movies & tv Archives

July 13, 2023

10 Best Madison Bailey Movies & TV Shows Ranked

Madison Bailey has become famous for starring in the popular Netflix series Outer Banks, but she has played noteworthy roles in multiple TV shows and movies. Bailey got her start in acting in the mid-2010s by appearing in small, one-off episodes of various TV shows. Since then, she has become a rising star with viewers excited to see her in the upcoming Outer Banks season 4 and future projects. While she is predominantly known for Outer BanksMadison Bailey’s movies and TV shows showcase her versatility as an actor.

Looking at Bailey’s trajectory, her future outside of starring in Outer Banks seems bright. Since she broke out onto the acting scene, Bailey has managed to have a steady work by appearing in consecutive projects. As her career has continued, Madison Bailey’s movies and TV shows have been more high-profile and seen the actress in larger roles. While every actor has to start somewhere, and some of Bailey’s early work isn’t as good or as memorable as her later projects, it’s clear in everything she’s in that Bailey has always had the making of a star.

10 Swamp Murders (2013-2017)

Swamp Murders is a true-crime series released by Investigation Discovery. The entire premise of the show is to investigate the story behind dead bodies found in swamps using interviews with those involved and reenactments. while Swamp Murders ran for multiple years, the show never developed more than a niche following. Bailey appeared in Swamp Murders season 3, episode 6 “Murder in the Badlands” as Mary Hold Bear, the acquaintance of a woman who is found murdered. While she only has a couple of scenes in the episode, Bailey’s portrayal of a mean girl is top-notch.

9 Supercool (2022)

in Supercool, Neil (Jake Short) is a high school student who wishes that he could become more popular. When he wakes up, he discovers that he is living in a new reality where his wish came true. However, even with its unique premise and underrated cast, it did not make much of an impact when it was released. Bailey appears in Supercool as Emily, Neil’s classmate and a friend of his romantic interest, Summer (Madison Davenport). Of Madison Bailey’s best movies and TV shows, Supercool isn’t her very best, but it’s one of her first supporting roles in a major feature film.

8 Council of Dads (2020)

Though Council of Dads was canceled after just one season, it showed potential with its heartfelt premise. In the show, Scott (Tom Everett Scott) and his wife Robin (Sarah Wayne Callies) ask their friends to be a “council of dads” to their children after Scott dies from cancer. Bailey plays Jules, a new friend of Scott’s son Theo (Emjay Anthony) who has also lost a parent, and she helps Theo adjust to his changes. Bailey appeared in three episodes of Council of Dadsand her role as Jules showed her acting skill with heavy material.

7 Constantine (2014-2015)

Madison Bailey with the cast of Constantine

Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, Constantine ran on NBC for one season before it was cancelled, despite positive reviews. However, John Constantine actor Matt Ryan was able to play Constantine again throughout the Arrowverse on The CW. Bailey appears in the Constantine season series finale, “Waiting for the Man”, as a kidnapped child bride named Caroline. Madison Bailey’s appearance in Constantine marked her first role in a TV series, and it proved to be an impressive launch of her career.

RELATED: Everything We Know About HBO Max’s Constantine Show

6 Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020)

The cast of Impractical Jokers: The Movie

Impractical Jokers made a name for itself as an improvised reality show starring comedians James “Murr” Murray, Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, and Brian “Q” Quinn. The film is based on the comedians’ friendship and their show, and it also stars, Paula Abdul, Jaden Smith, and Will Ferrell. Impractical Jokers: The Movie is different than the show in that it’s half-scripted, but it’s still the same humor fans know and love. Bailey appears as an unnamed character who high-fives Joe at a bowling alley. Madison Bailey’s role in Impractical Jokers: The Movie marked her first time appearing in a movie that was widely distributed.

5 Mr. Mercedes (2017-2019)

Mr. Mercedes is a crime series based on the Stephen King books Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepersand End of Watch. The show stars Brendan Gleeson as retired detective Bill Hodges and Harry Treadaway as antagonist Brady Hartsfield, and received positive reviews during the three seasons it ran on Audience. Bailey appears in Mr. Mercedes season 1 episode 4, “Gods Who Fall” as Chloe, and she has a scene in the diner where Jerome (Jharrel Jerome) notices Brady. While her work in Mr. Mercedes isn’t the most memorable of Madison Bailey’s movies and TV shows, it demonstrates her ability to seamlessly fit into a series for a single episode.

