CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) 鈥 Jennifer Coolidge, who saw a career resurgence following her Emmy-winning turn as Tanya McQuoid-Hunt in the acclaimed HBO series 鈥淭he White Lotus," was named the 2023 Woman of the Year by Harvard University鈥檚 Hasty Pudding Theatricals on Tuesday.
The Pudding is the oldest theatrical organization in the nation and one of the oldest in the world. Since 1951, it has bestowed this award annually on women 鈥渨ho have made lasting and impressive contributions to the world of entertainment."
Coolidge, who also played Stifler鈥檚 sultry mom in 鈥淎merican Pie鈥 and sage manicurist Paulette in the 鈥淟egally Blonde鈥 movies, grew up in the Boston area.
鈥淲e are so excited to welcome Jennifer Coolidge back to her hometown and to Harvard, the iconic setting of Legally Blonde," Man and Woman of the Year coordinator Maya Dubin said in a press release. 鈥淗er glittering personality and comedic presence are so Pudding."
Coolidge will be honored with a parade through Harvard Square on Feb. 4 followed by a roast when she will be presented her Pudding Pot.
Her other film credits include roles in 鈥淏est In Show," 鈥淎 Mighty Wind" and 鈥淪hotgun Wedding" while she has appeared multiple television shows including 鈥淪einfeld,鈥 鈥2 Broke Girls" and 鈥淣ip/Tuck."
Previous winners of the Woman of the Year Award include Meryl Streep, Viola Davis and Debbie Reynolds.
Bob Odenkirk was named the last week. He will be honored on Feb. 2.
