Holland Taylor

Holland Virginia Taylor (born January 14, 1943) is an American actress and playwright. She won the 1999 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Judge Roberta Kittleson on the ABC drama The Practice (1998–2003) and received another nomination the following year. For her role as Evelyn Harper on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men (2003–2015) she received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Holland Taylor
Taylor in 1994
Born
Holland Virginia Taylor

(1943-01-14) January 14, 1943
Occupation
  • Actress
  • playwright
Years active1965–present
Partner(s)Sarah Paulson (2015–present)

Taylor's other notable television roles include the sitcoms Bosom Buddies (1980–1982) and The Powers That Be (1992–1993). Her film appearances include One Fine Day (1996), George of the Jungle (1997), The Truman Show (1998), and Legally Blonde (2001). She also wrote and starred in the solo play Ann, based on the life and work of Ann Richards, and, for this role, Taylor was nominated for the 2013 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.

In 2020, she received attention and critical praise for portraying Ellen Kincaid in the miniseries Hollywood, for which she was nominated for her eighth Primetime Emmy Award.

Early life

Taylor was born in 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,[1] to Virginia (née Davis), a painter, and C. Tracy Taylor, an attorney.[2][3] She is the youngest of three daughters in the family; her sisters are Patricia and Pamela, and through Pamela, she is an aunt of director Brad Anderson.[4] She attended high school at Westtown School, a Quaker boarding school in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She majored in drama at Bennington College,[5] graduating in 1964, before moving to New York City to become an actress.[6]

Career

Taylor began in the theater. Throughout the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, she appeared in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including starring roles in Simon Gray's Butley and A. R. Gurney's The Cocktail Hour; for the latter, she was nominated for a Drama Desk award. In 1983, Taylor appeared in Breakfast with Les and Bess, which prompted the New York magazine theatre critic John Simon to sing, "...Miss Taylor is one of the few utterly graceful, attractive, elegant and technically accomplished actresses in our theatre...seeing her may turn you, like me, into a Taylor freak..."[7]

Taylor took the role of Denise Cavanaugh on the soap opera The Edge of Night, who killed herself just to frame her husband. Then encouraged by her acting coach, Stella Adler, Taylor took a role that would make her well known: Tom Hanks' sexy, demanding boss in the 1980s sitcom Bosom Buddies.[8]

She proved herself to be equally adept at both comedy and drama.[6] In 1985, she co-starred with Lisa Eilbacher in the ABC detective series Me and Mom. Two years later, she played opposite Alan Arkin in the short-lived ABC sitcom Harry, in which she received "starring" billing. In 1990, Taylor reunited with former Bosom Buddies executive producers Thomas L. Miller and Robert L. Boyett for a role on their ABC sitcom Going Places, playing grand dame television producer Dawn St. Claire for the show's first 13 episodes. From 1992–93, she starred in Norman Lear's The Powers That Be with John Forsythe and David Hyde Pierce, playing the wife of Forsythe's character, a U.S. senator.[9]

In early 1994, she joined the cast of Saved by the Bell: The College Years as Dean Susan McMann, just episodes before its cancellation. Following this was her role as high-powered newspaper editor Camilla Dane on the ABC/NBC sitcom The Naked Truth; Taylor was one of the few cast members to last through the show's entire run through 1998, despite several retoolings.[5]

She played the part of Judge Roberta Kittleson on The Practice. Originally intended to be a one-time appearance, the role lasted from 1998 to 2003. She won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1999; in her acceptance speech, she is remembered for claiming the statue and exclaiming, "Overnight!" Taylor thanked David E. Kelley, The Practice's producer/writer and creator, for "giving me a chariot to ride up here on: A woman who puts a flag on the moon for women over 40who can think, who can work, who are successes, who can cook, and who can COOK!" She was nominated in the same category for the same role the following year.

Taylor was also nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her recurring role on AMC's The Lot, and has been nominated for Emmys five times since 2003: four for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on the TV series Two and a Half Men, playing Evelyn Harper, the snobbish, overbearing mother of Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer's characters, and one for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her role as Ellen Kincaid, a studio executive and mentor for aspiring actors, in the miniseries Hollywood. Taylor's television movie and series guest roles have been extensive and include appearances on ER and Veronica's Closet, and recurring roles on Ally McBeal and Monk, and as billionaire Peggy Peabody on The L Word.

