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BORN
1957
DIED
2014
Jan Hooks Obituary
The 57-year-old Hooks died Thursday in New York, according to The New York Times. The newspaper confirmed the death through Hooks' agent, Lisa Lieberman.
Remembering Jan Hooks
The comic actress was a versatile performer whose impressions ranged from Nancy Reagan to Sinead O'Connor to Tammy Faye Bakker.
Hooks, a Decatur, Georgia, native, moved into prime time in 1991 as a cast member on the sitcom "Designing Women." She later did an Emmy Award-nominated turn on "3rd Rock From the Sun."
View photos of Jan Hooks and others: 1990s Sitcom Stars photo gallery
She also appeared in 1992's "Batman Returns" and voiced convenience store owner Apu's wife on "The Simpsons" for several years.
On "SNL," she was part of a 1986 cast infusion that included fellow standouts Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman that helped the show after the previous season's ratings dive.
A former member of the influential comedy troupe The Groundlings, she had been rejected twice before for a spot on the NBC comedy institution.
Besides impersonations that included Bette Davis and Hillary Rodham Clinton, Hooks won laughs for original characters such as Candy, half of the bouffant-haired Sweeney Sisters lounge act. But being on a live weekly broadcast proved hard on the comic actress.
"The show changed my life, obviously. But I have horrible stage fright," she said in an oral history of "SNL." While other performers wanted to "get in there and do it," she said, "I was one of the ones that between dress (rehearsal) and air was sitting in the corner going, 'Please cut everything I'm in.'"
She jumped at the chance to move into prime time when asked to join the sitcom "Designing Women," appearing in the 1991-93 final seasons.
Born April 23, 1957, in Decatur, Georgia, Hooks studied for a time at the University of West Florida in Pensacola before leaving to begin her acting career, which included the 1985 movie "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."
Her screen work became much more sporadic after the 1990s. On "30 Rock" in 2010, she played the avaricious mother of Jane Krakowski's character, Jenna Maroney.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
200 Entries
mike Laman
March 26, 2021
Jan was terrific on SNL. She is so missed, and she left us too soon. Such a huge talent, wish she had done more films.
Mike Laman
December 31, 2020
I recently reviewed all of Jan's work on Youtube. Her SNL sketch work plus earlier time on the TUSH show in Atlanta only confirm her incredible talent. I don't think she can ever be replaced. She is still fresh and funny even decades later. She didn't fade or become outdated. Her contribution to SNL cannot be overstated. I wish she'd written an autobiography. It would be a bestseller immediately. She gave the world so much laughter and humor. I only hope she knew how respected and admired she was before she died. Tina Fey and Amy Pohler both called her a great role model and influence as they grew up watching her. Jan was lovely, gracious, warm in real life from all accounts. Joy she gave us and joy she has found. She is so missed.
Jeff and Callie Belk
September 2, 2018
R.I.P watching you on 30 rock rerun . So funny . Thank you
A L
April 25, 2017
Rest in peace beautiful and talented Miss Jan Hooks.
How you can show support
Valenda Newell
September 19, 2016
ONE'S LIGHT SHINES FOREVER....RIP
God bless the family and r.i.p. Jan
March 20, 2016
r.i.p.Jan
Allison Dupont
March 8, 2016
Never forgotten, Rest in Peace, sweet Angel.
Jerome Bokina
December 20, 2015
WILL BE WITH ME
JERRY BOKINA
Matthew Taylor
October 9, 2015
I hope you enjoyed the card I gave you a couple of weeks ago. Thanks again.
June 10, 2015
John 11:33 says: "When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping and groaning, he groaned within himself and became troubled." Jesus expressed tears when his friend Lazarus died, he knows how it feels to lose a dead loved one and he understands what you and your family are experiencing. May this bring you and your family comfort in this time of need. cjp (fla.)
John 5:38,29 M,,,,
May 4, 2015
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Bobbie Jean
October 30, 2014
Headlining in Eternity's Cloud Nine Arena: Jan Hooks, Joan Rivers and Robin Williams. Sounds like Heaven to me. RIP.
October 26, 2014
What a shame. Jan Hooks joins the long list of outstanding comedians who became famous on Saturday Night Live and have now passed away. It is truly sad to think of the laughter they would have provided us all, if fate would have given them more time. Jan was an outstanding actress/comedian.
