Births on January 14

Holland Taylor, American actress and playwright

Holland Virginia Taylor, born on January 14, 1943, is an esteemed American actress and accomplished playwright, celebrated for her remarkable versatility and decades-long career across stage, television, and film. Her distinct presence and ability to embody a wide range of characters, from sharp-witted judges to sophisticated matriarchs, have made her a beloved and highly respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Holland Taylor's Acclaimed Television Career

Taylor's extensive work in television has earned her significant critical acclaim and numerous accolades, solidifying her status as a formidable talent on the small screen.

Emmy-Winning and Nominated Performances

• Judge Roberta Kittleson in The Practice (1998–2003): Her portrayal of the formidable Judge Roberta Kittleson on ABC's critically acclaimed legal drama, The Practice, brought her widespread recognition. Judge Kittleson was known for her sharp intellect, unwavering authority, and often biting wit, a character Taylor infused with memorable gravitas and subtle humor. This commanding performance culminated in her winning the prestigious 1999 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, a testament to her dramatic prowess.
• Evelyn Harper in Two and a Half Men (2003–2015): Further cementing her comedic brilliance, Taylor garnered four additional Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her iconic role as the sophisticated, often comically detached, and always impeccably dressed Evelyn Harper in the long-running CBS hit comedy, Two and a Half Men. Her consistent recognition for this beloved series highlighted her masterful comedic timing and ability to elevate a supporting role into a fan favorite.
• Ellen Kincaid in Hollywood (2020): In 2020, Taylor received significant critical praise and her eighth Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her compelling performance as Ellen Kincaid in the Netflix miniseries Hollywood. In this Ryan Murphy-created period drama, Taylor's portrayal of a powerful and seasoned studio executive showcased her enduring talent and ability to shine in a contemporary, reimagined historical setting.

Other Notable Television Appearances

Beyond her Emmy-recognized roles, Holland Taylor has lent her talent to a diverse array of television series, showcasing her range across genres and formats.

• Early Sitcom Success: She held starring roles in popular sitcoms such as Bosom Buddies (1980–1982), where she notably shared the screen with a young Tom Hanks, The Powers That Be (1992–1993), and The Naked Truth (1995–1998), demonstrating her early proficiency in comedic roles.
• Diverse Guest and Recurring Roles: Taylor also appeared as Jill Ollinger on the classic soap opera All My Children (1981–1983), captivating daytime audiences. Later, she took on the role of Peggy Peabody on the groundbreaking Showtime series The L Word (2004–2008), contributing to a show that was pivotal for LGBTQ+ representation. Her ability to transition across genres was further exemplified by her role as Ida Silver in the crime-thriller series Mr. Mercedes (2017–2019), based on Stephen King's acclaimed novels.

Holland Taylor's Memorable Film Contributions

Holland Taylor's extensive filmography showcases her presence in both blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed independent features, often adding depth and humor to her characters.

• Adventure and Romance: She famously appeared in the popular adventure-romance film Romancing the Stone (1984) and its sequel, The Jewel of the Nile (1985), captivating audiences alongside Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.
• Diverse Cinematic Roles: Her film credits span various genres, including Woody Allen's existential comedy Alice (1990), the dark comedy To Die For (1995), the romantic comedy One Fine Day (1996), and the family-friendly adventure George of the Jungle (1997).
• Iconic Supporting Performances: Taylor played a memorable role in the critically acclaimed and thought-provoking science-fiction drama The Truman Show (1998), contributing to the film's poignant themes. Her delightful turn as Professor Stromwell in the beloved comedy Legally Blonde (2001) showcased her comedic range and ability to deliver iconic, witty lines.
• Recent Film Work: More recently, she has appeared in films such as the musical comedy Happy Accidents (2000), the romantic comedy Keeping the Faith (2000), The Wedding Date (2005), the Tina Fey-Amy Poehler comedy Baby Mama (2008), the drama Gloria Bell (2018), the highly anticipated sequel Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020), and the comedy The Stand In (2020).

Holland Taylor's Distinguished Stage Career

Beyond her extensive screen work, Holland Taylor has also made significant contributions to the theater, notably as both an actress and a playwright.

She penned and starred in the critically lauded one-woman play, Ann (2013), which premiered on Broadway. This compelling production brought to life the vibrant and impactful story of Ann Richards, the charismatic and witty former Governor of Texas. The play meticulously explored Richards' wit, wisdom, political legacy, and personal struggles. Taylor's profound commitment to this role, which she researched and developed for many years, earned her a coveted nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, a testament to her formidable talent and dedication to the live stage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Holland Taylor

What is Holland Taylor best known for?

Holland Taylor is widely recognized for her award-winning role as Judge Roberta Kittleson on "The Practice" and her iconic portrayal of Evelyn Harper on "Two and a Half Men." She is also acclaimed for her extensive work in film and her Tony-nominated one-woman play, "Ann."

Did Holland Taylor win an Emmy Award?

Yes, Holland Taylor won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1999 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Judge Roberta Kittleson on "The Practice." She has received a total of eight Primetime Emmy nominations throughout her career.

What play did Holland Taylor write?

Holland Taylor wrote and starred in the one-woman play titled "Ann," based on the life and career of Ann Richards, the former Governor of Texas. This play earned her a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Actress.

Is Holland Taylor still acting?

Yes, Holland Taylor continues to be active in acting, with recent notable roles including Ellen Kincaid in the Netflix miniseries "Hollywood" (2020) and appearances in films such as "Bill & Ted Face the Music" (2020) and "The Stand In" (2020).