After a brief but intense period of speculation, it's official: "Glee" star Jane Lynch will host the 63rd Annual Emmy Awards, Fox announced on Thursday. The ceremony wll air live on Sunday, September 18 on Fox from Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.
Lynch, who portrays sharp-tongued cheerleader coach on Fox's musical series "Glee," is inheriting the hosting duties from late-night host and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Jimmy Fallon, who emceed the Emmys last year. Fallon's turn at the wheel was highlighted by the opening musical number, a spoof on the Bruce Springsteen classic "Born to Run" -- which, perhaps not so coincidentally, included the cast of "Glee," Lynch included.
“When our host has comedic, dramatic and musical talents – as Jane proved in last year’s opening number – we know it’s going to be fun for us and for the audience at home,” Academy of Television Arts & Sciences chairman and CEO John Shaffner said in the announcement.
Emmys producer Mark Burnett -- who called Lynch his "first -- and only" choice for the hosting gig -- echoed Shaffner's sentiment, adding, “She has incredible comedic timing,
and is a charismatic, talented actress whose energy leaps off the screen and stage. I am thrilled
and excited to have her as our host.”
Declaring herself to be "tickled pink" to land the job, Lynch added, "I’m looking forward
to singing, dancing and sporting my finest tracksuit."
Nominations for the 63rd Annual Emmy Awards will be announced at 5:40 AM PT on July 14 at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre, on the campus of the Academy of
Television Arts & Sciences in North Hollywood, CA.
Read the full press release below.
More to come....
JANE LYNCH TO HOST “63RD PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS”
AIRING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, LIVE ON FOX
Emmy Award-winning actress Jane Lynch will host the 63RD PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS
airing live from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 18, on FOX.
“We’re delighted to have Jane Lynch host the Primetime Emmys this year,” said John Shaffner,
Chairman and CEO, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “When our host has comedic,
dramatic and musical talents – as Jane proved in last year’s opening number – we know it’s
going to be fun for us and for the audience at home!”
“Jane was my first – and only – choice as the host for this year’s Primetime Emmys, and I am
glad she said ‘yes,’” said executive producer Mark Burnett. “She has incredible comedic timing,
and is a charismatic, talented actress whose energy leaps off the screen and stage. I am thrilled
and excited to have her as our host.”
“I am tickled pink to be hosting the Primetime Emmys on FOX,” said Lynch. “I’m looking forward
to singing, dancing and sporting my finest tracksuit.”