Taylor's movie roles have included Reese Witherspoon's character's tough Harvard law professor in the 2001 comedy Legally Blonde, Tina Fey's character's mother in Baby Mama, The Truman Show, Happy Accidents, Next Stop Wonderland, George of the Jungle, The Wedding Date, How to Make an American Quilt, Romancing the Stone, D.E.B.S., Cop and a Half, and One Fine Day.

Taylor's animated roles include that of Prudence, the castle's majordomo and love interest of the Grand Duke, in Disney's Cinderella II and Cinderella III: A Twist in Time. She also played a role in the animated show American Dad! as Francine's biological mother.

Holland Taylor in 2008.

Taylor began researching, writing, and producing a one-woman play about the late Texas Governor Ann Richards in 2009.[6] The two-act play, originally titled Money, Marbles, and Chalk, starring Taylor as Richards, was first workshopped in May 2010 at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, Texas.[10] It was later retitled Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann Richards[11] and opened in Chicago November 16, 2011, where it was billed as a "pre-Broadway" engagement. It played at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., from December 17, 2011, through January 15, 2012. The show next opened on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre on March 7, 2013. For this role, Taylor was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Play.[12] PBS Great Performances broadcast the premiere of the play, now titled simply Ann, on June 19, 2020. It had been recorded at the Zach Theater in Austin, Texas, following its national tour and Broadway run.[10]

Personal life

On November 30, 2015, while answering a question about marriage, in a radio interview with WNYC, Taylor revealed that she was in a relationship with a younger woman and that most of her relationships have been with women.[13][14] Her partner was later reported to be actress Sarah Paulson, who is 32 years her junior.[15][16][17][18] In March 2016, Taylor and Paulson's relationship was confirmed when Paulson stated during an interview that they had been dating since early 2015.[19] In August 2020, Taylor told the LGBTQ&A podcast that she identifies as gay.[20]

Taylor has been a supporter of Aid For AIDS in Los Angeles, serving on their Honorary Board and as an ongoing participant in their largest annual fundraiser, Best In Drag Show, among other fundraising efforts.[21]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1976The Next ManTV Interviewer
19793 by Cheever: O Youth and Beauty!Beverly
1980FameClaudia Van DorenUncredited
1983Reuben, ReubenUncredited
1984Concealed EnemiesMrs. Marbury
Romancing the StoneGloria Horne
1985Key ExchangeMrs. Fanshaw
The Jewel of the NileGloria Horne
1987Tales from the Hollywood Hills: Natica JacksonErnestine King
1988She's Having a BabySarah Briggs
1990AliceHelen
1993Cop and a HalfCaptain Rubio
1994The FavorMaggie Sand
1995To Die ForCarol Stone
How to Make an American QuiltMrs. Rubens
Last Summer in the HamptonsDavis Mora Axelrod
Steal Big Steal LittleMona Rowland-Downey
1996One Fine DayRita
1997George of the JungleBeatrice Stanhope
Just WriteEmma Jeffreys
BettyCrystal Ball
1998The Unknown CyclistCeliaUncredited
The Truman ShowAlanis Montclair/Angela Burbank
Next Stop WonderlandPiper Castleton
1999The Sex MonsterMuriel
2000Happy AccidentsMaggie Ann "Meg" Ford
Mail to the ChiefKatherine Horner
Keeping the FaithBonnie Rose
2001Town & CountryMistress of Ceremonies
Legally BlondeProfessor Elspeth Stromwell
2002Fits and Starts
Cinderella II: Dreams Come TruePrudenceVoice role
Home Room Dr. Hollander
Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost DreamsGrandma Helga Avellan
2003Spy Kids 3-D: Game OverCameo
IntentJudge Cavallo
2004D.E.B.S.Mrs. Petrie
2005The Wedding DateBunny Ellis
2007Cinderella III: A Twist in TimePrudenceVoice role
2008Baby MamaRose Holbrook
2010The Chosen OneRuth
2017Kepler's DreamViolet von Stern[22]
2018Gloria BellHillary Bell
2019BombshellFayeUncredited[23]
2020To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love YouEdith "Stormy" McClaren-Sheehan
Bill & Ted Face the MusicThe Great Leader
The Stand InBarbara Cox
2021To All the Boys: Always and Forever, Lara JeanEdith "Stormy" McClaren-Sheehan

