives star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded its 2,590th star Monday morning, commemorating the career of veteran stage and screen actress Allison Janney.
On hand to celebrate the moment were two men integral to Janney’s work on television.
For the record:
7:51 p.m. April 25, 2024This story was updated to reflect that Allison Janney was nominated for, but did not win, four Golden Globe awards for her role on “The West Wing.”
The first, Richard Schiff, co-starred with Janney on “The West Wing” and thrilled the audience with a tale about the phone call that led to his presence at the ceremony that day.
“’I know you hate this stuff, but I’m getting a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and I know you hate it but I’m asking you to speak for me and you don’t have to say anything, just be funny and say you love me,’” Schiff quickly rattled off of the voice he heard on the other end of the line. “’Because I know you love me and I want you to do it because I love you and even if you hate me for asking you, I’m still going to ask because you do love me so shut up and do it.’”
To which Schiff apparently replied, “Allison?”
Schiff went on to speak of Janney in glowing terms, calling her “unbreakable, selfless, loyal, loving.”
Chuck Lorre, creator of “Mom,” also spoke highly of Janney, calling the process of working with her “a joy.”
“What you should come away from this afternoon knowing, is this is a great lady,” said Lorre, also the creator “The Big Bang Theory” and “Two and a Half Men” among other shows.
Janney made her Broadway debut in the 1996 revival of Noel Coward’s “Present Laughter.” The following year, Janney starred in a revival of Arthur Miller’s “A View From the Bridge” and in 2009 appeared in the original Broadway musical “9 to 5.” She received Tony nominations for the two latter performances.
Though Janney has had any number of memorable turns on the big screen, including roles in “American Beauty,” “Juno,” “Finding Nemo” and “Spy,” it was on television that the actress really found her medium.
Currently starring in “Mom” on CBS opposite Anna Faris, Janney is probably best known for her work as White House Press Secretary CJ Cregg on NBC’s “The West Wing.”
Janney won four Emmys and was nominated for four Golden Globes for her work on “The West Wing.” She has also been recognized by the Television Academy for her work on “Mom” and “Masters of Sex,” bringing her total number of Emmys to seven.
“Mom” returns for its fourth season on Oct. 27 at 9 p.m.
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