The Biography of Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin was born “Mary Jean Tomlin” on September 1, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan. Her father was a factory worker and her mother was a housewife. Right from the start, Tomlin loved the antics of Lucille Ball and Imogene Coca, among other famous comedians. But, instead of starting a career as a comedian, Tomlin started studying medicine at Wayne State University after she graduated from high school. Tomlin made a wise choice, though, when she took some courses in theater at the college. Those courses reignited her true love of comedy, and they would also help to form her future. Tomlin quit college and started performing her stand-up routines in local coffee houses. From there, her comedic talents took her to New York City in 1965. Lily Tomlin’s first break came when she appeared on “The Merv Griffin Show” that same year. She also appeared on the “The Garry Moore Show” in 1966.

One thing led to another, and the Detroit-born entertainer left New York City and moved to California to take a regular part in the television series, “Music Scene” in 1969. “Music Scene” was hosted by David Steinberg.

After that show ended in 1970, Lily Tomlin hopped on board NBC’s popular Comedy-Variety show called, “Laugh-In.” Tomlin’s wild imagination and her comedy talents immediately began to shine their brightest in this show. She invented the funny, and wildly- amusing characters known as “Ernestine” and “Edith Ann.” Ernestine was a brash, gum smacking telephone operator who could often be heard asking, “Have I reached the party to whom I am speaking?” Edith Ann, on the other hand, was a bratty little girl who could be seen rocking back and forth in a giant-sized rocking chair. The girl was famous for her trademark line, “And that’s the truth!”

Although “Laugh-In” was a top-rated comedy show for the NBC network, it ended in 1973 after 124 episodes. Lily Tomlin’s comedy career, however, continued to flourish. She and her life partner Jean Wagner wrote six comedy shows for television. Tomlin starred in “The Lily Tomlin Show” and “Lily” in 1973; “Lily” again in 1974; “Lily Tomlin” in 1975; “Lily: Sold Out” in 1981, and “Lily for President?” in 1982. The talented comedian/writer won three Emmys and a Writers Guild of America Award for her efforts.

In between two of her comedy shows, Tomlin made her Broadway debut in “Appearing Nitely.”
This 1977 play was written and directed by Jane Wagner. Wagner brought back Ernestine the Telephone Operator, the bratty Edith Ann, and other memorable characters made famous by her partner. The play also gave birth to Trudy the Bag Lady, Crystal the Hang-Gliding Quadriplegic, Glenna the Child of the Sixties, and others.

“Appearing Nitely” later was recorded and released as an album. It also became a special presentation on the HBO television network. Although she is probably best known for her role as “Violet Newstead” in the comedy movie, “9 to 5”, which also featured Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda in 1980, Lily Tomlin has appeared in several other films as well. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as a gospel singer and the mother of two deaf in “Nashville” in 1975. Another popular film Tomlin starred in was “The Incredible Shrinking Woman in 1981. This movie was another one of Jane Wagner’s creations.

Throughout her fast-paced and ever-growing career, Lily Tomlin has become known as one of America’s most widely- known comedians. Thus far, she has also won six Emmy awards,
two Tony awards, a Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics’ Circle Award, a CableAce Award, and other awards and nominations. In 1998, Tomlin was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. And, in 2003, she won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Lily Tomlin, the versatile comedian, actor, and writer, has also had the honor of being featured on the covers of Time and People magazines.