Jane Kaczmarek is an American actress popularly known for portraying Malcom’s mother (Lois) on the Fox television sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006). Her character in the series portrays a fierce hilarious and protective mother of five stubborn children. According to reports Jane was one of the highest-paid cast in the series with an initial salary of $100,000 that was later increased to $330,000 in the 7th season of the series.
Short Biography Of Jane Kaczmarek
Jane Kaczmarek was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 21, 1995, into a Polish family. She is currently 68 years old. Her father’s name is Edward Kaczmarek and he worked in the US Department of Defense. On the other hand, Jane’s mother’s name is Evelyn and she was a schoolteacher. She was raised in Greendale as a Roman Catholic alongside her younger siblings, Jim, Bill, and Mary.
Jane attended Greendale High School and later enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in theatre.
She also obtained a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Yale University.
She met her ex-husband at Yale University and She was married to him for 18 years
While at Yale, Jane’s roommate, Kate Burton arranged a blind date between her and Bradley Whitford. The pair turned out to like each other and dated for two years before tying the knot in 1992. Their union was blessed with three kids; Frances (born 1997), Edward (born 1999), and Mary (born 2002).
Meanwhile, Jane and Bradley divorced in 2010. Her ex-husband is an American actor and producer. He is best known for his portrayal of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman in the NBC television political drama The West Wing (1999–2006).
Jane Kaczmarek made her career debut in the early 80s
Jane made her TV debut, starring as Margie Sppoletto in the TV Movie, For Lovers Only (1982). She became more famous after portraying Ann Raftis in the romantic drama Falling in Love, (1984). Moreover, Jane succeeded in having a firm grip on the spotlight with her role in Malcolm in the Middle.
For her portrayal of Lois in Malcolm in the Middle, she won several awards including a Satellite Award for Best Actress, Musical or Comedy Series in 2003. She also earned two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, three Golden Globe Award nominations, and seven Emmy Award nominations.
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She Made a Fortune From Malcolm In The Middle
Jane was placed on $100,000 per episode when the American sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle began. However, her salary was scaled up to as much as $330,000 by the 7th season of the TV series. This has greatly contributed to her net worth of $9 million.
Meanwhile, showbiz is not Jane’s only means of income. She and her ex-husband Bradley have been into real estate and they are known to have previously purchased a 6,769-square-foot home in San Marino, Los Angeles. The estranged couple bought the property for $5.9 million in 2004 and later sold it at $6.7 million.
Moreover, Jane is a philanthropist and is deeply involved in giving back to society. She has worked with organizations like the Children’s Defense Fund, First Book, and Reading Is Fundamental. Also, She founded Clothes Off Our Back, which raises funds for children’s charities by auctioning celebrity apparel. At their first online auction, Clothes Off Our Back raised $87,200 for charity with items donated by celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Brad Pitt, and Courteney Cox Arquette.
The Actress Has an Impressive Career Record
As earlier noted, Jane has clinched several awards for her portrayal of Lois in Malcolm in the Middle. Her character in the series portrays a humourous, untamed, and stubborn mother who is also intelligent and decisive. She is usually hard on her children for their generally bad behavior. Her portrayal of Lois is also of a petty mother who will always defend her family, especially against neighbors who despise them.
Meanwhile, Jane is also known for putting up impressive performances in dozens of other movies and TV series. Below is a list of her works.
Jane Kaczmarek’s works
Movies
- 6 Balloons – 2018
- CHiPs – 2017
- Wolves at the Door – 2016
- The Boat Builder – 2015
- Pleasantville – 1998
- Wildly Available – 1996
- The Chamber – 1996
- All’s Fair – 1989
- Vice Versa – 1988
- D.O.A – 1988
- Door to Door – 1985
- The Heavenly Kid – 1985
- Falling in Love – 1984
- Uncommon Valor – 1983
Television
- The Changeling – 2023
- Mixed-ish – 2019
- Carol’s Second Act – 2019
- Trolls: The Beat Goes On! – 2019
- This Is Us – 2018
- Animals – 2018
- Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life – 2016
- The Big Bang Theory – 2016
- Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero – 2015
- Big Time in Hollywood, FL – 2015
- The McMCarthys – 2015
- Playing House – 2014-2017
- Us & Them – 2014
- Phineas and Ferb – 2014
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – 2013
- Jake and the Never Land Pirates – 2012-2015
- The Middle – 2012-2013
- Whitney – 2011-2012
- Wilfred – 2011
- Reviving Ophelia – 2010
- Raising the Bar – 2008-2009
- Help Me Help You – 2006-2007
- The Simpsons – 2001-2022
- Malcolm in the Middle – 2000-2006
- Felicity – 1999
- The Practice – 1997
- Frasier – 1996-1997
- Cybill – 1996-1997
- Apollo 11 – 1996
- ABC Afterschool – 1996
- Touched by an Angel – 1996
- Party of Five – 1995-1999
- Picket Fences – 1995
- Without Warning – 1994
- L.A. Law – 1994
- ABC Afterschool Specials – 1994
- Law & Order – 1994
- Monty – 1994
- Big Wave Dave’s – 1993
- Equal Justice – 1990-1991
- Spooner – 1989
- American Playhouse – 1988
- The Three Kings – 1987
- I’ll Take Manhattan – 1987
- The Christmas Gift – 1986
- The Right of the People – 1986
- Hometown – 1985
- Crazy Like a Fox – 1984
- Something About Amelia – 1984
- Hill Street Blues – 1984
- The Paper Chase – 1983-1984
- Scarecrow and Mrs. King – 1983
- Remington Steele – 1983
- St. Elsewhere – 1983