Jane Lynch, who plays the irascible Cheerio coach Sue Sylvester on Fox’s Glee, is in discussion with the TV Academy about hosting the upcoming Emmy Awards, which are set to air on Fox on September 18, 2011.
The four major networks (CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox) rotate airing The Primetime Emmy Awards, and Fox begins an eight year contract this year. Recent years’ hosts have generally been stars associated with the network airing the Emmys that particular year.
With no late-night comedy show, Fox doesn’t have many comedy candidates, and some speculation that Mark Burnett, first-time Emmys producer, may go with a host from outside the network, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Lynch can act, sing, has an improv comedy background and, as a host, would maintain network unity. A deal with Lynch is not finalized, and there is no word on whether or not she would share the gig with one or more other co-host. The TV Academy’s board of governors, which meets on Wednesday night, must also approve of the host.
Should Lynch be chosen to host alone, she would be the third woman to ever do so. Angela Landsbury hosted solo in 1993, as did Ellen DeGeneres in 2005. All other female hosts of the Emmys have shared the stage with one or more male co-hosts.
Last year Lynch received an Emmy for outstanding actress in a supporting role for her work as Glee Club-hating cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on Glee.
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