HOT GALLERY: Check Out Jane Lynch Before She Was Sue Sylvester!

Jane Lynch as Carol Brady in The Real Live Brady Bunch (1991)

Jane played a campy version of the already campy Carol Brady in this long-running off-Broadway hit from the early '90s. The New York Times wasn't a fan, but that didn't stop Geraldo Rivera from putting the faux Bradys on his show. Keep watching after Jane is introduced to see a bewigged Andy Richter, paying his dues before settling in as Conan's sidekick.

Jane Lynch as Greta in Married...with Children (1994)

Once again, Lynch does a lot with a small role on this early Fox hit. (Remember when everyone thought a fourth network was a terrible idea?) In a better world, "You must walk my winky" would have become a worldwide catchphrase.

Jane Lynch as Carol in NewsRadio (1995)

According to Jane Lynch fan site HerNameIsJaneLynch.com, this role was an example of the actress being willing to do "anything for a steak and a buck fifty." She plays a secretary with shoulder pads. Hey, there are worse ways to make a living.

Jane Lynch as Cynthia in Frasier (1996)

Lynch's upper-crust private-school mom isn't as uptight as Lilith, but that's like saying she's shorter than Shaquille O'Neal. She gets a couple of moments to shine in this popular episode of Kelsey Grammer's hit spin-off.

Jane Lynch as Christy Cummings in Best in Show (2000)

In a truly just world, Best in Show would have made Lynch a superstar. She is so brilliant as dog trainer Christy Cummings that choosing one moment is almost unfair. That said, here's a really good one. If you'll excuse us, we have to go watch the entire movie now.

Jane Lynch as Dr. Linda Freeman in Two and a Half Men (2004-2010)

With the departure of Charlie Sheen, we imagine that Lynch's recurring role as resident headshrinker will disappear as well. Which is too bad, because she's really funny as a therapist.

Jane Lynch as Mrs. Anne T. Lokensgard in The X-Files (2001)

While Ms. Lynch has become a comedic force to be reckoned with, her uber-creepy turn on the always excellent X-Files makes us think she could take a turn at other terrifying roles. Then again, Sue Sylvester scares us sometimes.

Jane Lynch as Professor Carnes in Felicity (2001)

You know something? If Jane Lynch was your professor, you'd listen to every word she said. And take notes. In this scene from the episode "Ben Don't Leave," she's actually pretty darn nice to Felicity. Guess she can play non-mean roles. Not as much fun to watch, though.

Jane Lynch as Ellen in Friends (2004)

While it wouldn't be fair to call Friends a modern-day Love Boat, they did have an awful lot of well-known guest stars during their 10-season run on NBC. Add Lynch to the list; she played a real estate agent selling a house to—Oh! My! God!—Janice.

Jane Lynch as Maxine Bennett in Desperate Housewives (2006)

Housewives has played host to many talented actors who, like our Jane, began their careers as creatures of theater, including Roger Bart and Lesley Ann Warren. Lynch was a howl on Housewives; watch as Bree wonders how anyone can pull off such an amazing meal without any help. Watch it until the end; it's only two minutes. You can thank us later.

Jane Lynch as Diana Reid in Criminal Minds (2006-2008)

Jane Lynch in Criminal Minds

Lynch had a recurring role on the CBS drama as Diana Reid, the paranoid schizophrenic mom of Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler). Diana is brilliant but, you know, schizophrenic, so she lives in Bennington Sanitarium. Fave line: "It helps if they think you're crazy. They don't argue."