Jane Krakowski was born in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, to Barbara Benoit, a college theater instructor, and Edward Krajkowski, a chemical engineer. Her father was of Polish descent, while her mother had French-Canadian and Scottish ancestry.
Krakowski won the 2003 Tony Award for her captivating and sultry portrayal of Carla in the Broadway musical Nine, opposite Antonio Banderas. Her performance also earned her the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award. She has also starred in the film Alfie (2004),the remake of the 1966 classic, alongside Jude Law.
In addition to her film work, Krakowski has had a successful television career, earning a Golden Globe Award nomination for her portrayal of Elaine Vassal on Ally McBeal (1997). She has also appeared in Law & Order (1990),Everwood (2002),Just a Walk in the Park (2002),and the miniseries Queen (1993).
Krakowski has also had a successful stage career, appearing in various Broadway productions including Grand Hotel, Company, Once Upon a Mattress, Tartuffe, and Starlight Express. In Los Angeles, she starred in the Mark Taper Forum production of Henceforward, earning the LA Drama Critics Award and the Dramalogue Awards, and played Mabel in the Reprise production of Mack and Mabel.
In addition to her music credits, including the original Broadway cast recordings of the shows in which she appeared, Krakowski also recorded the hit single track "You" with A/C hitman Jim Brickman on his album Lovesongs and Lullabies.