4 Creepshow (2019-present)

Madison Bailey with the cast of Creepshow

Based on the 1982 horror-comedy film and comic book of the same name, Shudder’s Creepshow is an acclaimed anthology series, and has starred several popular actors including Justin Long, Giancarlo Esposito, Reid Scott, and D’Arcy Carden across different episodes. Bailey appears as Carla in the second part of Creepshow season 1, episode 3 “All Hallow’s Eve/The Man in the Suitcase.” Instead of playing a horror victim as might be expected, Bailey’s Carla does not shy away from greed or torture, and the role proves that the actress can get dark.

3 American Horror Stories (2021-present)

Madison Bailey in American Horror Stories

Bailey appears in another horror anthology series called American Horror Storiesa companion spin-off to Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story franchises. While not as popular as its parent series, American Horror Stories season 3 is set to return, and fans are hoping for more familiar faces, as the show has featured many Murphy collaborators including Matt Bomer, Billie Lourd, and Naomi. Bailey stars as Kelley, one of the leads of American Horror Stories season 1 episode 3 “Drive In” alongside Rhenzy Feliz as Chad. The actress carries the episode as the protagonist, and American Horror Stories is among the best of Madison Bailey’s movies and TV shows.

2 Black Lightning (2018-2021)

While the DC Extended Universe struggles at the box office and with critics, The CW has found success with its DC Comics Arrowverse shows, which includes Black Lightning. In the show, Cress Williams plays the titular vigilante hero after being brought out of superhero retirement. Bailey appears in six different episodes of Black Lightning as Wendy Hernandez, a young girl with the superhuman ability to manipulate air. In an era of seemingly endless superhero fare, it can be hard for an actor to make their mark in the genre, but Bailey stood out while making her portrayal of Wendy grounded and realistic.

1 Outer Banks (2020-present)

Outer Banks is a hugely popular Netflix show with a large fan following. While it starts as a mystery involving lost treasure, the teen drama also deals with classism, friendship and romantic relationships. in Outer Banks, Bailey plays Kiara “Kie” Carrera. Even though Kiara comes from money and is considered to be part of the wealthy “Kooks,” she primarily hangs out with the working-class “Pogues.” Kie’s social standing is often contrasted with what she desires, and this serves as one of her main conflicts in the series. Bailey’s performance as Kie highlights the complexity of her character, making Outer Banks the best of Madison Bailey‘s movies and TV shows.

June 12, 2023

Stephani & Michael’s Lareau Farm Inn Wedding at American Flatbread in Waitsfield, Vermont

Earlier this month, Stephani and Michael celebrated their one-year anniversary. Their wedding at Lareau Farm Inn in Waitsfield was incredible. Looking back at these photos, I remember what a beautiful fall wedding they had, complete with pumpkins, fall floral designs and an outstanding bridal party champagne spray. Their guests ate American Flatbread pizza and drank beer around the fire pit. Stephani and Michael chose my photography and video combo package, which meant we captured every special moment of their day. Afterwards, I produced and edited two films for them, using footage captured by Shawn Cimonetti. All the photos below were shot by Cat, but Andrea DiMedio did a fantastic job as the second photographer. Check out their wedding photos and films below!

Movie Highlights

Full Length Film

Venue: Lareau Farm Inn (American Flatbread) in Waitsfield, Vermont
Photographer: Cat Cutillo
Second Photographer: Andrea DiMedio
Videographer: Shawn Cimonetti
Video Editor & Producer: Cat Cutillo
Hair & Makeup: Blushing Brides
Flowers: Petals Floral Design
Cake designer: The Goose Chase Cake Design
Music: Supersounds Entertainment
Ring designer: Descar Jewelry Design
Wedding Dress designer: dress from Enzoani; veil from Vows
Bridemaid dresses designer: Azazie
Grooms and groomsmen attire: 125 Bridal

The post Stephani & Michael’s Lareau Farm Inn Wedding at American Flatbread in Waitsfield, Vermont appeared first on Cat Cutillo Photography & Video.

