Jane Lynch’s portrayal of Sophie Lennon in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a masterclass in acting. Sophie Lennon, the eccentric and acerbic character, is a force to be reckoned with, and Lynch’s performance brings her to life with a level of skill and nuance that is unparalleled. Playing a character who is both loud-mouthed and lower-class, while also being wealthy and pretentious, requires a level of expertise that Lynch effortlessly brings to the table. Sophie Lennon is an unpredictable force, and Lynch’s performance delivers just that, making her both intimidating and relatable.
Lynch drew upon her background in theatrical improvisation and volumes of satire know-how to bring Sophie Lennon to life. The inspiration behind Sophie Lennon’s character was rooted in 1950s comedienne Phyllis Diller and a historic feud between Joan Rivers and Totie Fields. Sophie from Queens was a gimmick that represented the female comics of the era, who were made to put on silly, over-the-top acts that garnered safe laughs from audiences with straightforward jokes about marriage, fashion, and cooking and cleaning. Challenging the patriarchy, which was alive and kicking then, might inhibit women’s careers as comedians, so they would instead amplify self-deprecating stereotypes. Sophie Lennon was set in her belief that this was the only way to exist as a female comic.
Throughout the series, Sophie Lennon’s loneliness was a recurring theme. Jane Lynch highlighted this in an interview for Slate, saying, “She has no real friendships. She’s always just creating an outside, a veneer, and hopes that people won’t dig too deeply.” As Sophie began to show her vulnerability with the growth of her relationship with Susie, audiences could see how much of a lonely, mysterious weirdo she really is. As soon as Susie managed to look beyond Sophie’s facade, her manipulation tactics felt childish.
Jane Lynch’s portrayal of Sophie Lennon in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Image via Getty)
Lynch’s performance was a masterclass in nuance. She brought a level of skill and expertise to the role of Sophie Lennon, making her a believable and relatable character. Her attempt to appear emotional during the arthritis telethon, her evident need for dramatic training, and her satirical take on dramatic stage actors were all expertly crafted. For The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, she found ways to exploit her character’s tendency to soft-spokenness to shock audiences with her ridiculous lines as much as possible. Lynch is known for acting in more satirical productions, and her role as Sophie Lennon is no different.
In the end, no one could have pulled off playing the multiple facets of Sophie’s character except Jane Lynch. Her performance was a tour de force, showcasing her incredible range and mastery of the craft. As the series came to a close, Sophie Lennon’s character had undergone a transformation, going from a source of stress to a source of comic relief. Jane Lynch’s portrayal of Sophie Lennon is a true masterpiece, one that will be remembered for years to come.
