Credits stand-up Jean Carroll as her main inspiration; says she's also been influenced by the work of Lucille Ball, Imogene Coca and Beatrice Lillie
Got first break in 1966 on The Garry Moore Show, then landed a monthly gig on The Merv Griffin Show and, in 1969, became a star when she joined Laugh-In
Met her longtime collaborator and partner, Jane Wagner, in 1971, when she wrote Wagner after watching a TV movie (J
T
) and asked if she would help work on material for an "Edith Ann" album
Made her Broadway debut in the one-woman show Appearing Nitely in 1977
Initially turned down the movie 9 to 5 because she disliked some of the jokes
Attended the 1984 Emmy Awards, for which she was nominated in the Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program category, dressed as her popular character Ernestine
Was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American humor in 2003
Is a regular contributor to the women's website wowOwow
com
Awards
2018Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated
2017Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated
2016Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:nominated
2016Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated
2016Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy:nominated
2015Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:nominated