June 7, 2023

The Best Lauren Graham Movies and TV Shows

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Iconic television mom Lauren Graham has been putting out hits since the nineties, but it’s the much-loved CW series Gilmore Girls that she’s best known for. Born in Hawaii, she didn’t have an acting family, but instead worked her way up the industry, first by taking on small performances where she could, but eventually earning her an MFA in Acting Performance from Southern Methodist University. Although she’s mostly known for her time as Lorelai, Graham has been in dozens of other films and television shows, some great, and some… a little less so. One thing’s for sure, though: her performances are almost always golden, even when she’s not given much to work with. If you spent hours with her in Stars Hollow and want to know where else you can see her, then read ahead for our list of the best Lauren Graham movies and TV shows!

10. Vampirina

This Disney Junior computer animated series falls into a nice blend of perfect for kids, but with enough great humor in it that adults can enjoy it too. Vampirina follows the Hauntley family, mostly focusing on the daughter, Vampirina “Vee” Hauntley, as they move from Transylvania to Pennsylvania in order to open a hotel for visiting ghouls called the Scare B&B. Vampirina has the body of a child, but is in fact 200 years old, which leads to a lot of shenanigans when she enrolls in the local school. As the family learns to do things the “Pennsylvania way,” there’s a lot of hilarity, especially as the Hauntleys try to keep their ghostly lives separate from their community. Graham voices the mother of the family, Oxana, and brings plenty of charm and humor to the role. A nice watch, especially if you’re with the family.

9. Conrad Bloom

This is one of Graham’s earliest playing television roles, and you can see her talent shine through already. The series follows the titular character, a New York based copywriter who’s trying to get ahead in his career while also searching for love. The sitcom is heavily character-driven with a focus on the women in Bloom’s life: his involved mother, a fun sister, and an ex-girlfriend-turned-best-friend who still seems to have feelings for him (Molly, played by Graham ). A bit zany but also surprisingly heartfelt, the show was canceled after just one season thanks to low ratings, but it received great critical reviews, especially for the cast’s chemistry and acting.

8. Flash of Genius

In a year where we’ve had films about the invention of Air Jordans, the Blackberry phone, and Tetris, you might be fed up with business stories. But this 2008 biographical drama is a little different, as it follows the tale of Robert Kearns — portrayed by Greg Kinnear — a man who took on Ford after they invented a product based on Kearns’ ideas that had been patented. The film itself is based on a New Yorkers article, and is an engrossing watch that will have you rooting for Kearns as he takes on the big boys of American industry. Graham plays Phyllis, the at-first happy wife of Robert. But, as the legal battle takes its toll, their marriage strains, and we see Graham put in a heartfelt performance that makes this film worth watching.

7. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

An inventive musical comedy drama, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is the sort of shows people either absolutely adore or cannot stand, but as long as you love a good tune you’ll probably fall into the first category. It follows the adventures of Zoey Clarke (Jane Levy), a software developer who realizes she has the power to hear people’s innermost thoughts — but only as songs. Although she’s only billed as a special guest, Graham appears in every episode of season one as Joan, Zoey’s quirky boss who eventually leaves for Singapore, but not before giving Zoey a much-deserved promotion. All singing, all dancing, all laughing: Graham fans will enjoy her turn here for sure.

6. Curb Your Enthusiasm

Plenty of great actors have guest-starred on this long-running iconic Larry David comedy, but few have had as hilarious an arc as Graham. She took on the role of Bridget, a woman who became romantically involved with Larry over the course of three episodes in the ninth season (“Namaste,””Never Wait for Seconds,” and “The Shucker”). While Larry is his usual curmudgeonly self, Bridget actually seems to fit well with him, despite being a bit sunnier. However, their relationship is tested by Bridget’s non-neurotypical son hating Larry, before eventually ending after Larry asks her to sign an NDA before delving any further into a romantic partnership. Graham shows his comedic abilities here, riding the deadpan, awkward wave the show is famous for.

