Who is Jane Wagner? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Age: 89 Years, 89 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Lily Tomlin (m. 2013)

Directors Screenwriters

U.S. State: Tennessee

Ancestry: German American

Founder/Co-Founder: Tomlin and Wagner Theatricalz

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1

What are some famous works written by Jane Wagner?

Jane Wagner is best known for her collaboration with Lily Tomlin, creating iconic characters like Edith Ann and Trudy. Some of their notable works include "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe" and "The Incredible Shrinking Woman."
2

How did Jane Wagner first meet Lily Tomlin?

Jane Wagner met Lily Tomlin in 1971 when Tomlin saw Wagner's production of "J.T." and was impressed by her work. They later collaborated on various projects, leading to a successful personal and professional partnership.
3

What is the writing style of Jane Wagner?

Jane Wagner is known for her sharp wit, keen observations, and unique approach to storytelling. Her writing often combines humor with social commentary, creating thought-provoking and entertaining pieces.
4

Have Jane Wagner's works been adapted into other forms of media?

Yes, some of Jane Wagner's works, particularly those created in collaboration with Lily Tomlin, have been adapted into film, television, and stage productions, reaching a wider audience and receiving critical acclaim.
5

How has Jane Wagner influenced the entertainment industry?

Jane Wagner's contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly through her collaboration with Lily Tomlin, have had a significant impact on comedy, theater, and storytelling. Her unique perspective and creative talent continue to inspire and influence aspiring writers and performers.

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Career

Jane Wagner left her hometown to pursue a career in the show business and joined the Barter Theatre of Abingdon. She frequently toured with the theatre company and later left to join the personal care company Kimberly-Clark Corporation as their designer. In 1969, Wagner debuted as a writer on CBS with their afternoon special show ‘J.T.’ and immediately won the Peabody Award. Tomlin, during that time, was looking for a collaborator to develop her comic character ‘Edith Ann,’ and felt that Wagner was the perfect person to do the job. The duo collaborated to mainly work on Tomlin’s comic shows. Their professional collaboration proved to be a very fruitful one, and soon, the women began a personal relationship as well.

Wagner wrote Tomlin’s comedy album ‘This Is a Recording’ for which the duo won a nomination at the Grammy Awards in 1971. Later, they won three Primetime Emmy Awards for the television specials, ‘Lily’, ‘The Lily Tomlin Special’ and, ‘Lily: Sold Out’. She wrote the one-woman stage show ‘The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe,’ featuring Lily Tomlin, in 1977. In 1991, the show was turned into a film due to its immense popularity. The show won the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and the film ended up winning a CableACE Award in 1994.

Wagner also wrote the script of the science-fiction comedy film ‘The Incredible Shrinking Woman’ which featured Tomlin and was directed by Joel Schumacher. The film was an adaptation of the science-fiction film ‘The Incredible Shrinking Man’ which was filmed back in 1957. The film earned Wagner much praise and established her as a critical-thinking scriptwriter. She co-directed the documentary ‘2 or 3 Things but Nothing for Sure’, featuring Dorothy Allison, which won the ‘NewFest: New York's LGBT Film Festival’ and the ‘San Francisco International Film Festival’ awards in 1997. She co-directed another documentary with Tina Di Feliciantonio, based on women and sexuality. Titled ‘Girls Like Us,’ it won the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize in the same year.

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Family & Personal Life

Jane Ann Wagner was born in Morristown, Tennessee, on February 26, 1935. She went to Morristown High School and later attended School of Visual Arts, New York, to study painting and sculpture.

Wagner married her long-term partner and friend, Lily Tomlin, on December 31, 2013, in Los Angeles. The couple has worked on projects related to homosexuality and feminism multiple times and has also openly talked about their own relationships publicly.

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Facts About Jane Wagner

Jane Wagner is an accomplished writer, director, and producer who has won numerous awards for her work in the entertainment industry.

She is known for her witty and insightful humor, which she incorporates into her writing and performances.

Wagner is a talented artist who has created thought-provoking pieces that challenge societal norms and explore complex themes.

She has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.

Wagner has a unique and innovative approach to storytelling that has captivated audiences around the world.

1981	Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program	Lily: Sold Out (1981)
1976	Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Special	The Lily Tomlin Special (1975)
1974	Best Writing in Comedy-Variety, Variety or Music	Lily (1973)

Jane Wagner Biography

You wanted to know

What are some famous works written by Jane Wagner?

How did Jane Wagner first meet Lily Tomlin?

What is the writing style of Jane Wagner?

Have Jane Wagner's works been adapted into other forms of media?

How has Jane Wagner influenced the entertainment industry?