Terri Turner
October 20, 2014
God bless you and your family.
Althea
October 20, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts.
Peg Keenleyside
October 19, 2014
Jan inspired my work as a young actor/writer in those crazy 80s and 90s when we were all looking for ways to keep on "telling it like it is". Funny, fab characters that had us coming back week after week to SNL. Such a great comedienne - condolences to her family and friends
October 17, 2014
Please have my condolences. He is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him. (Luke 20:37,38)
Elaine Barlo
October 17, 2014
Be at peace. Our prayers are with the Hooks family. God is with you now and always
PPE
October 16, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hooks Family. Continue to rely on God for refuge and strength. The loss of a loved one can be very difficult. May God give you the strength to endure. Psalms 46:1
SNL funny lady, Jan Hooks
Austin Stearns
October 16, 2014
I'm having a hard time believing Jan Hooks was originally rejected by SNL. Lorne Michaels, what were you thinking? We almost missed out on some of the funniest stuff ever televised.
We miss you, and we love you, Jan.
Marie
October 16, 2014
I believe there is a heaven and a God. I know you are up there laughing and making all around you laugh. Prayers are with your family.
MRobert Smith
October 16, 2014
We will miss you Jan. Tough way to go. LOVE Robert Smithorian.
Leigh
October 16, 2014
One funny lady who provided my family tons of entertainment. Really enjoyed her time on Designing Women, so very talented. Prayers to her family and friends.
October 16, 2014
PRAYERS.
October 15, 2014
Today is a sad day and i'm so sorry for your loss. Have faith in the comfort of almighty God. With Sympathy
October 15, 2014
So sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with her family.
Nancy
October 15, 2014
May the good Lord bring you peace and comfort, and let time pass swiftly only to heal over your wound, till you and your loved one meet again.
A FAN
October 15, 2014
Such a funny lady always made me laugh, doing those Tammy Faye Baker bits on SNL and Designing Women. Condolences to family and many friends.
Linda
October 15, 2014
Please accept my condolences for your loss. One can never be prepared for the empty void that's left when a loved one dies. Our Creator promises to give you the strength to live each day without. He says "I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears" . I will heal you. 2 Kings 20:5.
John
October 15, 2014
My sincere and deepest condolences for your loss, may God comfort you in these difficult times
October 15, 2014
I am so sorry for your precious loss. How reassuring it is to know that God is eager to bring back the dead to life. Until then may your warmest memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Charlotte
Carolyn Williams
October 15, 2014
I have great memories of you! Your candle shall shine brightly! You were a fine and fun performer!
Dianne
October 14, 2014
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Hoping you find some comfort in knowing that Jan brought joy to many of us by just doing what she loved and doing it so well especially in the Designing Women series. Many have found the promise of endless life in perfect health to be something worth experiencing. What a grand reunion that is going to be!
October 14, 2014
My condolences to the family. May find comfort in God during this difficult time.
Tara
October 14, 2014
The best there ever was...rest in peace.
Marlene Duttry
October 14, 2014
One of the greatest. I loved her on SNL along with Hartman and Carvey. So sad
Mercedes Visage
October 14, 2014
Thanks so much for the laughs. We shall miss you. Say "hello" to Robin, Joan, Phil, Chris, Dixie & Joan. RIP beautiful lady.
Albert Batista
October 14, 2014
Always a source of comedy and laughter, especially back in the days of SNL. Rest in Peace.
October 14, 2014
Gone too soon. You were one funny lady that gave us all plenty of laughter. RIP Jan. Heaven is a funnier place now that you are there.
F A
October 14, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Although I did not know her personally, I "knew" Jan from "Designing Women" and she was hilarious. May fond memories of her help to ease your pain at this time. Please accept my sympathy. 1 Cor. 15:26.
Chris
October 14, 2014
I missed SNL but she was also on one of my favorite shows, Designing Women. Gone too soon. John 5:28
Jethro Craig
October 14, 2014
I was so sad to hear of Jan's passing last week. I watched her live on SNL and I remember how good she was, how much she made me laugh. I think she was one of the best comedians in the life of the show. After I heard about her death I went onto different websites to relive her skits. I remembered them all and they still make me laugh today. Jan, you will truly be missed. I am glad you are no longer suffering and hope you are at peace now. Thank you for all the laughs.
