Allison Janney Reflects On The Impact Of The West Wing’s CJ Cregg

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PopWrapped Admin

Published

December 16, 2013

Clare Sidoti

Managing Editor

She influenced a generation who are embarking on careers in communications, political science, politics and government. She was the cool, calm, collected face of the Bartlet administration and proved that women could make it and play better ball than some of the men in the boy’s club (Josh Lyman I’m talking to you). Recently, almost seven and a half years after she handed in her press credentials and left the country in the capable hands of President Santos and his team, The West Wing’s Allison Janney has reflected on her time playing the inspirational role.

From 1999 to 2006, Janney played White House press secretary turned Chief of Staff, Claudia Jean “CJ” Cregg. The role earned her countless awards including four Primetime Emmy’s and four Screen Actors Guild awards.

Speaking to USA Today about her current varied roles (in Showtime’s Masters of Sex and in CBS’ Mom), Janney revealed which of her characters has changed her life the most… and that was CJ: “Of all the characters I’ve played, I wish I was most like C.J.” When asked why, she explained, “She was pretty substantial and a great role model for women. I feel that she inspired people to do better.”

Watch Janney in action as CJ in this classic The West Wing scene:

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