5. Evan Almighty

The spin-off to the Jim Carey classic Bruce Almighty, this film might have been a bit of a bomb, but it did at least provide us with a great Graham performance. She plays the wife of the titular character, a newly-elected congressman who realizes he’s taken on the mantle of Noah in the modern world. Even with Graham doing brilliantly, and some excellent cast members alongside him (Morgan Freeman and Steve Carell, anyone?), the film isn’t exactly a riveting watch, but there are definitely laughs to be had throughout, and Graham balances comedy and emotion as her character is put through her paces with her husband’s new found responsibilities.

4. Black Diamonds: Mountaintop Removal & The Fight for Coalfield Justice

Graham narrates this moving but infuriating documentary about the impact of mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia, West Virginia, and delves into its impact on the environment and the locals who suffer as a result. Funded almost entirely by grants, this is a moving portrait of a community not just on the edge, but already in freefall. Graham is clear and professional, but his voiceover and narrating work is imbued with a quiet emotion that further helps you empathize with the aim of this starting documentary. Not one for laughs, but definitely a great watch, buoyed by a superb Graham performance.

3. Parenthood

This NBC comedy drama was the first long-term role Graham took on after Gilmore Girls, and she ended up with over a hundred episodes to her name and plenty of fans wishing for more. The series follows the Braverman family, headed by Ezekiel and Camille – two elderly residents of Berkeley, California. Their four adult kids are heavily involved in their lives, including divorced Sarah (Graham), who has two teens to look after. In many ways, despite the mostly adult cast, it’s a coming of age story, and we all know how well Graham does in those. She gives one of many great performances, making you feel a lot of empathy for Sarah, even as she makes some… less than smart decisions.

2. Bad Santa

When raunchy comedies take aim at usually wholesome figures, the result is often something kind of cringey and terrible. But this 2003 film is one of the rare times the formula works, and boy does it. It follows a grouchy, alcoholic conman (Billy Bob Thornton) and his criminal partner with dwarfism (Tony Cox), who poses as Santa Claus and his little helper so that they can rob stores over the Christmas period. Graham plays Sue, a bartender with a fetish Santa who ends up hooking up with, and helps the titular Cringle become less of a bad guy, in a Christmas twist for the ages. Considering it’s a bawdy comedy, Graham manages to show a ton of range, leading to a finale that might actually make you shed a tear or two.

1. Gilmore Girls

It was never going to be anything else topping this list. The number of teens raised on Gilmore Girls is almost incalculable, which means that there are millions who basically see Graham as a surrogate mother. In this quirky classic sitcom, we follow Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel), a smart Harvard-bound teen who wins a place at a prestigious prep school. Her mother, Laurelai (Graham), wants to help her, but that means dealing with her wealthy and appearance-obsessed parents and Rory’s grandparents – who they turn to for help with Rory’s tuition fees. Smart, funny, heart-warming, and truly iconic: Gilmore Girls is widely considered to be one of the best things the CW has ever produced, and a big part of that is Graham’s brilliant performance as Lorelai.

About the author

Sandeep Sandhu

Sandeep is a writer at We Got This Covered and is originally from London, England. His work on film, TV and books has appeared in a number of publications in the UK and US over the past five or so years, and he’s also published several short stories and poems. He thinks people need to talk about the Kafkaesque nature of The Sopranos more, and that The Simpsons seasons 2-9 are the best television has ever produced. He is still unsure if he loves David Lynch, or is just trying to seem cool and artsy.

March 29, 2023April 5, 2023

Mike White’s Best Movies and TV Shows

With the strong second season of the HBO hit show The White Lotusshowrunners MikeWhite is the toast of Tinseltown these days. The jack-of-all trades seems to have found his niche as a writer and creator, but he has also been an actor, director, and producer of several films and television shows. The quirky renaissance man has even starred on reality TV shows like Survivors. Here is a list of his best projects to date

Enlightened (2011-2013)

Amy looked to her right with an annoyed expression on her face in Enlightened. — Image via HBO

The White Lotus isn’t the first show created by Mike White to find success on HBO. From 2011-2013 he had another hit show on the network starring Laura Dern called Enlightened. White also stars in this satire about an ambitious young journalist named Amy Jellicoe (Dern) who has an unfortunate and untimely emotional break, and goes to Hawaii to find a more peaceful, Zen-like way of living. Everything seems great until she returns home and finds out that her new, laidback approach really rubs her flighty mother, friends, and co-workers the wrong way.

