Mary Jean "Lily" Tomlin (born September 1, 1939) is an American actress, writer and a comedian. She has had a large effect on American comedy since the late 1960s. Her career has involved movies, Broadway stage acts and television. She has won many awards, including an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony Award. Tomlin was born in Detroit, Michigan. She is openly lesbian and has been with her partner Jane Wagner for over 40 years.