9 Jennifer Coolidge movies and TV shows that made being extra an art form

The Watcher | Image Via: Netflix
The Watcher | Image Via: Netflix

Jennifer Coolidge is known for her breathy voice, impeccable comedic timing, and the perfect amount of extra. It has made her one of a kind. For years, she has graced our screens. She has played characters that have remained a significant part for the viewers. Even though she is often seen in many supporting characters, whenever she appears on the screen, she steals the show. Delivering iconic lines with an effortless flair is her uniqueness.

She doesn't just play a character, she embodies it fully. She gives the character a specific brand of unapologetic exuberance, which turns extra into an art form. This list brings forth some of her works, which have proved her acting acumen. Each of these characters has shown her unparalleled ability to infuse that extra-ness which the viewers have loved. So let’s talk about the 9 Jennifer Coolidge movies and TV shows that made being extra an art form.


9 Jennifer Coolidge movies and TV shows that made being extra an artform

1) The White Lotus

The White Lotus | Image Via: HBO
The White Lotus | Image Via: HBO

In recent years, The White Lotus is one of the most well-known and critically acclaimed series. In this series, Jennifer Coolidge plays the role of Tanya MocQuoid. Tanya is a wealthy woman with deep insecurities that affect her. Her emotional outbursts in the series are filled with the extra-ness, which makes it entertaining to watch for the viewers.

Tanya has a tendency to be clueless at times. It adds to her overall intrigue as a character. Whether she is scattering her mother’s ashes or embarking on ill-fated romantic cues, her actions are always larger than life. However, beneath the flamboyant nature lies a vulnerable soul.

It brings a surprising depth to her character. Jennifer Collidge’s performance in bringing forth Tanya’s extravagance is truly one of a kind. Her character has garnered an immense fan following. Through Tanya’s character, Jennifer Coolidge has demonstrated how being extra can be complex and captivating at the same time.


2) The Watcher

The Watcher | Image Via: Netflix
The Watcher | Image Via: Netflix

Yet another intriguing series featuring Jennifer Coolidge. Karen Calhoun, the overly enthusiastic and somewhat intrusive real estate agent, injects a dose of her signature extra into the otherwise tense narrative. Jennifer Coolidge has given viewers a unique portrayal of the character. Kareb’s relentless optimism and overly familiar demeanor make her both amusing and slightly unsettling.

Her eagerness to sell the house and her obliviousness to the mysterious nature of the house add to the overall intrigue. Karen persistently attempts to befriend Nora. It shows her overly cheerful and outgoing personality. It often seems out of sync in serious situations. Each and every character that Jennifer Coolidge portrays has a distinct taste of uniqueness. For Karen as well, she has shown the viewers how Karen has her own charm and somehow a skewed perception of social norms.


3) Joey

Joey | Image Via: NBC
Joey | Image Via: NBC

In Joey, Bobbie Morganstern is a flamboyant agent with an over-the-top personality. Jennifer Coolidge has done a commendable job in portraying her character. Bobbie’s often inappropriate remarks and unconventional methods of managing have left a lasting impact on the viewers.

Her interactions with Joey and his friends were often marked with humor. She isn't just a loud personality, but the whole fabric of how she approaches her professional and personal life is worth appreciating because of its uniqueness. Her methods of managing Joey’s acting career are anything but traditional. She is truly one of a kind. This shows how being extra can help bring out the best in someone. The unwavering self-belief is undeniably entertaining. Bobbie’s commitment to her own brand of uniqueness makes her a memorable character of the show.


4) 2 Broke Girls

2 Broke Girls | Image Via: CBS
2 Broke Girls | Image Via: CBS

2 Broke Girls is a comedy series that tells the story of two waitresses trying to make it big in their lives. Max is a street-smart, sarcastic woman, and Caroline is a former Manhattan socialite. Caroline loses everything and is forced to start afresh. She ends up working with Max.

Through their work, they form a unique bond with one another. In the series, Jennifer Coolidge plays the role of Sophie Kachisky. She is the Polish neighbour of Max and Caroline. In this series, Coolidge has delivered a comedic performance with an extra-ness which shows that she is truly one of a kind. No one could have done justice to the character other than Jennifer Coolidge.

Sophie often has outlandish fashion choices and an optimism that resonates with the viewers. Jennifer Coolidge has a distinct voice. For Sophie, her distinct voice adds another layer of charm to her character. Jennifer has added a layer of vibrance to her character, which has made her such a significant part of the show.