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1969J.T.Mrs. ArnoldTelevision film
1971Love Is a Many Splendored ThingTrish WanamakerUnknown episodes
1973SomersetSgt. Ruth WinterUnknown episodes
1975Beacon HillMarilyn GardinerUnknown episodes
1977KojakElizabeth1 episode
1977–1980The Edge of NightDenise Norwood Cavanaugh, R.N.Unknown episodes
1980–1981Bosom BuddiesRuth Dunbar21 episodes
1981ABC Afterschool SpecialFrancine MartinEpisode: "My Mother Was Never a Kid"
1981–1983All My ChildrenJill OllingerUnknown episodes
1982The Royal Romance of Charles and DianaFrances Shand KyddTelevision film
1982I Was a Mail Order BrideDottie BirmingtonTelevision film
1983The Love BoatKathy Brighton1 episode
1984Kate & AllieLinda Cabot1 episode
1985Me and MomZena HunnicuttUnknown episodes
1985Perry Mason ReturnsPaula GordonTelevision film
1987HarryIna Duckett, R.N.7 episodes
1987Perfect StrangersOlivia Crawford1 episode
1987–1989CBS Summer PlayhouseFran Grogan2 episodes
1989Murder, She WroteWinifred Thayer1 episode
1990WiseguyAllison Royce1 episode
1990People Like UsDollyTelevision film
1990Big DealsMrs. BluettTelevision film
1990–1991Going PlacesDawn St. Clare3 episodes
1991The Rape of Doctor WillisDr. GreenwayTelevision film
1992–1993The Powers That BeMargaret Powers20 episodes
1993With Hostile IntentLois BaxterTelevision film
1993–1994Saved by the Bell: The College YearsDean Susan McMann7 episodes
1994Betrayal of TrustMary SheltonTelevision film
1994In the Best of Families:
Marriage, Pride & Madness
Florence NewsomTelevision film
1994The Counterfeit ContessaWallace EverettTelevision film
1994–1995Diagnosis: MurderAgent Gretchen McCord2 episodes
1995A Walton WeddingAunt FloTelevision film
1995Awake to DangerDr. Joyce LindleyTelevision film
1995–1998The Naked TruthCamilla Dane23 episodes
1996Something So RightAbigail1 episode
1998–2003The PracticeJudge Roberta Kittleson29 episodes
1998Veronica's ClosetMillicent2 episodes
1998Buddy FaroOlivia Vandermeer1 episode
1999ERPhyllis Farr1 episode
1999The LotLetitia DeVineUnknown episodes
1999My Last LoveMarnie MortonTelevision film
1999–2000Ally McBeal2nd Woman in Face Bra Infomercial /
Judge Roberta Kittleson
2 episodes
2000Strong MedicineLillian Pynchon1 episode
2000DAGKatherine Twigg1 episode
2000The Living EdensNarrator1 episode
2000The Spiral StaircaseEmma WarrenTelevision film
2000The Deadly Look of LoveEvelyn McGinnisTelevision film
2001Strange FrequencyMarge CrowleyTelevision film; segment: "Room Service"
2001The Fighting FitzgeraldsRose1 episode
2001The Day Reagan Was ShotNancy ReaganTelevision film
2002Fillmore!Mrs. Cornwall (voice)1 episode
2003–2015Two and a Half MenEvelyn Harper101 episodes
2004–2008The L WordPeggy Peabody8 episodes
2005–2007MonkPeggy Davenport2 episodes
2007American Dad!Mrs. Dawson (voice)Episode: "Big Trouble in Little Langley"
2012Electric CityRuth Orwell (voice)20 episodes
2012McDonald's Thanksgiving ParadeGrand MarshalTelevision special
2017–2019Mr. MercedesIda Silver29 episodes
2017The OrvilleJeannie MercerEpisode: "Command Performance"
2017SpeechlessAndreaEpisode: "B-R-I-- BRITISH I-N-V-- INVASION"
2017Good BehaviorAlice2 episodes
2020HollywoodEllen KincaidMain role

Theater

Broadway

YearTitleRoleVenue
1965–66The DevilsEnsembleBroadway Theatre, Broadway
1972–73ButleyAnne ButleyMorosco Theatre, Broadway
1975We Interrupt This Program...Amanda WilliamsAmbassador Theatre, Broadway
1975–76Murder Among FriendsAngela ForresterBiltmore Theatre, Broadway
1977Something Old, Something NewCynthia MorseMorosco Theatre, Broadway
1983Moose MurdersHedda HollowayEugene O'Neill Theatre, Broadway
2013AnnAnn RichardsVivian Beaumont Theatre, Broadway
2016The Front PageMrs. GrantJohn Golden Theatre, Broadway

