Lily Tomlin (born September 1, 1939) is an Academy Award-nominated American actress, comedienne, writer and producer. Tomlin's body of work, which has spanned over 40 years, has garnered her several Tony Awards and Emmy Awards, as well as a Grammy Award.
Was a pre-med student at Wayne State University before choosing acting as a career.
Studied mime with Paul Curtis (II).
She gave away genuine locks of her hair as a bonus for buyers of her home video library in 1993.
Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1977" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 29.
One of her first "professional" gigs was as a waitress in Howard Johnson's on Broadway near Times Square. Her comments to customers and staff heard over the eatery's microphone attracted her first big-city audience.
Was to star in a film called Illegitimate around 1980 but the film was never made. [Originally reported in "Playboy" magazine].
Studied acting under Charles Nelson Reilly, who introduced her to the works of monologist Ruth Draper, a major inspiration for Tomlin's work.
Acknowledged that she has been in a romantic relationship with Jane Wagner for the past 30 years (January 2001)
Before a performance of one of her one-woman shows in New York City, she appeared on the sidewalk dressed in a Red Cross nurse's uniform, handing out cups of coffee to those waiting in line to enter the theatre.
During her one-woman show in Las Vegas, Nevada, she appeared as her own opening act: a smarmy male lounge singer billed as Tommy Velour.
Won a Grammy Award for the comedy album "This is a Recording" in 1971 and won Tony Awards in 1977 and 1986.
Measurements: 34C-25-35 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)
Won the Kennedy Center's prestigious Mark Twain Prize for Humor in 2003.
Has won two Tony Awards: in 1977, a special Award, and in 1986, the Best Actress (Play) Award for her one-woman show, "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe," a performance recreated in the film version of the same title, Search for Signs of Inteligent Life in the Universe, The (1991).
With Meryl Streep presented Robert Altman (I) with his honorary Oscar on March 5th, 2006 at the 78th Academy Awards ceremony.
