Whether you know her as Ernestine the Telephone Operator, Violet Newstead, or Frankie Bergstein, we all recognize the incomparable Lily Tomlin as a powerhouse performer. Tomlin began her career in stand-up and sketch comedy while also showcasing her theatrical talents in Off-Broadway productions. A turning point came when she joined the hit series Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, where she met the legendary George Schlatter. Recently, Tomlin and Schlatter reunited at the premiere of his feature documentary, “Sock It To Me” The Legend of George Schlatter at the Beverly Hills Film Festival.

Tomlin spoke warmly about her longtime friend, saying, “I love George. It’s been so many years. He gave me the biggest break of my life.”

Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In may have launched Tomlin’s career, but it was only the beginning of a decades-long, awe-inspiring journey in the entertainment industry. Since then, she has showcased her unparalleled talent in acclaimed projects including 9 to 5, Nashville, The Late Show, Grace and Frankie, and 80 for Brady, among many others. She has also lent her voice to the beloved Ms. Frizzle in The Magic School Bus, as well as Aunt May in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Her extraordinary work has earned her numerous well-deserved accolades, including seven Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, and an Academy Award nomination. Tomlin has helped redefine comedy and has made a lasting impact on audiences around the world.

I had the honor of interviewing the iconic Lily Tomlin at the 2026 Beverly Hills Film Festival, where she shared what it meant to attend the event in support of George Schlatter’s documentary, “Sock It To Me” The Legend of George Schlatter. She also reflected on something she learned from Schlatter—hear what she had to say in our VIPAccessEXCLUSIVE interview below.

To learn more about “Sock It To Me” The Legend of George Schlatter, visit here.

For more on the 2026 Beverly Hills Film Festival, visit here.