Jane Lynch has played many different roles in her life -- Cheerio coach Sue Sylvester on "Glee," caterer Constance Carmell on "Party Down," host of the 2011 Emmys (Sept. 18), and author -- but perhaps none have felt more natural, or maternal, as motherhood.
In an interview with The Advocate for their October 2011 cover story, Lynch opens up about motherhood -- and how her stint on "Two and a Half Men" played a strange part in the matter.
Lynch appeared on "Two and a Half Men" for several episodes as a psychologist. She then met real-life psychologist Lara Embry at a National Center for Lesbian Rights gala. Embry's friend just so happened to be a big "Two and a Half Men" fan and encouraged her friend to get Lynch's autograph. Ultimately, the couple fell in love and married in May 2010 in Massachusetts –- and Lynch quickly adjusted to life as step-mother to two girls.
"It’s so funny, my instincts are, well, I’m maternal in that I’m very empathetic, but children I never got or understood," Lynch told the magazine. "I’ve always been more of a dog person. So yes, motherhood has changed me. I have this little girl, Haden, who lives with us. She’s 9-years-old, and she’s witty and sardonic and has a huge heart. She’s a peacemaker and one of the wisest beings. Sometimes I feel like she’s taking care of me."
Lynch also has love for another person involved in "Two and a Half Men": Charlie Sheen.
“He’s one of the nicest guys and a true leader on that set,” she said. “He’s going through his stuff now, but there’s a really solid, wonderful person in there, and I love him very much.”
If there's anyone who knows about making a full-fledged comeback, it's Lynch herself. The comedy actress once struggled with alcoholism and an addiction to cough syrup, all of which she reveals in her memoir "Happy Accidents."
However, Lynch is quick to say that the reason for her latest success isn't because she's openly gay. In fact, there are still some barriers that need to be broken in Hollywood.
I think people respect me for not hiding," said Lynch. "But what it comes down to is we’re all just people. And at the end of the day, I happen to go home to a woman. In Hollywood, all that matters is…do you do your job and do you do it well and is this somebody you want to have around? The place where it’s hardest is for lead actors and actresses who are supposed to be the love interest. Yeah, I think that’s still a tough arena — we haven’t cracked that yet."
But that doesn't mean Lynch doesn't believe that we won't get to that point in popular cinema.
"I think everything’s just a matter of time. As much as we have our puritan roots in this country, and we kind of fight progress, we end up making the progress [happen]. What is it Winston Churchill said? Americans will always do the right thing after they’ve failed at everything else?"
For more, click on over to The Advocate.