Allison Janney recalls being told her height limited her to playing aliens and lesbians

Actress Allison Janney recently shared a memory from early in her career regarding discouraging advice from a Hollywood agent. Due to her six-foot height, an agent reportedly told her that she could only play “aliens and lesbians.”

Janney reflected on this interaction during an interview, noting that while the comment was intended as a limitation, she now finds humor in it. She remarked that while she has played lesbians, she has yet to play an alien, adding, “So maybe I’ll play an alien! Yeah, why not.”

Beyond the anecdote, Janney discussed her personal struggles with confidence and shyness, noting that she often does not feel as self-assured as the characters she portrays on screen. She also touched upon industry-wide issues such as ageism and pay disparities for women.