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Alyson Hannigan

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Alyson Hannigan
Hannigan seated behind a microphone and a bottle of water
Hannigan in 2013
Born
Allison Lee Hannigan

(1974-03-24) March 24, 1974 (age 50)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Other namesAlyson Denisof
EducationCalifornia State University, Northridge (BA)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • television presenter
Years active1986–present
Spouse
​
(m. 2003)​
Children2
Signature

Allison Lee Hannigan (born March 24, 1974), known professionally as Alyson Hannigan, is an American actress and television presenter.[1] She began her film career with supporting roles in the comedy films Impure Thoughts (1986) and My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988), receiving a Young Artist Award nomination for the latter. In 1999, she began starring in the American Pie film series as Michelle Flaherty, the films' primary love interest, appearing in every film in the series from 1999 to 2012. For her role in the series, she was nominated for three Teen Choice Awards and won a Young Hollywood Award. She went on to star in the parody film Date Movie (2006), the slasher film You Might Be the Killer (2018), and the superhero film Flora & Ulysses (2021).

Hannigan got her start in television starring in the short-lived sitcom Free Spirit from 1989 to 1990, for which she earned a Young Artist Award nomination. After several minor roles in television films and other series, she appeared in her breakout role as teenage witch Willow Rosenberg in the supernatural drama series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, appearing in every episode from 1997 to 2003. Her role on the show was critically acclaimed and won her the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television and a Teen Choice Award. From 2005 to 2014, she starred as Lily Aldrin in the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, for which she won two People's Choice Awards. Hannigan hosted the television show Penn & Teller: Fool Us (2016–2023), and provided the voice of Claire Clancy in the Disney Junior animated series Fancy Nancy (2018–2022).

Early life and education

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Hannigan was born on March 24, 1974[2] in Washington, D.C., the only child of Emilie (Posner) Haas, a real-estate agent, and Alan Hannigan, a Teamsters trucker.[3][4] Her father is of Irish ancestry and her mother is Jewish.[5][6] At age four, Hannigan began appearing in commercials.[7] After spending her childhood in her mother's hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, Hannigan moved to Hollywood at age 11 after securing an agent.[4] As a teenager, Hannigan babysat for the children of her future How I Met Your Mother co-star, Bob Saget.[8]

Living with her mother and attending North Hollywood High School, she successfully auditioned for agents while visiting her father in Santa Barbara. After high school, she attended California State University, Northridge, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and earned a degree in psychology.[9][10]

Career

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1986–2004: Career beginnings and breakthrough

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Hannigan's first major film role was in My Stepmother Is an Alien, a science-fiction comedy released in 1988; one of her co-stars in the film was actor Seth Green, who later joined her in the regular cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as her on-screen boyfriend.[3] In 1989, her first regular role on a television series came when she was cast in the short-lived ABC sitcom Free Spirit.

Hannigan smiling
Hannigan at a celebration of the 100th episode of How I Met Your Mother at the Paley Centre, 2010.

In 1997, Hannigan was cast to play Willow Rosenberg, Buffy Summers' best friend, on the supernatural television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.[11] The show became a success, and Hannigan gained recognition, subsequently appearing in several films aimed at teenage audiences, including Boys and Girls (2000).[3] She had a supporting role as Michelle Flaherty in the comedy film American Pie (1999), and appeared in a much larger role in its sequels American Pie 2 (2001) and American Wedding (2003).[12] In 2017, Forbes reported that the American Pie films have grossed $989.5 million at the worldwide box office, and became a pop culture phenomenon.[13][14]

She also had a recurring guest spot on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off, Angel, reprising her role of Willow. In early 2004, Hannigan made her West End debut, starring in a stage adaptation of When Harry Met Sally... at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, opposite Luke Perry.[15]

