It’s fair to assume you’ve seen Judy Greer in something over the years. Though recognized by many for the quirky, supporting characters she’s often bringing to life, such as Kitty Sanchez on Arrested Development, Greer has proven that she can hold her own on the big screen in leading lady roles. Her latest endeavor is Dallas Jenkins’ The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, now out in theaters. Here, take a look at the life and career of Judy Greer, and the movies and TV shows—from 13 Going on 30 to Jurassic World—where she has shined.
The early career of Judy Greer
Greer made her film debut in the 1997 film Stricken and continued with roles in movies like Kissing a Fool (1998), Jawbreaker (1999), Desperate But Not Serious (1999), Adaptation (2002) and countless others. In 1999, she began a stint on the series Love & Money and shortly after appeared in The Wedding Planner (2001) alongside Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey.
In 2004, she took on the role of Lucy in the hit comedy 13 Going on 30 with Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. “I had so much fun at my audition, which is never usually the case with auditions,” Greer told Vogue. “Gary [director Gary Winick] was giggling and doing this little shoulder thing he did when something really cracked him up. I had also heard only the most incredible things about Jen—everyone was obsessed with her and still is.”
She continued, “I was just really excited at the prospect of getting Lucy—which I did!”
Judy Greer on TV
Later into the 2000s, Greer made several appearances in countless television series including Mad Love, Glenn Martin DDS, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Californication, Archer, Two and a Half Men, Arrested Development and more.
“Every time I went to work there was a crazier thing I had to do,” she said in an interview with Cameron Crowe of her hilarious work on Arrested Development. “There’s something so freeing about not having to worry about how I look, because I’m not your typical pretty girl, so I can have crazy hair, and my makeup doesn’t have to be perfect, and my outfit’s weird. I love Arrested Development fans and the show.”
Judy Greer’s recent roles
Some of Greer’s significant roles in recent years have been in the latest Halloween installments playing the part of Laurie Strode’s daughter. She could also be seen in the 2023 films Aporia, Eric Larue, and countless other movies and TV shows.
Her latest gig, however, comes just in time for the holiday season, where she shines in Dallas Jenkins’ The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, bringing to life the character of Grace. In the film, Grace takes the lead in her community’s Christmas pageant, but a group of rowdy siblings threaten the production, while simultaneously teaching everyone an important lesson during the holiday season.
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“What’s so special about it is that it’s funny without being slapstick, emotional without being sappy, and you’ll get the true meaning of Christmas from a church Christmas pageant without it feeling churchy,” director Dallas Jenkins told PEOPLE. Don’t miss the Judy Greer-led film out in theaters now.
