Entertainment
11 Women in Television Who Killed It In 2014 & Totally Inspired Us In The Process
It was a big year for television, more specifically, women in television; 2014 proved to be a year for women to take on some really killer roles on television. From new shows like How to Get Away With Murder — why can’t it be back on air already?! — to shows that have been on air for a while, like Parks and Recreation, there is no doubt that the women who lead these shows are forces to be reckoned with.
Obviously, there are so many talented and inspiring women who killed it in TV in 2014 that not everyone could make the list. There’s got to be some exclusivity, right? Clearly it’s a good thing that we have so many wonderful women to pick from. Here is a comprehensive list of 11 women who killed undisputably killed it on TV in 2014.
Gina Rodriguez in 'Jane the Virgin'
Jane the Virgin is Rodriguez’s first lead role in a television show, let that sink in. The Jane the Virgin star has done so well in her role in the CW show — where she plays a young woman who gets accidentally artificially inseminated — that she is currently nominated for a Golden Globe.
Tatiana Maslany in 'Orphan Black'
Can we just talk about the fact that she plays every single clone? It’s something that I, as a viewer, forget almost each episode, which just proves how much of a chameleon Maslany can be in each clone’s role. How she has been snubbed for so many awards is a life question.
Viola Davis in 'How to Get Away With Murder'
(Please read as “HOW to get aWAY with MURder.”) Viola Davis is the professor you always dreamed about having in your college experience… or maybe not, since that means you would be involved in a messy murder case. Oscar-nominated Davis’ Annalise Keating is such a kickass female character on TV, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a resurgence in law school applicants because of her.
Anna Gunn in 'Gracepoint'
Maybe FOX’s Gracepoint wasn’t the biggest hit the network has had this year, but nonetheless, Gunn’s performance — especially in the final episode — was incredible, much like her role in Breaking Bad. Speaking of, Gunn won the Emmy for her role in the AMC drama in 2014.
Casey Wilson in 'Marry Me'
From Saturday Night Live to Happy Endings to the now present Marry Me, which premiered in 2014’s fall season, Wilson has been involved in some incredible projects. Her comedic timing alone is incredible, but when put with other actors (like Ken Marino, her fictional husband in Marry Me), Wilson lights up on screen.
Jessica Lange in 'American Horror Story'
Sure, Lange has been killing it on television (more specifically AHS) for years, but damn, she has really nailed the character of Elsa Mars. As a failed Freak Show performer, Elsa Mars reeks of desperation and evilness, yet something about Lange’s performance makes you still feel for her.
Amy Poehler in 'Parks and Recreation'
The last season of Parks and Recreation might not begin until 2015, but Amy Poehler is kicking ass and taking names as Leslie Knope on the NBC show (and if we’re going to split hairs, she did write a kick ass book this year). She proves that passion and diligence as a powerful, in-charge woman, doesn’t mean bossy, but instead (as Donna Meagle put it) #BossBitch.
Ruth Wilson in 'The Affair'
If you don’t watch this Showtime series, get ready to binge because it is just as addictive as the two main characters find each other. Golden Globe nominated Wilson, who plays Alison, has lifted the level of complexity on television with The Affair, paving the way for future he-said, she-said stories.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus in 'Veep'
How JLD lucked out to doing both Seinfeld and Veep is beyond me, since both roles — while so different — are portrayed so seamlessly by this lovable comedienne. She won the Emmy for her role in Veep, which you probably remember because of her makeout session with Breaking Bad ’s Bryan Cranston.
Mindy Kaling in 'The Mindy Project'
Kaling wears many hats on The Mindy Project, all of which look great on her. From holding the titles actor, writer, executive producer, and showrunner, Kaling has fans asking what can’t she do? She’s not only someone you want to be friends with for her personality, but also because she is an extremely inspiring worker.
Lizzy Caplan in 'Masters of Sex'
Although the first season of Masters of Sex aired in late 2013, Caplan was recognized for her role at the 2014 Emmys. Sure, she didn’t win, but her talent as Virginia Johnson didn’t go unnoticed. Gone are her Janice Ian days; Caplan is killing it on TV.
