Early Career and Breakthrough
Kathryn Hahn career in Hollywood didn’t happen overnight. She started with small roles in television, earning her first major recognition as the quirky, funny assistant in the hit crime procedural, Crossing Jordan (2001-2007). But her breakthrough moment came in 2004 when she starred in the comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Although it was a supporting role, it showed her impeccable comedic timing, setting the stage for many memorable performances in the coming years.
Before she was a leading lady, Hahn was a frequent scene-stealer in both comedies and dramas, earning the admiration of audiences and critics alike.
Kathryn Hahn’s Comedy Gold
Kathryn Hahn truly shined in comedy, playing memorable characters that left lasting impressions on audiences. Let’s explore some of her most iconic comedic performances:
Step Brothers (2008)
One of her most popular comedic roles came in Step Brothers, where she played Alice, a hilariously inappropriate love interest to John C. Reilly’s character. Despite the film focusing on Will Ferrell and Reilly, Hahn’s scenes are some of the most memorable, and fans still quote her lines to this day.
We’re the Millers (2013)
In this comedic hit, Hahn played a supporting but unforgettable role as Edie Fitzgerald, a conservative yet hilariously awkward tourist. Her chemistry with co-star Nick Offerman led to many laugh-out-loud moments, proving once again Hahn’s talent for stealing scenes in ensemble casts.
Bad Moms Franchise
The Bad Moms franchise, which began in 2016, showcased Hahn in a leading comedic role alongside Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell. Hahn played Carla, the rebellious, no-filter friend, and her performance was praised for its boldness and unapologetic humor. She reprised the role in A Bad Moms Christmas (2017), further cementing her comedic reputation.
Stepping Into Drama
While comedy put her on the map, Hahn also excelled in dramatic roles. Her ability to shift between emotional vulnerability and humor makes her performances truly unique.
Revolutionary Road (2008)
In this intense drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, Hahn took on a supporting role as Milly Campbell, a suburban housewife. Her nuanced performance added depth to the movie, showing her dramatic potential alongside Hollywood heavyweights.
Afternoon Delight (2013)
Afternoon Delight was a pivotal film for Hahn, as she took on a leading dramatic role for the first time. Playing a stay-at-home mom whose life takes a sharp turn after befriending a stripper, Hahn’s portrayal earned critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead.
I Know This Much Is True (2020)
Hahn delivered a deeply emotional performance in the HBO miniseries I Know This Much Is True, opposite Mark Ruffalo. Playing the estranged wife of Ruffalo’s character, Hahn showcased her dramatic range in a role that was raw, heartbreaking, and completely captivating.
The Marvelous Kathryn Hahn in the MCU
Kathryn Hahn became a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in 2021 when she played Agatha Harkness in WandaVision. Her performance as the villainous yet charming Agatha quickly became a fan favorite, stealing the spotlight in nearly every episode.
The Role of Agatha Harkness
Hahn’s portrayal of Agatha Harkness was layered with humor, wit, and mystery. The song “Agatha All Along” from WandaVision even became a viral hit, emphasizing how much fans adored her take on the character. This role showcased her ability to bring depth to even the most eccentric characters.
Upcoming Agatha-Centered Series
Following the success of WandaVision, Marvel announced an Agatha-centered spin-off, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, set to explore more of Hahn’s character in the mystical world of the MCU. Fans are eagerly awaiting this new series, which will give Hahn a leading role in the Marvel universe.
Kathryn Hahn on Television
Hahn has not only been a force in movies but has also made a significant mark on television. Some of her most acclaimed work comes from her roles on small-screen projects.
Transparent (2014-2019)
Hahn appeared as Rabbi Raquel Fein in Transparent, a groundbreaking series about a transgender woman and her family. Her role as a loving, but conflicted rabbi won her praise for its emotional complexity, earning her nominations for prestigious awards.
I Love Dick (2016-2017)
In this Amazon series, Hahn played the lead role of Chris Kraus, a woman obsessed with a man named Dick (played by Kevin Bacon). The show was bold and unconventional, and Hahn’s performance was hailed as a career-best.
Mrs. Fletcher (2019)
Hahn took the lead in Mrs. Fletcher, an HBO series about a single mother exploring her sexual identity after her son leaves for college. Her performance was relatable, funny, and deeply touching, further proving her skill at tackling complex characters.
Best Movies Featuring Kathryn Hahn
If you’re looking to dive into more of Kathryn Hahn’s filmography, here are some of her best movies that showcase her talent:
| Movie Title | Year | Genre | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step Brothers | 2008 | Comedy | Alice Huff |
| Afternoon Delight | 2013 | Drama/Comedy | Rachel |
| We’re the Millers | 2013 | Comedy | Edie Fitzgerald |
| The Secret Life of Walter Mitty | 2013 | Adventure/Comedy | Odessa Mitty |
| This Is Where I Leave You | 2014 | Comedy/Drama | Alice Altman |
| Bad Moms | 2016 | Comedy | Carla Dunkler |
| A Bad Moms Christmas | 2017 | Comedy | Carla Dunkler |
| Private Life | 2018 | Drama/Comedy | Rachel Biegler |
| WandaVision (TV series) | 2021 | Fantasy/Drama | Agatha Harkness |
| The Shrink Next Door (TV series) | 2021 | Drama/Comedy | Phyllis Shapiro |
| Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery | 2022 | Mystery/Comedy | Claire Debella |
| Tiny Beautiful Things (TV series) | 2023 | Drama | Clare Pierce |
What’s Next for Kathryn Hahn?
With upcoming projects like Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, Hahn shows no signs of slowing down. Her recent projects, including Tiny Beautiful Things, have kept her busy, and fans are eagerly anticipating what new roles she’ll take on next.
Key Takeaways
- Kathryn Hahn has proven her versatility across comedy and drama in both movies and TV.
- Her breakout role in Anchorman led to more prominent comedic roles in films like Step Brothers and Bad Moms.
- Hahn has also excelled in dramatic performances in Afternoon Delight, Revolutionary Road, and I Know This Much Is True.
- Her role as Agatha Harkness in WandaVision made her a fan-favorite in the MCU, leading to a spin-off series.
FAQs
What is Kathryn Hahn’s most famous role?
Her role as Agatha Harkness in WandaVision is one of her most famous, as it introduced her to a global audience within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
How did Kathryn Hahn get into acting?
Hahn studied theater at Northwestern University and went on to earn a master’s degree in Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama, which helped her break into the industry.
What are Kathryn Hahn’s upcoming projects?
Hahn is set to star in the upcoming Marvel series Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, a spin-off from WandaVision.
Has Kathryn Hahn won any awards?
While Hahn has been nominated for several awards, including Emmy nominations, she has not yet won any major awards but continues to earn critical acclaim.
What makes Kathryn Hahn stand out as an actress?
Hahn’s ability to balance comedy with emotional depth makes her stand out. She can shift from hilarious to heart-wrenching with ease, which is a rare skill in Hollywood.