October 13, 2014
You were so funny! Rest in peace!
October 13, 2014
Loved that vivacious smile and humor.
A sweetheart. RIP Jan.
October 13, 2014
I absolutely adored Jan Hooks for her versible acting ability in so many variations on a theme. She was so lovely and so sweet, I am many a fan, whom will miss her presence on stage and screen. May she carry on her gift in Heaven:) Jan Suberman
October 13, 2014
I read of the passing of your Loved One and wanted to express my sympathy to you and your family.
Although we do not know each other, I remember when I lost someone dear to me, I received condolences from those I didn't know and it was so comforting to me. Therefore, I decided to do the same in hopes that it may add to the comfort you receive from family and friends
Sincerely,
Dani'elle Cornish
PSALMS 55:22 R.A.
October 13, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Garcia
October 13, 2014
Thanks for making us(the public) laugh. May God embrace and comfort your family with blessings, prayers and memories. Rest in Peace.
Julie Hartley
October 13, 2014
Love you and your acting,many Blessings,you will be missed!!
Lisa Rook
October 13, 2014
She was one of my faves on SNL and I adored her in other work as well. She will be greatly missed!
Tom Smith
October 13, 2014
May the God of peace and all comfort, be with Jan Hooks' family, fans, and friends during this difficult time. Love ones can look forward to seeing her again in God's promised paradise.
Martha E Marple
October 13, 2014
Thank you for the laughs n the memories. RIP Ms Hooks.
Scott Preston
October 13, 2014
Jan's spot-on impersonations of Tammy Faye Bakker & Bette Davis will always rank amongst the Best of SNL. We will miss this talented lady with the infectious smile.
October 13, 2014
I can't believe it. Such a beautiful woman. Prayers for the family. May the loving memories sustain you.
Elizabeth White
October 13, 2014
may you rest in peace
Dianne Glover
October 13, 2014
To all of Jan's family and friends, my deepest sympathy to each of you. Jan was the best of the best! What a talented woman with such a beautiful smile. She will be missed by everyone!
Sandra Smith
October 13, 2014
She was a funny gal! I'm sad. ?
Julie Theriot
October 13, 2014
Thank You, Jan for sharing your Smile with us!!!
October 13, 2014
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
October 12, 2014
Thank you for making us laugh....even for a little while...we will always smile at the thought of your name.
October 12, 2014
The gift of laughter is a precious, priceless gift that many are not able to give. When someone possesses that gift, and is able to share it, it is a treasure. Rest in peace, and keep smiling, you beautiful soul. You will be missed and will never be forgotten!
Marie-Anne Munger
October 12, 2014
It seems GOD is calling all his angels home. Jan and Robin will have Him falling off His Throne' laughing' with tears in his eyes.
Barbara Brooks-Szeliga
October 12, 2014
She was one of the funniest, nice, and, most talented woman you ever wanted to meet. Thanks for the memories Dear Jan, RIP
SD
October 12, 2014
Heartfelt sympathies go to the family. May memories of your loved one warm your heart and may the God who gives peace be with you all.
October 12, 2014
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. May you take comfort in knowing that you loved one is at peace.
Ecclesiastes 9:5
Peggy
October 12, 2014
Thank you for all the laughs and may God find an extra special spot for you in heaven!
October 12, 2014
I was so saddened to hear the news of Jan's passing. She is one of the standouts when I think of the various casts of SNL. No one made me laugh as hard as she with her crazy characters. Talented and funny. Rest in peace now.
Wanda
October 12, 2014
Offering our deepest sympathies on your precious loss. May your precious memories of Jan always bring smiles to your faces and comfort to your hearts. Please know, God is a refuge and strength - Psalms 46
Marcia
October 12, 2014
she has such a beautiful light which will live on forever. Peace.
mendenhall
October 12, 2014
Im sorry for your loss. I wasnt feeling good yesterday.i was looking at her old scences from saturday nite live she made me laugh .now shes up there with robin williams .and joan rivers. Rest in peace in heaven
John Covington
October 12, 2014
I am so sad to hear of Jan's passing. My condolences to her family. I first saw her on the Tush show, where she was outstanding - a comedic genius. I am glad a wider audience got to know her through SNL, movies and many TV appearances since. It is hard to look at her smile and not want to smile too. Jan, you will be missed; thanks for sharing your talents with us while you were here.