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RELATED: ‘White Lotus’ Writer Mike White is the First Former ‘Survivor’ Contestant to Win an Emmy

School of Rock (2003)

White wrote the screenplay for this box-office hit and teamed up with Jack Black for the first time in the process. The hilarious and inspirational flick about a floundering musician who stumbled into a job teaching children music at a very posh private school earned $132 million in theaters and proved that White was capable of inking some clever and funny stories that could also be successful commercially.

Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Freaks and Geeks was a popular show around the turn of the century that was canceled way too soon. White was a supervising producer and writer for the show back in 2000. Starring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Linda Cardelliniand Jason Seal it only aired from 1999 to 2000, but the story of the lives of a handful of awkward teens at a suburban Detroit high school earned a significant cult following. A then relatively unknown comedian named Judd Apatow served as the show’s executive producer.

Year of the Dog (2007)

A dog from the 2007 movie, Year of the Dog.

White wore many hats on the set of Year of the Dog including his first time as director. The comedy/drama starring Molly Shannon, Laura Dern, Regina Kingand John C. Reilly also saw him take on the role of writer and producer for the story about a woman (Shannon) whose love for her dog and animals sees her make some big life choices, including becoming an animal rights activist and also a vegan. The quirky ensemble cast works very well together, and although not a huge box-office success, it was a turning point in White’s career that showed that he was truly a jack of all trades.

Nacho Libre (2006)

Jack Black in 'Nacho Libre' — Image via Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Movies

In a second collaboration with the multitalented Jack Black, White directed him in this film that follows Black’s character Ignacio “Nacho” Libre who grows up in a Mexican monastery that houses young orphans. Eventually, Nacho decides that the best way to raise money for the monastery and better support the children and decides to assume the alias of Lucha Libre bound to dominate the Mexican wrestling circuit where he teams up with Esqueleto (Hector Jimenez) to become a formidable masked duo.

The White Lotus (2021-present)

Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya in The White Lotus Season 2 — ImageVia HBO

The crowning achievement of White’s career so far, The White Lotus has struck gold as the HBO hit is coming off of a second strong season, and has been given the green light for a third. The first season took home a cache of Emmy Awards and the adult themed show about the White Lotus Resort and the tales of both visitors and guests followed by an award-winning second season. This train doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon. In fact, it’s just gaining more steam.

The Good Girls (2002)

Jennifer Aniston and Jake Gyllenhaal in a scene from The Good Girl.

This time around, White wrote the screenplay for a film that premiered at the Sundance Festival in 2002 and starred Jennifer Aniston, John C. Reilly, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Another comedy/drama, The Good Girl following the mundane life of a young married woman, Justine Last (Aniston) lives in a small town in Texas who strikes up a romance with a younger man (Gyllenhaal) to spice up her little life. Her life is soon turned upside down as she is confronted by her husband over the affair and also learns that $15,000 has been stolen from the retail store where she works, and her young lover is the suspect and in the middle of a stand-off with the police.

Chuck & Buck (2000)

Mike White standing behind a pine tree in Chuck & Buck

Buck (White) is an eccentric child living in a small town when he has a sexual encounter with his friend and neighbor Chuck (Chris Weitz). Later, Buck moves away and they both repress the experience. Now in his mid-twenties, Buck is a playwright who is reunited with the now happily married Chuck who is in town for the funeral of Buck’s mother. After rebuffing Buck’s sexual advances, Chuck invites the immature writer to come and visit him some time out in LA Once there, Chuck begins work on a play based on the events of his life called, “Hank and Frank and the Witch.” It was White’s first time leading film and was a preview of the quirky, dark and comical sense of humor that we now see from him today.

March 14, 2023April 5, 2023

Best Jennifer Coolidge Characters in Movies & TV

After a decades-long career playing iconic characters, Jennifer Coolidge is finally getting her overdue and well-served time in the spotlight. Her role as Tanya McQuoid in The White Lotus earned her an Emmy and, most recently, a Golden Globe Award. She has spent years being a supporting character for comic relief, but Tanya has given her the opportunity to show her range. A whole new audience is being introduced to Coolidge’s unique brand of comedy, and her long-time fans get to see her in a new light. Despite Tanya’s fate, we can expect to see much more from Coolidge in the near future. Her latest movie, Shotgun Weddingpremieres on Amazon Prime on January 27. We have MikeWhite, Ariana Grande, and Twitter to thank for her resurgence, but let’s not forget some of the performances that confirm the brilliance of Jennifer Coolidge. You know her, you love her, she is the moment!

