Allison Janney Was Told by an Agent She Could Only Play ‘Aliens and Lesbians’ Because ‘I’m So Tall’

By Zack Sharf

Zack Sharf

Digital News Director

Latest

• Hayden Panettiere ‘Stuck Up for Background Actors When They Were Mistreated’ on ‘Heroes’ Set and ‘Knew Every Crew Members Name’ 17 hours ago
• ‘Spy Kids’ Actor Alexa PenaVega Shares Heartbreak After Deaths of Fellow Child Stars Hayden Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase: ‘Hug Your People Close Today’ 2 days ago
• Connie Britton Praises Hayden Panettiere’s ‘Brilliance’ After ‘Nashville’ Co-Star’s Death: ‘I Love You Girl. Sleep Easy Now’ 2 days ago

Allison Janney was the first guest on CNN’s new interview series “Coming Up,” hosted by former Variety chief correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister, and the Emmy winner revealed the dispiriting advice she heard from a Hollywood agent when she was first starting out in the industry.

“I remember when I was very young trying to find an agent and I had a meeting with one — she said, ‘What can you play? Aliens and lesbians,'” Janney revealed. “That’s what she said to me because I’m so tall. I’ve played lesbians. I haven’t played an alien yet. So maybe I’ll play an alien! Yeah, why not.”

Related Stories

Netflix Unveils ‘The Diplomat’ Season 4 First Look, Sets October Release Date