2005–2014: Success with How I Met Your Mother

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In early 2005, she had a recurring guest role as Trina Echolls in three episodes of UPN's teen mystery series Veronica Mars. In September 2005, Hannigan returned to starring in a regular television series, taking the main role of Lily Aldrin in CBS' sitcom How I Met Your Mother.[16][5] The series followed architect Ted Mosby and his group of friends in New York City.[7] Ted recounts to his children the events that led him to meet their mother. Hannigan's character Lily was a kindergarten teacher and amateur painter, who eventually married lawyer Marshall Eriksen, portrayed by Jason Segel. Hannigan won the People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Comedy Actress in 2010. Known for its unique structure, humor, and incorporation of dramatic elements, How I Met Your Mother was popular throughout its run.[9] The series ran for nine seasons and the one-hour series finale aired on March 31, 2014.[11]

In February 2006, she starred as Julia Jones in Date Movie, a parody of romantic comedies.[3] She was also a guest star on the ABC animated sitcom The Goode Family in 2009.[17]

Hannigan joined forces with Emily Deschanel, Jaime King, Minka Kelly, and Katharine McPhee in a "video slumber party" featured on FunnyorDie.com to promote regular breast cancer screenings for the organization Stand Up 2 Cancer.[18] Hannigan reprised the role of Michelle in the comedy film American Reunion (2012).[19] The film followed the friends attending a high school reunion thirteen years after graduating from high school. The film was a success at the box office, and grossed $235 million worldwide.[20] For her role in the film, she was nominated for Choice Movie Actress: Romantic Comedy award at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards.

2015–present: Television hosting

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Hannigan hosted the television series Penn & Teller: Fool Us from 2016 to 2023.[21] Hannigan played Ann Possible, Kim's mother, in the Disney Channel original film Kim Possible (2019), based on the animated series.[22] She voiced the role of Claire Nancy in Disney Junior's animated series Fancy Nancy (2018–2022). The show ran for three seasons and the series finale aired on February 18, 2022.[23]

In September 2023, Hannigan was announced as one of the contestants on season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, partnering with Sasha Farber.[24] The couple made it to the finals and finished in fifth place.[25][26]

Personal life

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Hannigan married her Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel co-star Alexis Denisof at Two Bunch Palms Resort in Desert Hot Springs, California, on October 11, 2003. The couple live in Encino, Los Angeles,[27] with their two daughters.[2][28] Their home was used as a set for This Is Us.[29]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1986 Impure Thoughts Patty Stubbs Credited as Allison Hannigan[30]
1988 My Stepmother Is an Alien Jessie Mills
1998 Dead Man on Campus Lucy
1999 Hayley Wagner, Star Jenna Jakes[31]
1999 American Pie Michelle Flaherty
2000 Boys and Girls Betty
2001 Beyond the City Limits Lexi
2001 American Pie 2 Michelle Flaherty
2003 American Wedding
2006 Date Movie Julia Jones
2006 Farce of the Penguins Hottie Penguin Voice
2011 Love, Wedding, Marriage Courtney
2012 American Reunion Michelle Levenstein
2016 Do You Take This Man Rachael
2018 You Might Be the Killer Chuck
2021 Flora & Ulysses Phyllis Buckman

