Happy Accidents is a memoir from actress Jane Lynch, best known for her improv work and character of Sue Sylvester on Glee. An impressive story of coming to success later in life. Just goes to show, keep going and don't stop believing.
Through her childhood and teen years into college Lynch was a closeted lesbian, and is very open about her desire for approval and fear of being 'discovered' as a fraud, manifesting as admittedly overbearing bitchiness. Part of her persona is confidence and arrogance, which only mask fears of inadequacy. For many years she was overweight, out of work, and began drinking alcohol at breakfast. Barely finding a room or apartment, often moving her things on the subway - this was into her thirties. It seems once she joined AA and accepted herself, doors opened up. From commercials she moved into improv roles in Best In Show, A Mighty Wind, The 40year-old Virgin, even acting with Meryl Streep in Julie and Julia. It took many years of working to get there, which paid off with her breakout role (written for her in her late forties) on Glee.
What impressed me most is her story of growing up a gay woman, of interest to other lesbians and gays, she describes what a lot of us feel trying to fit in. It's a story of perseverance in the face of insecurity. For many years her jobs went nowhere - it's a reminder that success can come at any time if you don't stop trying (She was once kicked out of a NY squat apartment in the middle of the night, and now is a celebrated figure in Madame Tussauds...) The second half has entertaining stories of the many TV pilots she worked on, and her movies roles - most of which I was surprised to hear were improvised. (I would point out The Guatemala Love Song in The 40 year-old Virgin...) Very entertaining.
2017 / Hardcover / 138 pages
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