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RELATED: ‘SNL’: Jennifer Coolidge Is Easily Impressed by Christmas in New Sketch

Sherri Ann in Best in Show (2000)

Jane Lynch as Christy Cummings and Jennifer Coolidge as Sherri Ann Cabot talking to the camera in Best In Show. — Image via Warner Bros.

Christopher Guests’ satirical mockumentary about a cutthroat competitive dog show is one of the most overlooked movies in the comedy genre. Like in a lot of Guests’ projects, a bulk of the film was improvised by the cast. Coolidge portrays Sherri Ann, a trophy wife to a nearly senile man who hopes her poodle can win the trophy with the help of famed trainer Christy Cummings (Jane Lynch). The scenes with Coolidge are guaranteed belly laughs. She boasts about her amazing relationship with her aging husband, stating, “We both have so much in common. We both love soup.” Throughout the intensity of the Mayflower Dog Show, Sheri and Christy grow closer. Even though (spoiler alert) they didn’t win, they won each other. In the end, the two embark on a new journey together, starting ‘American Bitch,’ a magazine that is “focused on the issues of the lesbian pure-bred dog owner.” Best in Show went viral this past Halloween after Ariana Grande and Liz Gillies uncannily recreated multiple scenes from the film.

Fiona in A Cinderella Story (2004)

Jennifer Coolidge as Fiona and her daughters looking confused in A Cinderella Story — Image via Warner Bros.

An example of perfect casting is Jennifer Coolidge as the evil stepmother Fiona Montgomery in the early 2000s spin on the fairytale, A Cinderella Story. Her bleach-blonde hair and plastic-looking features perfectly encapsulated the essence of the character. Fiona would strut around the house tormenting Sam (Hilary Duff) and demanding things like Norwegian salmon. One of her best scenes is Fiona greeting Sam fresh out of her pink backyard tanning bed. She tells Sam, “you’re not very pretty, and you’re not very bright,” all while still wearing goggles. Despite her character being the movie’s antagonist, Coolidge is by far the funniest part of the film, especially when she can’t move her face after botched botox.

Sophie in 2 Broke Girls

Jennifer Coolidge as Sophie walking into an apartment in 2 Broke Girls — Image via CBS

Coolidge’s most consistent role was Sophie on the CBS sitcom 2 Broken Girls. She was introduced in the first season, and her character was such a hit that she became a regular for the five remaining years of the show. It must be the Coolidge effect that every role she plays seems tailor-made for her, even this of an eccentric Polish woman. Sophie had a satisfying arch on the show that took her from kooky upstairs neighbor to wife, mother, and an instrumental figure in Max’s (Kat Dennings) and Caroline’s (Beth Behrs) lives.

Stifler’s Mom in American Pie (1999)

Jennifer Coolidge as Stifler's mom holding a cigarette and a glass while looking to her right in American Pie — Image via Universal Pictures

The film that was considered Jennifer Coolidge’s big break was American Pie. Before she got the part of Stifler’s mom, Coolidge had only done bit parts and small guest spots until the naughty teen comedy launched her into the mainstream. Stifler’s mom was the object of affection for all the horny college boys but was wooed by the dorkiest of them all, Finch. Her sensual sultriness was always paired with a skinny cigarette and smooth jazz. Due to the film’s incredible success, Coolidge was able to reprise her role in three sequels; American Pie 2, American Wedding and American Reunion. While the origins have never been perfectly traced back, it is rumored that Coolidge’s portrayal of Stifler’s mom popularized the term MILF.

