Born Name:  Janet Vivian Hooks

Born Date:  April 23, 1957

Born Place:  Decatur, Georgia

Died Date:  October 9, 2014

Died Place:  Woodstock, New York

Occupations:  Actress, comedian

Brief Biography:  Jan Hooks was best known as a repertory player on Saturday Night Live (1986–1991) and for her roles on Designing Women and 3rd Rock from the Sun. Renowned for her incredible impression skills and character work, she was a standout performer during a "renaissance" era of SNL.

Early Life and Career:
Beginnings: She began her career with the t-he Groundlings improv troupe in Los Angeles.
Early Roles: Before SNL, she appeared in the 1985 film Pee-wee's Big Adventure.

Saturday Night Live (1986–1991):
Key Impressions: Hooks was known for her uncanny portrayals of figures including Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan, Kathie Lee Gifford, Tammy Faye Bakker, Bette Davis, and Sinead O'Connor.
Iconic Characters: She was one of the "Sweeney Sisters," a popular lounge-singer sketch with Nora Dunn.
Legacy: Her partnership with Phil Hartman was considered a highlight of her tenure.

Post-SNL and Later Work:
Designing Women: Replaced Jean Smart as Carlene Dobber for the final two seasons of the CBS sitcom.
3rd Rock from the Sun: Played the recurring role of Vicki Dubcek.
Other Roles: Appeared in films like Batman Returns and Coneheads, and provided voice work for The Simpsons.