“You make people want to live longer”—Jennifer Coolidge’s tribute left viewers sobbing

Jennifer Coolidge remains a memorable figure not only for her role as Tanya in HBO's acclaimed series "White Lotus," but also for her emotionally stirring acceptance speech at the 2023 Golden Globes. Coolidge earned the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series/Anthology or Motion Picture, a recognition that marked a significant career turning point.

Winning the award wasn't Coolidge's only standout moment at the event; her heartfelt speech profoundly touched both audiences and peers, even bringing creator Mike White to tears, as reported by The Vulture. Reflecting candidly on her personal journey, Coolidge stated, "It really means a lot. Thank you. Wow. I just want to say, some of the people in this room, there were like five people that kept me going for, you know, 20 years with these little jobs. And Ryan Murphy, you were one of them. It’s these little jobs that kept me going."

Recalling missed opportunities to express gratitude publicly, particularly at the Emmys, Coolidge opened up further. "I just want you all to know that I had such big dreams and expectations as a younger person, but what happened is they get sort of fizzled by life and whatever," she humorously added, "I thought I was going to be Queen of Monaco even though someone else did it." Acknowledging life's unpredictability, she emphasized Mike White's critical role in reigniting her dreams.

Jennifer Coolidge at the 'American Pie 4' premiere in Paris,Photo by Thibault | Wikimedia Commons

Addressing White directly during her speech, Coolidge said, "You’ve given me a new beginning. Even if this is the end, because you did kill me off, even if this is the end, you changed my life in a million different ways." Her character, Tanya, was famously written out at the end of the show's second season. Yet, Coolidge lovingly attributed her newfound success and popularity directly to White: "My neighbors are speaking to me and things like that. I was never invited to one party on my hill, and now everyone’s inviting me! I just — you know, it’s to you, Mike White."

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Social media erupted with appreciation for Coolidge’s sincere tribute. One viewer, Summer Anne Burton, wrote, “'You make people want to live longer and I didn’t' has got to be the most meaningful compliment I’ve ever heard at an awards show. Literally sobbing over Jennifer Coolidge’s tribute to Mike White."

Coolidge continued to passionately highlight White's character, stating, "He is worried about the world, he’s worried about people, he’s worried about friends of his that aren’t doing well, he’s always worried about people, you’re worried about animals, and he really is one of the greatest people." Her emotional honesty resonated deeply: "He gives me so much excitement to be — you make people want to live longer, and I didn’t." She concluded warmly, "So anyway, I just want to say, Mike White, I love you to death. I just want to say, this is a real fun night, thank you. Thank you!"

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Their bond, vividly showcased throughout "White Lotus," remains a powerful testament to genuine friendship and mutual inspiration.