Jane Krakowski, born Jane Krajkowski on October 11, 1968, in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, is an American actress and singer. Her mother, Barbara, worked as a college professor of Shakespeare, and her father, Edward Krajkowski, was a chemical engineer. She grew up in a theatrical environment, taking ballet lessons at a young age and later transitioning to acting.
Krakowski began her acting career at a young age, appearing in television commercials and stage productions. She made her Broadway debut in 1987 as Dinah in Starlight Express. This marked a significant step in her career, establishing her presence in the New York theater scene.
Krakowski gained widespread recognition for her role as Elaine Vassal in the television series Ally McBeal (1997-2002). Her comedic timing and character portrayal earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Following Ally McBeal, she starred as Jenna Maroney in the NBC sitcom 30 Rock (2006-2013), a role that garnered her multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
Krakowski’s stage career includes numerous critically acclaimed performances. She won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as Carla in the 2003 revival of Nine. She received additional Tony Award nominations for her roles in Grand Hotel (1989) and She Loves Me (2016). Her stage work showcases her versatility as both an actress and singer.
While primarily known for her television and stage work, Krakowski has also appeared in several films. Her film credits include: