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Sophie Lennon ( Jane Lynch) is one of the most memorable characters in Prime Video ‘s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. We first meet her at the end of the first season as one of Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan)’s comedy heroes. Sophie is an example of a successful female comedian, which was rare in the era.

So when it comes to Sophie Lennon, many Marvelous Mrs. Maisel fans are wondering who she’s based on. ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ comedienne Sophie Lennon appears to be loosely based on Phyllis Diller, among other comediennes.

But toward the end of its first season, the Amazon series brings on yet another familiar face — Jane Lynch. Lynch plays Sophie Lennon, the top female comedian in New York, whom Midge is vying to perform an opening set for. The show takes place in the late 1950s, and its historical leanings are clear throughout the season.

Lynch plays Sophie Lennon, the top female comedian in New York, whom Midge is vying to perform an opening set for. The show takes place in the late 1950s, and its historical leanings are clear throughout the season.

Who is Sophie Lennon?

Submit. We first met Sophie Lennon towards the end of Season 1, when Susie managed to talk her manager Harry Drake into letting Midge open for Sophie during her show. Sophie is a major star in the comedy world, having risen to fame for her relatable, down-home humor and catchphrase: “Put that on your plate.”.

Surprisingly, when Sophie calls Susie in for a meeting at her house the next day, she reveals that she was actually impressed by Susie’s explosion, saying that she with she had a manager that was as passionate about her as Susie is about Midge. Sophie reveals that she really dreams of being a dramatic actress, but her management team will not allow …

Not only do Sophie and Harry bar Midge from working in several New York clubs, but they also send a pair of hitmen to kidnap Susie. Luckily, Susie is able to bond with the men and they spare her life, and Susie gets creative with her bookings to find new spots for Midge to perform.

Who is Sophie Lennon based on?

So, is her character based on a real-life comedian? When pinpointing an exact real-life comedian from whom Sophie Lennon’s character is inspired by, the work of Phyllis Diller, a ‘50s and ‘60s comic known for her exaggerated on-stage persona, may have served as a major source of inspiration.

Portrayed as Midge’s nemesis, Sophie Lennon is played by actress Jane Lynch. On stage, Sophie presents herself as a raunchy, self-deprecating comedian who is a lowly housewife in Queens. But in reality, she is a wealthy Upper East Side resident leading a lavish life.

But even though Sophie Lennon may not be based on one real-life comedian, it does represent one thing-.

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