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1989–1990 Free Spirit Jessie Harper Main role, 14 episodes
1990 Roseanne Jan Episode: "Like, a New Job"
1991 Switched at Birth Gina Twigg (Age 13–16) Television film
1993 Almost Home Samantha 2 episodes
1994 Touched by an Angel Cassie Peters Episode: "Cassie's Choice"
1995 The Stranger Beside Me Dana Television film
1996 For My Daughter's Honor Kelly Television film
Picket Fences Peggy Patterson Episode: "To Forgive Is Divine"
1997–2003 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Willow Rosenberg Main role, 144 episodes
1999–2000 100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd Gigi Voice, 3 episodes
2000 The Wild Thornberrys Gerda Voice, episode: "Every Little Bit Alps"
2001–2003 Angel Willow Rosenberg 3 episodes
2002–2003 Rugrats Cynthia P.I. Voice, 2 episodes
Young Starlet Voice, 1 episode
2004 That '70s Show Suzy Simpson 2 episodes
King of the Hill Stacey Gibson Voice, episode: "Talking Shop"
2005 Veronica Mars Trina Echolls 3 episodes
2005–2014 How I Met Your Mother Lily Aldrin Main role, 206 episodes
2009 The Goode Family Michelle Voice, episode: "Graffiti in Greenville"
2010 Food Network Challenge Herself Host; Episode: "Outrageous Pumpkins 2"
2011 The Simpsons Melody Voice, episode: "Flaming Moe"
2011, 2018 Robot Chicken Various voices 2 episodes
2011; 2013; 2023 American Dad! Chelsea Voice, episode: "Virtual In-Stanity"
Ugly Stepsister #2 Voice, episode: "Finger Lenting Good"
Lexie Voice, episode: "Cow I Met Your Moo-ther"
2014 Sofia the First Winter Voice, episode: "Winter's Gift"
The McCarthys Pam Episode: "Red Sox Swap"
2016–2023 Penn & Teller: Fool Us Herself Host, 103 episodes[32]
2018–2022 Fancy Nancy Claire Clancy Voice, main role (57 episodes)
2019 Kim Possible Ann Possible Television film
Pure Esther Dunkel 2 episodes
Abducted: The Mary Stauffer Story Mary Stauffer Television film[33]
2020–2021 Outrageous Pumpkins Herself Host, 8 episodes
2020 Girl Scout Cookie Championship Host, 4 episodes
Outmatched Annabeth Episode: "Couple's Friends"
2021 Martha Gets Down and Dirty Herself Episode: "House Planting Party"[34]
Adorableness Panelist[35]
2023 Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. Dawn Episode: "Message from the Chief"
Office Race Pat Comedy Central original television film
Dancing with the Stars Contestant Contestant on season 32; 11 episodes[36]
2024 Beat Bobby Flay Episode: "Sweet Defeat"

Stage

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Year Title Role Theatre
2004 When Harry Met Sally... Sally Albright Theatre Royal Haymarket

