People's Choice Awards 2015: 6 Questions About Host Allison Janney Answered

On Jan. 7, Allison Janney will be joined by Anna Faris as they co-host the 2015 People’s Choice Awards from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. With Janney shepherding viewers through the two-hour award show, now seems like the perfect time to really get to know the former “West Wing” star ahead of tonight’s big event:

Where Do I Know Her From?

Excellent question. Janney is an Emmy-winning actress who has been in the business since she was a college student. While she may not have been the lead in some of your favorite movies and TV shows, she’s certainly played an integral role. She’s best known for playing C.J. Cregg on the critically acclaimed show “The West Wing” from 1999 – 2006. Since then she’s had supporting roles on shows like “Masters of Sex,” and stars alongside her People’s Choice Awards co-host in the CBS comedy “Mom.”

Her film credits include “The Hours” (2002), “Winter Solstice” (2004), “Juno” (2007), “Hairspray” (2007) and more. She’s also lent her voice to projects like “Finding Nemo (2003) and “Over The Hedge” (2006).

Where Did She Come From?

Janney was born in 1959 in Dayton, Ohio. She came late to acting, pursuing it during her years at Kenyon College. While there, she answered a casting call for a play that was directed by the college’s most talented alum, Paul Newman, according to Biography.com. Janney’s performance was so impressive to Newman that both he and his wife convinced her to continue her acting education at the New York City Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. It was here that she worked with Newman and his wife on the stage before eventually breaking into TV and movies.

Did She Always Want To Act?

Specific question, but glad you asked. Actually, no, Janney didn’t always want to act. Before entering college, TV Guide notes that she had high hopes of being an Olympic-level figure skater. Unfortunately, an accident she suffered as a child hurt her legs badly and ended that dream. However, her athletic prowess didn’t end there. She both played field hockey and ran track in high school.

What Qualifies Her To Host The Show?

Other than an ability to read a teleprompter with a winning smile? Janney has been nominated for more than 30 awards since her career began. She’s brought home many of those awards, including Emmys for her roles on “The West Wing” and “Masters of Sex.” It also helps that her popular sitcom “Mom” is airing on the same network as the awards. Between her and Faris, the show seems to be in pretty good hands.

Fine, But She’d Better Not Be All Political.

Not a question, but it’s highly doubtful. According to her TV Guide bio, although she played White House press secretary on “The West Wing,” she never really had a taste for politics. In fact, when the show was on the air, she turned down news networks who wanted her on as a political pundit. So rest easy, the show will be all about the awards.

Is She Single?

You're in luck! The 54-year-old actress is both single and proud. Speaking to Elle Magazine in 2014, the actress opened up about life as a mature bachelorette.

"I just stopped thinking there was going to be anybody out there for me," she dished to Elle. "And then I met somebody who kind of turned my head around and woke me up, like, 'I'm not done yet.'"

Janney has been single for several years and, while she's still on the hunt for Mr. Right, she is content to remain single and gorgeous.

"I want to be a player!" Janney told Elle. "I'm still single! I want to feel sexy and pretty and young as long as I can."

You can watch Allison Janney and Anna Faris host the 2015 People’s Choice Awards on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 9 p.m. EST on CBS.