Michigan Minute
Celebrating Lily Tomlin | September 1
Born in Detroit on August 31, 1939, Lily Tomlin began her career in stand-up comedy before earning acclaim in film, television, and theater. Known for her Oscar-nominated role in Nashville, her iconic part in 9 to 5, and voicing Ms. Frizzle in The Magic School Bus, Tomlin also won a Tony Award for a play written by her longtime partner, Jane Wagner. After 42 years together, they married in 2013. Happy Birthday, Lily Tomlin!
- Duration:
- 1m
- Broadcast on:
- 01 Sep 2024
- Audio Format:
- mp3
It's September 1st, and this is your Michigan Minute. Mary Jean Tomlin was born in Detroit on this day in 1939, though you might know her better by her professional name, Lily Tomlin. As a young woman, she attended Wayne State University studying biology. There she auditioned for a play, which sparked a deep love for theatre within. She began doing stand-up comedy in Detroit before moving to New York, and her in 1974 film debut in Robert Altman's Nashville earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Tomlin's chemistry with both Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda is also well-remembered in the feminist workplace comedy 9-5. She also voiced the fantastical science teacher Ms. Frizzle in the beloved animated series The Magic School Bus. She also won the Tony Award for lead actress and a play written by her then partner Jane Wagner, although after 42 years together the two officially married in 2013. Happy Birthday to Detroit native Lily Tomlin, and that is your Michigan Minute.