Jane Curtin always had a knack for making people think—and later, making them laugh. Though her initial path led her toward education, Jane Curtin ultimately found her true calling in comedy. After attending Northeastern University in the late 1960s, she made the bold decision to step away from academia and dive into the world of performance, joining a comedy troupe that brought laughter to audiences in Boston and New York City. It was during this time that Jane Curtin caught the eye of legendary TV producer Lorne Michaels, who was assembling the original cast for what would become “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 1975– ).
Jane Curtin became one of the founding members of the Not Ready For Prime Time Players, a role she embraced from the show’s launch until 1980. During her SNL years, Jane Curtin stood out not only as a sharp-witted anchor on “Weekend Update” but also as half of the iconic Coneheads duo alongside Dan Aykroyd—a character she’d later revisit in the 1993 film Coneheads. Her talent clearly resonated beyond live sketches.
After leaving SNL, Jane Curtin continued to build an impressive television legacy. She took center stage in Kate & Allie (CBS, 1984–89), a role that earned her critical acclaim and an Emmy Award. Then, in the late ‘90s, Jane Curtin charmed audiences once again as Dr. Mary Albright on 3rd Rock from the Sun (NBC, 1996–2001), where she played the human love interest to John Lithgow’s extraterrestrial professor. The role showcased her impeccable timing and warmth, further solidifying Jane Curtin’s status as a comedy mainstay.
Though her 2006 series Crumbs (ABC) didn’t last beyond a single season, Jane Curtin remained a familiar and beloved presence on screen. She returned for various Saturday Night Live retrospectives over the years, delighting fans with her appearances. Jane Curtin also lent her talents to a range of films, including the family comedy The Shaggy Dog (2006) starring Tim Allen, the buddy comedy I Love You, Man (2009) with Paul Rudd, and even the more dramatic Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2017), where she shared scenes with Melissa McCarthy.
Throughout it all, Jane Curtin has maintained a graceful, intelligent presence—proof that whether teaching or entertaining, Jane Curtin always knew how to connect.
Jane Curtin has been part of several memorable performances throughout her career, but if we look at the ratings, her most acclaimed work on screen is Can You Ever Forgive Me? from 2018. This film really stood out and received a lot of praise. On the other hand, one of her less favorably reviewed projects is I Don’t Know How She Does It, which came out back in 2011. While Jane Curtin has had a diverse and impressive filmography, these two films represent the high and low points in terms of public reception.