Whitney Taylor Brown in For Your Consideration (2006)

Jennifer Coolidge in For Your Consideration — Image via Warner Independent Media

For Your Consideration is a lot like if Best in Show was about Hollywood awards season rather than a dog competition. This other Christopher Guest mockumentary-style project circles around actors and crew working on a film that’s generating Oscar buzz. Coolidge plays Whitney Taylor Brown, the heiress to a diaper company and amateur film producer. When asked what a producer does, she replies, “lots of getting out the wallet and paying for sometimes ridiculous things…like snacks.” She had icy blonde hair, porcelain skin, a bold red lip, always wore an eye-catching hat or hairpiece, and drank red wine from a straw. There’s not much behind Whitney’s eyes, a role that Coolidge never failed to nail.

Paulette in Legally Blonde (2001)

The charm and everlasting appeal of Legally Blonde would not exist without Paulette Bonafonté. She was the perfect character to bounce off Reese Witherspoon‘s Elle Woods, and it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Coolidge playing her. Paulette was the mad genius behind the unforgettable bend-and-snap that is forever intertwined with the film’s legacy. She was not only Elle’s manicurist and fierce confidant, but she also had empowering character development in her own right. Elle’s tenacity encouraged Paulette to stand up to her deadbeat ex and take back her dog. Coolidge’s performance was as heartwarming as it was entertaining, and she brought the same energy back to the sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde.

Karen in The Watcher

the watcher jennifer coolidge — Image via Netflix

Part of Coolidge’s recent popularity is due to her role in the 2022 Netflix original series, The Watchers. She portrayed real estate agent Karen Calhoun who knowingly sells a house with a sinister history to a new family. It’s another role that seems like it was written for Coolidge since she effortlessly embodies the waspy, pearl-clutching woman of suburbia who does a little scheming on the side. Karen has many memorable moments in the show, including asking for an “extra holiday pour” of wine at the country club and her iconic deliveries of various profanities.

Bobbie in Party Down

Having a short, two-episode-arch on a Starz sitcom is usually not a memorable gig unless you are Jennifer Coolidge. She joined the Adam Scott-led cast of Party Down as temporary caterer Bobbie St. Brown. Like many of the staff, Bobbie is a wannabe actor who takes any job they can get in LA. She joins Party Down Catering in place of her roommate Constance who she hits with her car, but “a small car,” she insists. In the Season 1 finale, the crew is working at a high-profile celebrity wedding, so they need to be on their best behavior, but Bobbie is tripping on mushrooms. It’s no surprise we didn’t see her character return after she put the olive appetizer in the shape of a swastika and weighed the guests on how to tell if her lover is gay. In a perfect universe, Bobbie would make a comeback in the upcoming Party Down revival.

Amber in A Mighty Wind (2003)

We owe Christopher Guest a lot for continuing to use Jennifer Coolidge in his ensembles as he did in A Mighty Wind. This satire revolves around the makings of a reunion concert of three folk bands from the 60s. Coolidge plays Amber Cole, part of the Zipken Group that is helping put on the show despite hating folk music. She abandons her usual blonde locks and dons a brunette perm, a foreign accent, and a permanent wide-toothed grin. She’s not in as many scenes as her previous collaborations with Guest, but she always grabs your attention and has some of the most quotable lines.

Ask in The White Lotus

Haley Lu Richardson as Portia and Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya in Episode 1 of The White Lotus Season 2 — Image via HBO Max

If Jennifer Coolidge didn’t make her name with any of the previously listed roles, she most certainly did with Tanya McQuoid in The White Lotus. She’s the only character that appears in Seasons 1 and 2 and is the thread that ties the stories together. Tanya is an incredibly lonely and insecure woman who just happens to be extremely wealthy by birthright. Amongst all the privileged and ignorant guests, Tanya attracts the most sympathy because of her perpetual fretfulness. You can’t help but feel bad for her; she’s just lost her mother, she’s desperate for love but has to be surrounded by a bunch of happy-go-lucky hotel guests. She exits Season 1 having found love with Greg (Jon Griers), but as many viewers know, she never gets her happily ever after. Coolidge’s chaotic queen status just rose with her performance in Season 2. She delivered comedy gold every time she was on screen and flexed her dramatic acting chops in the final episode. Tanya’s fate may seem unjust, but it’s hard to imagine a more in-character moment than that yacht scene. Even though she now swims with the fishes, we should all manifest a Tanya origin story for Season 3.