Jarret Wieselman of
PopWrap spoke to Jane Lynch all about her incredible portrayal of Sue Sylvester. I have to tell you, I love this woman. She is so humble and you can just tell that she loves working on
Glee and creating this character. There are so many things about the show that are great but I think it is safe to say that she makes up about 98% of it's awesomeness! Thanks Jarret for another great
Glee Q&A!!
When future generations look back at the treasure trove of TV on DVD that I plan to leave in a time capsule beneath my apartment, they will say a few things. "Aw, what an eloquent note Jarett left for us, let's erect a statue to him!" "Man, Eric is so much hotter than Bill!" "Seriously, why was Jay Leno was on at 10 p.m.?"
But more than anything, they will realize that 2009 was the year Jane Lynch crafted one of the most dynamic and devilish characters in television history on "Glee." From the minute we first met Sue Sylvester she has been a hilarious source of bile, bon mots and barbs, the likes of which have never been seen before.
Now, Jane is taking her trademark acerbic wit over to "The Cleveland Show" with a guest spot as Roberta's nasty teacher, Mrs. Eck. Jane chatted about the differences between these two characters, exactly how crazy the last six months of her life has been and what fans can look forward to when "Glee" returns in April!
PopWrap: Sue Sylvester and Mrs. Eck seem to be cut from the same curmudgeon cloth -- but who would emerge victorious in a battle of wits?
Jane Lynch: Oh, Sue Sylvester would reign supreme! I think Mrs. Eck has a chink in her armor. She's got a little more sensitivity and is prone to self-doubt, where Sue has none of that [laughs].
Do you find it quite cathartic to say all those horrific things when playing Sue?
Jane: When I put on the track suit, I have a license to say anything I want. I think it's probably very good therapy, makes me a much nicer person at home since I get it all out at work. That kind of contemptuousness is kind of shallowly below the surface for me, so I don't have to dig deep for it [laughs].
But I loved seeing your softer side in "Julie & Julia" this summer, did you enjoy playing the other side of the coin?
Jane: Oh yes. I don't get to play a lot of those people. Somebody who's first instinct is to find what's passionate and wonderful about any situation. It was very liberating to be open and eccentric and curious and kind spirited.
We did see other sides of Sue last year, especially with her sister, will those sneak out again?
Jane: That was a touching episode, and we got to see a softer side in three or four different episodes. Although they were short lived. I think that'll come back. I think there's a decency to Sue. I just think she really enjoys being an awful person. She gets a, if you will, glee out of it. I just think she really enjoys shocking people.
You all just returned to set for the first time in a long time, how was it?
Jane: Yes, we wrapped in July, so it's been several months. I started work Wednesday with all the kids yesterday and it was so great to see them. They were still flushed with victory from the People's Choice Awards where they got to accept Best Comedy. They were very happy.
With the Golden Globes just around the corner, I'm wondering if you've started making plans yet?
Jane: Well, the hardest part so far has been anxiety about the dress. Almost immediately I went to a designer and he had one on the mannequin that I ended up choosing. So right now it's just relaxing and looking forward to a good time. No track suit!
Have you written a speech?
Jane: No, not at all [laughs]
Personally, I think you should -- how crazy has this year been for you?
Jane: When you're in it, you almost can't feel it. When I was home in Chicago for the holidays my family was besides themselves with delight and thrilled that a family member is on TV. When I see how excited they are, it kinda kicks in for me. But when you're in it, it's kind of overwhelming. So for me, I just choose not to feel anything at all.
I know you sing in an upcoming episode, were you excited to tackle that?
Jane: I am! I'm very excited about it. Of course I can't tell you much because it's top secret, but I've recorded the song and had several dance rehearsals. It's going to be fun.
What's harder for you: singing or dancing?
Jane: Dancing. I have to work 10 times harder than everyone else at that. [Singing] is a dream come true. I recorded for "A Mighty Wind" also, but it's not as easy as one thinks. You have to be right on pitch-wise, right on time-wise and I always thought I was good at those things. But according to Adam [Anders, music producer] I am not. [laughs]
With the popularity of the show, have you found other actors coming up to you and gushing about "Glee?"
Jane: Every once in a while someone I recognize will say something, so it's been really gratifying. I feel like there's nothing better than being satisfied with your work and to have everybody chime ... I'm so grateful. What's wrong with an interaction that starts with "I love you?" It's one of those things, I say I could die happy now if I had to.
