Lily Tomlin. For many of us, just hearing her name conjures up the image of one of her timeless characters. Having begun work in stand up comedy in the 1960’s, Tomlin signed on to Rowen and Martin’s Laugh-In as a replacement and quickly found a permanent place among the cast. With timeless characters like Ernestine, a cranky telephone operator, and Edith Ann, a precocious five-and-a-half year old, Tomlin planted herself in the hearts of comedy aficionados and became a national treasure.
Today, the actress, writer, singer, comedian, and producer can still be seen going strong opposite her longtime friends Jane Fonda in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie. And, with a career spanning 60-ish years, one would think that her life would be splashed about the media like so many others.
Refreshingly, it is not. Tomlin is known primarily for her body of work. She has managed to stay out of tabloids and seems to live a a life of laughter and joy with her wife and partner, Jane, of 47 years. And, at nearly 79 years old, who can blame her for continuing that streak?
“…try slowing down.” We could all take a lesson from Ms. Lily. And that’s the truth!