Jane Lynch Inspired by Showrunner's Mother-in-Law for Happy's Place Role

Jane Lynch has joined Happy's Place as Val, the mysterious mother of bartender Gabby. Director Pamela Fryman praised Lynch's work on the role, saying she does "something so specific as this character that is so hilarious and grounded and ridiculous," and calling every minute "great." Showrunner Kevin Abbott says the character was inspired by his late mother-in-law, Valerie.

His wife and co-creator, Julie Abbott, confirmed the connection at the table, and Abbott recalled that Lynch and family members talked and Lynch "just kind of incorporated it." Val's debut in "A New Chapter" finds her charming the bar staff and blindsiding Gabby by erupting when she hears Gabby is "trying to get pregnant," despite Gabby recently learning she cannot.

Val immediately throws herself into the idea of being a grandmother and even tells Gabby she plans to move in to support her.

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