In addition to her duties as Sue Sylvester on “Glee,” Jane Lynch is hosting NBC’s new game show, “Hollywood Game Night” – and she’s loving every minute of it.
“It is a dream job,” Jane told Access Hollywood Live’s Kit Hoover and guest co-host Michelle Beadle on Thursday, of the NBC show (premiering Thursday) which pairs stars with non-celebrity contestants. “The great thing about it is they pick these very funny people who mix in very easily with the celebrities and at the end of the first round you don’t know who’s the celebrity and who’s the normie.”
Inspired by real life game nights hosted by actor/producer Sean Hayes, the group plays multiple showbiz-themed games (Name That Tune, Celebrity Charades, etc.) in a bid to win a cash prize.
“We end every episode with a rousing rendition of Celebrity – it’s my absolute favorite,” Jane said, adding that she had been to many a game night at Sean’s house prior to the inception of the show.
Contestants, both celebrity and civilian alike, seem to be having a ton of carefree fun in the previews for the new series, which prompted Michelle and Kit to ask if the participants may be a tad tipsy during filming.
“Yeah, we keep everybody real lubricated!” the actress admitted, laughing. “It’s real alcohol in those glasses! It’s a game night, like at Sean Hayes’ house, or your friend’s house, where you’re drinkin’ up, you’re getting a little tanked and the reference level is pretty low – all you have to do is have watched Access Hollywood or [read] People magazine in order to know the answers.”
Kristen Bell, Fred Armisen, Alyson Hannigan, Matthew Perry, Jason Sudeikis and Maya Rudolph are among and the many celebs who compete on the show, and Jane spilled the beans on which star she’d like to have on her team (and a “Friend” she’d like to avoid!).
“Jason Sudeikis is brilliant and Sean Hayes is fantastic,” she said. “Matt Perry was kinda cranky, so he was entertaining in that regard, but not the best player! And he’d be the first to admit it.”
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Jane also discussed her current stint on Broadway, where she’s playing Miss Hannigan in “Annie.”
“I haven’t been on stage in about 20 years and I’ve totally reignited that fire,” Jane said, when asked if she’s enjoying her time on the Great White Way. “I remember why I wanted to be in this wacky business to begin with. I love it. I’m adoring it. I’m flying high.”
Adding, “I will be back, if they will have me.”
“Hollywood Game Night” – which offers contestants a chance to win $25,000 while their celebrity partners gets $25,000 to donate to charity – premieres tonight, Thursday, at 10 PM on NBC.
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