James Willner
October 12, 2014
May the eternal light shine upon her.....
October 12, 2014
May the God of all comfort be with you
and your family at this difficult time.
Sincere sympathy.
B Lucas
October 12, 2014
There is so much one can accomplish in a life time, to make people laugh what a nice gift. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to wail and a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 4:3) May the family and friends of Jan receive comfort from her fond memories. My most sincere condolence.
October 12, 2014
To the friends and family of Jan I am sorry for your loss please take comfort in knowing that God Cares personally for you and your family. 1 Peter 5 : 7.
Tamara M. Tolliver
October 12, 2014
THANK YOU for the laughter. Rest With God Ms. Hooks. My condolences to the family and friends of Jan Hooks.
Orlando
October 12, 2014
My sympathy to Jan's family. Jan Hooks was amazing in her performances! Talented, beautiful woman as well. She knew how to make us laugh. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort help you in your process of healing and strengthen your broken heart.
A FAN
October 12, 2014
RIP
Joanie
October 12, 2014
I hope now you truly know how much the world loved you.
Greg Bush
October 12, 2014
So shocked to hear of Jan's passing. She was so brilliant in her comedy, from her Alamo scene in Pee Wee's Big Adventure to her brilliant portrayal of Tammy Faye Baker on SNL. She will be remembered by an entire generation - my generation - We love you Jan and will greatly miss you!
Connie Force
October 11, 2014
To the Hook family sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this time let God love you.
Ray
October 11, 2014
One of the times I laughed the hardest in my life was watching Jan Hooks play Tammy Baker crying on SNL. What a great talent. You're going to be missed. RIP.
AGA
October 11, 2014
Jan, you were a beautiful woman. I would have liked to know you, but I was just a kid. Your candle burned out long before your legend ever did. RIP
Eric Jahnke
October 11, 2014
R.I.P.
Lisa Tygrett
October 11, 2014
"Ding! Ding! Ding! Went the trolley!'
Jeff DiGeronimo
October 11, 2014
Thank you Jan for the gift of laughter. May you rest peacefully in the Arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jerus Christ.
Dan Scott
October 11, 2014
Jan,
You were so talented and hysterically funny! I followed your career since your days on the Bill Tush show. Thank you for the laughter my darling!
SHELLEI SISK-RIMMER
October 11, 2014
THANK YOU FOR THE LAUGHS, OUR THOUGHTS & OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY.
estelle
October 11, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the entire family and friends. Losing a loved one in death is very difficult. May the God of Comfort and Peace be with all of you during this time now and in the future. Be strengthened by knowing that you are never alone. (Numbers 6:24-26)
Nancy Williams/Allen
October 11, 2014
Jan is my cousin, but I have not seen her any of her family in years. Rest in peace. My well wishes for the immediate family.
October 11, 2014
My condolences to Jan's family. Another light that was darkened too soon.
GB in Colonie,NY
Lisa Baribault
October 11, 2014
To the Hooks' Family, my thoughts & prayers to you all. It's such a shame that another great funny person has passed. Such a talent. All the great SNL characters, 30 Rock, etc. Lastly, I loved her on Designing Woman, I bet Charlene is missing her sister Carlene, but is doing both keeping Julia & Anthony company while driving them crazy. Along with all the other SNL greats who have since passed, you are also with Robin & Joan. Heaven is really laughing now. Love you Jan, you'll be missed.
Danielle Kolick
October 11, 2014
Rest in eternal peace Jan
Ed Hooks
October 11, 2014
So proud to call Jan my cousin.I have followed
her career through the years. Rest in peace Jan.
Ed Hooks. Austell Ga.
K Mills
October 11, 2014
Please accept our condolences for your loss. We will miss Jan's wit and her ability to make us laugh. As you greive may you find comfort & strength from God's word. [Isaiah 12:2]
October 11, 2014
My condolences to the family, God is close to the broken hearted, may the family find comfort in him.
October 11, 2014
You shared your kindness through humor. I thank you.
Sally M Turner
October 11, 2014
May the peace of Christ be with your friends and family members. Thank you for all the laughter you gave us. Sally M. Turner, Goose Creek (Charleston), SC
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