Lizzy Caplan

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4 Mar 2024

Lizzy Caplan

Elizabeth Anne Caplan, born on June 30, 1982, is an American actress known for her versatile roles across television and film. She began her acting career with a role in the television series Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000). However, it was her performances in the films Mean Girls (2004) and Cloverfield (2008) that brought her wider recognition.
Caplan's television career includes starring roles in shows like Related (2005–2006), The Class (2006–2007), and Party Down (2009–2010; 2023). From 2013 to 2016, she portrayed Virginia E. Johnson in the Showtime series Masters of Sex, a role that earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

In 2019, Caplan took on the iconic role of Annie Wilkes in the Hulu anthology series Castle Rock. She has also appeared in various films, including Hot Tub Time Machine, 127 Hours (both 2010), Save the Date, Bachelorette (both 2012), The Interview (2014), Now You See Me 2, Allied (both 2016), and Extinction (2018).
More recently, Caplan starred in FX on Hulu's Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022) and the Paramount+ erotic thriller Fatal Attraction (2023), showcasing her continued versatility and talent as an actress.

Elizabeth Anne Caplan, born on June 30, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, grew up in the Miracle Mile district of the city. Coming from a Reform Jewish family of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, Caplan had a Bat Mitzvah and attended Jewish summer camp, reflecting her cultural heritage. Her father, Richard Caplan, worked as a lawyer, while her mother, Barbara (née Bragman), served as a political aide. Caplan is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother named Benjamin and an older sister named Julie. Tragically, her mother passed away from cancer when Caplan was just 13 years old, leaving a profound impact on her life.

Caplan attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Castle Heights, where she participated in the school's Academy of Music. Initially focusing on playing the piano, she later discovered a passion for drama. Additionally, Caplan was a member of the school's soccer team, showcasing her diverse interests. Despite graduating from high school in 2000, Caplan chose not to attend college so she could fully dedicate herself to pursuing acting. This decision marked the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry.

Elizabeth Anne Caplan embarked on her acting journey in 1999, debuting as Sara in the beloved series "Freaks and Geeks." Her portrayal earned her recognition, leading her character to become the girlfriend of Jason Segel's character. Following this success, Caplan made guest appearances on various television shows and starred in Jason Mraz's music video "You and I Both." In 2000, she made her film debut in "From Where I Sit," which premiered on television.

Caplan continued to expand her repertoire with roles in shows like "Smallville" and "Once and Again," and she starred in the television series "The Pitts" as Faith Pitt. However, she gained widespread acclaim for her performance as Janis Ian in the 2004 film "Mean Girls." Subsequently, she played Avery Bishop in the second season of "Tru Calling."
In 2005, Caplan portrayed Marjee Sorelli in the one-hour comedy-drama "Related," followed by her role as Sara Weller in the thriller film "Love is the Drug" in 2006. Named one of "10 Actors to Watch" by Variety, she then joined the cast of the CBS sitcom "The Class" as Kat Warbler.

Caplan's career continued to flourish with notable roles in films such as "Cloverfield," where she played Marlena Diamond, earning her a Saturn Award nomination. She also appeared in "My Best Friend's Girl" and made a guest appearance on the HBO series "True Blood" as Amy Burley.
In 2009, Caplan showcased her comedic chops in the Starz ensemble comedy "Party Down," portraying a struggling comedian. Her versatility was further demonstrated in the 2010 film "127 Hours."
Caplan made waves at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival with two premieres: "Save the Date" and "Bachelorette." She also made appearances on the Fox sitcom "New Girl" as Julia.
In 2014, Caplan took on the role of Agent Lacey in the film "The Interview," adding another diverse credit to her impressive resume.

In 2013, Elizabeth Anne Caplan embarked on a transformative journey portraying 1960s human sexuality pioneer Virginia E. Johnson in the Showtime series "Masters of Sex." Caplan not only brought Johnson's character to life but also lent her own vocals for a cover version of the song "You Don't Know Me" in an episode of the show. Her performance garnered widespread acclaim, earning her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in July 2014.

Caplan's casting as Johnson preceded that of her co-star Michael Sheen as William H. Masters, as Sheen was occupied with another project at the time. Producer Sarah Timberman praised Caplan, noting that she effortlessly embodied the spirit of Virginia Johnson. Caplan, in turn, identified with many of Johnson's characteristics, particularly as a single woman prioritizing her career over starting a family. Despite the delay in finalizing her contract, Caplan remained committed to the role, turning down other offers in the interim.

To prepare for her portrayal, Caplan delved into research, including reading Thomas Maier's biography "Masters of Sex" and listening to interview tapes with Johnson. Despite Johnson's ambivalence towards the show's development, Caplan felt a deep responsibility to accurately depict her character. She found comfort in the historical accuracy of the series, which remained faithful to Maier's book and included significant events relevant to St. Louis, where the series is set.

Caplan's portrayal of Virginia Johnson was not only emotionally resonant but also physically demanding, given the numerous intimate scenes depicted in the series. Nevertheless, she approached these scenes with professionalism and grace, earning nominations for various prestigious awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award, Satellite Award, and Critics' Choice Television Award, all for Outstanding Lead Actress.