Lizzy Caplan Bio
Elizabeth Anne Caplan (born June 30, 1982) is an American actress. Her performances as Virginia E. Johnson in the Showtime series Masters of Sex (2013–2016) and as Libby Epstein in FX on Hulu’s Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022) have earned her nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards. Caplan’s film breakthrough came with her role as Janis Ian in Mean Girls (2004). Since then, she has appeared in various TV series and films, establishing herself as a talented actress in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
Elizabeth Anne Caplan was born on June 30, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in its Miracle Mile district. Her family are Reform Jews of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. She had a Bat Mitzvah and attended Jewish summer camp. Her father, Richard Caplan, was a lawyer and her mother, Barbara (née Bragman), was a political aide. She is the youngest of three children with a brother, Benjamin, and a sister, Julie. Her mother died of cancer when she was 13 years old. Caplan attended Alexander Hamilton High School in Castle Heights, where she focused on playing the piano before deciding to pursue drama. She graduated in 2000 but did not attend college, choosing instead to focus on acting.
Path to Hollywood
Caplan began her acting career in 1999, first playing a girl named Sara in the critically acclaimed series Freaks and Geeks. Due to her performance, her character became the girlfriend of Jason Segel’s character. She then had a series of guest appearances on numerous shows, including a role in Jason Mraz’s music video “You and I Both.” In 2000, she appeared in her first film From Where I Sit, which was released straight to television. In 2001, she played Tina Greer in an episode of Smallville, and reprised her role on the show in 2003. Caplan gained wider notice for playing Janis Ian in the 2004 film Mean Girls, which became a cultural phenomenon.
Lizzy Caplan Career
Early Career (1999–2004)
Caplan’s early career included various guest roles on television, but her breakout role came with Mean Girls in 2004. Following this success, she starred in the television series Related, playing troubled sister Marjee Sorelli. In 2006, she was named one of “10 Actors to Watch” by Variety. She starred in the CBS sitcom The Class, which premiered in September 2006 and lasted for one season. In 2008, Caplan played Marlena Diamond in the film Cloverfield, earning a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Breakthrough (2013–2016)
In 2013, Caplan began playing Virginia E. Johnson on the Showtime series Masters of Sex. Her performance was well-reviewed, and she was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2014. Caplan’s portrayal of Johnson was significant as it marked her first time portraying a real person. She immersed herself in research to accurately depict the character, which included reading biographies and listening to interview tapes. Her work on the show earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lizzy Caplan’s signature work includes her role in Masters of Sex, which earned her multiple award nominations. She has also appeared in various films and television series, including her recent role in Fleishman Is in Trouble. Her performances have consistently showcased her range and depth as an actress.
Lizzy Caplan Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Lizzy Caplan has received several nominations for her performances, notably for her role in Masters of Sex, where she was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Lizzy Caplan Awards Won
While Lizzy Caplan has received numerous nominations, specific awards won are not detailed in the provided information.
Lizzy Caplan Family
Lizzy Caplan is married to British actor Tom Riley, whom she wed in September 2017. The couple has one son, born in 2021. Caplan previously dated actor Matthew Perry from 2006 until 2012.
Personal Life
Caplan became engaged to Tom Riley in May 2016 after they met while filming Now You See Me 2 in London. They made their red carpet debut as a couple at the Prague Opera Ball in February 2016. Caplan’s personal life remains relatively private, focusing on her family and career.
