Jane Lynch graduated from the Illinois State University with a theater degree, and later received her MFA from Cornell University. She began acting with the Steppenwolfe Theater Company in Chicago, both as an actress and writer. She also toured with the Second City comedy group.

She began appearing on films and television as early as 1988, but her biggest breakthrough only came in 2000, when she appeared in Christopher Guest's acclaimed mockumentary "Best in Show." This led to a strong working relationship with the director, as she appeared in two of his later films, "A Mighty Wind" and "For Your Consideration." She also became a ubiquitous face in Judd Apatow's films, appearing in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Talladega Nights" and "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story."

Lynch's first regular television role was in the short-lived series "MDs," in 2002. She has since taken recurring roles in several series, such as "The L Word," "Two and a Half Men," "Arrested Development" and "Boston Legal." In 2009, she became a regular in the acclaimed comedy "Party Down," but had to leave after a season when she snagged a role in the Fox musical series "Glee." Her portrayal of aggressive cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester earned praise from critics and fans, and led to an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Series, Miniseries, or TV Film.

She hosts Hollywood Game Night and has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host for a Reality of Reality-Competition Program.

She guest starred in the show The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel as Sophie Lennon, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.

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