Off-Broadway

YearTitleRoleVenue
1967The Poker SessionIreneMartinique Theatre, Off-Broadway
1968The David ShowPerformerPlayers Theatre, New York City
1969Tonight in Living ColorPerformerActors Playhouse, New York City
1970ColettePerformerEllen Stewart Theatre, New York City
1974FashionKim HowardMcAlpin Rooftop Theatre, New York City
1976ChildrenBarbaraManhattan Theatre Club, New York City
1979Drinks Before DinnerPerformer
1982–93Breakfast with Les and BessBessHudson Guild Theatre, New York City
1986The Perfect PartyPerformerPlaywrights Horizons
1988–89The Cocktail HourSisterPromenade Theatre, New York City
1989Love LettersMelissa Gardner
1999The Vagina MonologuesPerformerWest Side Theater
2011Ann: An Affectionate Portrait of Ann RichardsAnn Richards
2015RipcordAbby

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryTitle of WorkResult
1999Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama SeriesThe PracticeWon
2000Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy SeriesThe LotNominated
2005Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesTwo and a Half MenNominated
2007Nominated
2008Nominated
2010Nominated
2013Tony AwardsBest Actress in a PlayAnnNominated
2020Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or MovieHollywoodNominated

References

  1. Bobbin, Jay (August 21, 2005). "Checking in with Holland Taylor". The Free Lance-Star. Fredericksburg, VA. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  2. "Holland Taylor profile". FilmReference.com. Retrieved 2011-11-16.
  3. "Obituaries: C. Tracy Taylor, 77, Ex-allentown Lawyer". The Morning Call. Allentown, Penn. May 2, 1989. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  4. Brad Anderson profile, filmreference.com; accessed June 12, 2016.
  5. "Holland Taylor returns to role in 'Naked Truth'". The Vindicator. Youngstown, Ohio. Associated Press. August 11, 1997. p. C12. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  6. Rhodes, Joe (October 5, 2008). "Growing From Too Young to Grande Dame". The New York Times. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
  7. Simons, John (August 8, 1983). "Uppie with Auntie". New York. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  8. Byrne, Bridget (November 8, 2004). "Stirring Things Up". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press. p. D3. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  9. Jacobs, Matthew (April 30, 2020). "Better With Age: The Holland Taylor Story". HuffPost. Retrieved July 19, 2020. I think that was possibly right after I did a show for Norman Lear, which was one of the things I’m proudest of, called "The Powers That Be."
  10. Gutierrez, Trey (June 19, 2020). "A Broadway Veteran Channels Ann Richards". Texas Monthly. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  11. "A Letter from Holland Taylor". The North Hollywood Arts Center. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  12. Gans, Andrew (December 17, 2011). "Ann, Created by and Starring "Two and a Half Men" Star Holland Taylor, Begins Kennedy Center Run Dec. 17". Playbill. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  13. Hernandez, Greg (November 30, 2015). "Two and a Half Men mom Holland Taylor: 'My relationship is with a woman'". Gay Star News. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  14. Sale, Anna (November 30, 2015). "Holland Taylor Steps Off Her Island". Death, Sex and Money. WNYC. Retrieved November 30, 2015.
  15. "Report: Holland Taylor dating Sarah Paulson". San Francisco Chronicle. December 2, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  16. "Holland Taylor says she hasn't 'come out' because she 'lives out'". Fox News. May 2, 2016.
  17. "Holland Taylor Confirms She Is in a Relationship with a Much Younger Woman". Extra. December 1, 2015.
  18. Schulman, Michael (March 2, 2016). "Sarah Paulson Opens Up About Acting, Marcia Clark and Dating Older Women". The New York Times. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
  19. Wilkins, Vanessa (March 2, 2016). "Taylor and Paulson in relationship since early 2015". ABC News.
  20. Masters, Jeffrey (August 18, 2020). "Why Holland Taylor Doesn't 'Have Any Impulse' to Define Herself". The Advocate. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
  21. "Partners/Celebrity Support". Aid For AIDS. Archived from the original on October 9, 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-16.
  22. "Exclusive Clip: Holland Taylor Bonding With Granddaughter in Kepler's Dream". LRM. 2017-12-05. Retrieved 2020-11-11.
  23. Weitzman, Elizabeth (December 9, 2019). "'Bombshell' Film Review: Margot Robbie and Charlize Theron Shine in Roger Ailes Downfall Saga". The Wrap. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
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