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result
1989 Young Artist Award Best Young Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Fantasy My Stepmother Is an Alien Nominated
1990 Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series Free Spirit Nominated
2000 Young Hollywood Awards Best Ensemble Cast American Pie Won
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Sidekick Buffy the Vampire Slayer Nominated
2001 Saturn Awards Best Supporting Actress on Television Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Sidekick Nominated
2002 Saturn Awards Best Supporting Actress on Television Won
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Sidekick Won
2003 Saturn Awards Best Supporting Actress on Television Nominated
Satellite Awards Best Supporting Actress – Television Series Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Sidekick Nominated
2004 Choice Movie Actress – Comedy American Wedding Nominated
Choice Movie Liplock (shared with Jason Biggs) Nominated
2008 Choice TV Show – Comedy How I Met Your Mother Nominated
2009 People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actress Won
2010 Favorite TV Comedy Actress Nominated
2012 Teen Choice Awards Choice Movie Actress: Romantic ComedyChoice Movie Actress – Comedy Comedy American Reunion Nominated
2014 People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Gal Pals (shared with Cobie Smulders) How I Met Your Mother Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Alyson Hannigan". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Wihlborg, Ulrica (March 31, 2009). "Alyson Hannigan Welcomes a Daughter!". People. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d "How I Met Your Mother Cast: Alyson Hannigan". CBS. Archived from the original on March 31, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Former Atlantan Alyson Hannigan interview for 'How I Met Your Mother'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 21, 2009. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Berson, Elisabeth (November 13, 2013). "10 celebrities you didn't know were Jewish". St. Louis Jewish Light. Archived from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved May 21, 2018.
  6. ^ "Hollywood Now: Alyson Hannigan, Jewish Male Actors, Fall Feature". September 3, 2013. Archived from the original on September 29, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  7. ^ a b "Interview: Alyson Hannigan on American Pie". Scotland on Sunday. April 22, 2012. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  8. ^ Roy, Norman (April 26, 2012). "It's Evening in America". Vanity Fair. p. 158. Retrieved March 30, 2019.
  9. ^ a b "Alyson Hannigan profile". SuperiorPics.com. Retrieved April 18, 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  10. ^ "Alyson Hannigan biography". Biography.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  11. ^ a b "Where Are They Now? Buffy the Vampire Slayer". People. December 3, 2007. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  12. ^ "American Pie Cast Reunites After 20 Years! Watch Them Discuss the Infamous Band Camp Line". Peoplemag. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  13. ^ Thompson, Simon. "Seann William Scott Talks 'Goon' Sequel, More 'American Pie' And 'Dude, Where's My Car?'". Forbes. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Leigh, Clarissa (February 22, 2023). "Why the American Pie Movies Were So Popular and Successful". MovieWeb. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  15. ^ "When Harry Met Sally, Review by Philip Fisher (2004)". British Theatre Guide. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2010.
  16. ^ "'Veronica Mars' scoop". Chicago Tribune. January 20, 2006. Archived from the original on August 13, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  17. ^ Harrison, Stacey (July 6, 2009). ""The Goode Family" Recap: Graffiti In Greenville". Channel Guide Magazine. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018.
  18. ^ Kate Stanhope (October 1, 2009). "Deschanel, Hannigan and Others Cop a Feel for a Cause". TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 1, 2009. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
  19. ^ "Alyson Hannigan, Cobie Smulders and 'Mother'-hood". USA Today. April 15, 2012. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  20. ^ "American Reunion". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  21. ^ Abrams, Natalie (March 31, 2016). "Alyson Hannigan tapped to host Penn & Teller: Fool Us in season 3". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  22. ^ Swift, Andy (May 25, 2018). "Kim Possible Movie: Alyson Hannigan Playing Mom, 5 Other Key Roles Cast". TVLine. Archived from the original on July 24, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  23. ^ "Fancy Nancy To End After 3 Seasons On Disney Junior". Tumblr. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  24. ^ "'Dancing with the Stars': Mauricio Umansky, Jason Mraz and Alyson Hannigan Among Cast for Season 32". Peoplemag. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  25. ^ "Alyson Hannigan Says She Lost 20 Lbs. of 'Both Weight and Emotional Baggage' on Dancing with the Stars". Peoplemag. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  26. ^ "Alyson Hannigan shares before-and-after pics from 'DWTS': '20 pounds of both weight and emotional baggage'". TODAY.com. January 12, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  27. ^ "'Vampire Slayer' star Alyson Hannigan settles on contemporary lair in Encino". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  28. ^ "Alyson Hannigan Welcomes Daughter Keeva Jane!". Us Weekly. June 12, 2012. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  29. ^ "Alyson Hannigan Reveals 'This Is Us' Used Her Home As a Shooting Location". Entertainment Tonight. October 9, 2021. Archived from the original on October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  30. ^ My Stepmother is an Alien at the AFI Catalog of Feature Films
  31. ^ "Hayley Wagner, Star". Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  32. ^ "CW Press | THE CW NETWORK ANNOUNCES ITS SEVEN-NIGHT PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR 2023-2024". May 18, 2023. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  33. ^ Petski, Denise (April 3, 2019). "Lifetime Orders 2 Movies: 'Abduction Of Mary Stauffer' Starring Alyson Hannigan & 'Saving Alex'". Deadline. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  34. ^ Chubb, Hannah (June 3, 2021). "Martha Stewart Gets 'Down and Dirty' in New Show with A-List Celeb Friends". People. Archived from the original on February 19, 2023. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  35. ^ Ossad, Jordana (June 21, 2021). "MTV is About to Get a Dose of Adorableness". MTV. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  36. ^ "'Dancing With the Stars' season 32 cast revealed: Alyson Hannigan, Mira Sorvino and more". September 13, 2023. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
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