Jennifer Coolidge delivered an inspiring commencement address to the graduating class of 2025 at Emerson College, reflecting on her celebrated career and expressing gratitude to those who helped shape her journey. The actress, known for her roles in iconic films and television shows, recently won a Golden Globe in 2023 for her performance as Tanya McQuoid in the acclaimed series The White Lotus.
In her acceptance speech, Coolidge emphasized her character’s emotional arc, explaining Tanya’s murder in the series’ second season. It was Mike White’s the White Lotus that saved her career following a rocky stretch. “Mike White, you have given me hope. You’ve given me a second life,” she said, acknowledging how his words had changed her world. If indeed this is the end, you did manage to kill me off.
Since her White Lotus role Coolidge’s career has enjoyed an impressive return. She proudly announced this great news while delivering her State of the City address. She reflected on her early struggles in Hollywood, recalling her first screen role as Jodi, the massage therapist in a 1993 episode of Seinfeld. Her breakout role didn’t arrive until 1999 when she played Jeanine Stifler, aka “Stifler’s mom” in the raunchy teen comedy American Pie.
Throughout her speech, Coolidge urged people to focus on what matters most— perseverance and staying the course. “You have to find your own path, and you can’t perfectly plan it out from the beginning. Part of directing your life is just letting it unfold, so let it,” she advised graduates. She opened by sharing her conviction that success put off comes with deeper appreciation and satisfaction. She would say that the best thing that happened to her was going through a long period without an injury. This period allowed her to develop enough resilience to maintain her naivety in an idealistic way and not be deterred by challenges to belief in herself and what was possible.
Coolidge’s connection to the Emerson College community was evident as she addressed “some very excited gay students, some less excited hetero students, and hopefully some very eligible widowers.” Her fresh and fun-hearted perspective charmed the audience, her presentation was equally hilarious and inspiring.
“I expected something great would really happen to me. In retrospect, it was the one and only thing I really had going for me. I had this thing inside of me telling me that I could achieve anything, anything in this world,” she said. Though she met obstacles every step of the way, Coolidge had an unshakable confidence within her.
Coolidge’s inspiring story of success from failed actress to Golden Globe winner is a testament to overcoming adversity and never giving up. Her recent work in The White Lotus has done more than kick-start a career renaissance for her. It’s created new prospects for her. The actress, a veteran of the Los Angeles-based comedy troupe the Groundlings, has long been recognized for her comedic talents and versatility.