5) Single All the Way

Single All the Way | Image Via: Netflix
Single All the Way | Image Via: Netflix

A heartwarming tale of Peter, a social media strategist. Peter is a perpetually single gay man weary of his family's annual interrogation about his love life. He is desperate for a peaceful Christmas visit home to New Hampshire. So, he convinces his best friend to pretend to be his boyfriend so that he can get away from all the incessant questioning.

An easy plan, right? Wrong. Their plan takes an unexpected turn as Peter’s mother sets him up on a blind date with her spin instructor, James. The awkwardness of maintaining a fake relationship with Nick while also exploring the potential connection with Jake gets more and more complicated for him. In this movie, Jennifer Coolidge plays the role of Peter’s aunt, Sandy.

She is the flamboyant and scene-stealing family member whom the viewers loved. Jennifer Coolidge has done a commendable job in playing her character. From delivering lines with impeccable timing and giving a character with infectious enthusiasm, she has outdone herself in this role. Her one-liners in the movie have remained a memorable part of it.


6) A Mighty Wind

A Mighty Wind | Image Via: Castle Rock Entertainment
A Mighty Wind | Image Via: Castle Rock Entertainment

A Mighty Wind is a hilarious movie that pokes fun at the folk music scene of the 1960s. It is super funny and gives a slightly exaggerated look at the earnest musicians with their acoustic guitars and heartfelt lyrics. The main plot of the movie is the reunion concert for a legendary folk music figure. This brings together three iconic groups of that era.

The chaotic preparations that take place while everyone prepares for the big show are entertaining to watch. There are constant personality clashes, old rivalries, and a desperate attempt to recapture the magic of the bygone era, which brings a unique flavour to the movie. In the movie, Jennifer Coolidge plays the role of Amber Cole. She often says the wrong things with complete sincerity, which adds a layer of uniqueness to her character.

Amber seems very out of touch with the earnestness that these folk musicians have. Her performance is pure gold. Every scene that Jennifer Coolidge is in has become memorable to the viewers. Jennifer Coolidge’s portrayal adds a layer of delightful absurdity to this hilarious movie.


7) A Cinderella Story

A Cinderella Story | Image Via: Warner Bros. Pictures
A Cinderella Story | Image Via: Warner Bros. Pictures

A classic movie with a modern twist never goes out of style, does it? A Cinderella Story is a delightful movie with our favorite Jennifer Coolidge playing the role of Fiona. The movie has a similar premise just like the classic, but is set in high school. In the movie, Cinderella faces the same kind of hardships as she lives with her stepmother and her two daughters.

She dreams of something more. She wants a chance to be herself and find love in a world that has not been very kind to her. Here, in place of Cinderella, we see Sam. Now, Fiona is Sam’s evil stepmother. Jennifer Coolidge has brought forth an unmatched comedic energy with her role as Fiona.

The exaggerated mannerisms and dramatic reactions are so Jennifer Coolidge coded. Her comedic timing was impeccable throughout, and she delivered a perfect portrayal of the character. Even though here, Sam is the main character, Jennifer Coolidge’s Fiona has stolen the show.


8) Riff Raff

Riff Raff | Image Via: Roadside Attractions
Riff Raff | Image Via: Roadside Attractions

Riff Raff throws the quiet life of a former criminal into a hilarious, chaotic one. Vince was once on the wrong side of the law. However, he has found happiness with his younger wife, Sandy. They live a secluded life, when all of a sudden, their tranquility is shattered.

On New Year’s Eve, Vince’s estranged son arrives with his pregnant wife and Vince’s ex-wife, Ruth. The ever-charming Jennifer Coolidge has played the role of Ruth in this movie. Ruth is incessantly disrupting the peace of the household. Jennifer Coolidge has done a commendable job in portraying such a unique character. The movie has a blend of dark comedy with elements of a crime thriller, which keeps the viewers hooked.


9) Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde | Image Via: MGM Distribution Co.
Legally Blonde | Image Via: MGM Distribution Co.

This list is incomplete without Jennifer Coolidge’s iconic portrayal of Paulette in Legally Blonde. Elle Woods has a stereotypical life as a sorority girl when her boyfriend breaks up with her. According to her boyfriend, she is not serious enough to be his girlfriend. This makes her determined to get accepted to Harvard Law School. Though everyone doubts her at the beginning, with unwavering determination and hard work, she finally gets accepted to Harvard.

At Harvard, she faces judgment because of her mannerisms, but she does not cower down. She proves herself and becomes one of the best students in the school. In the meantime, she grows close to Paulette. Paulette is a kind-hearted, unlucky-in-love manicurist. Elle helps her gain her confidence back and becomes supportive of her. Jennifer Coolidge has given a standout performance as Paulette. Many of the viewers have resonated with her character in the movie.


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Edited by Zainab Shaikh