C. J. Cregg
By Hypable Staff Writer: Marama Whyte
Press Secretary/Chief of Staff: When appreciating characters, you simply can’t go past the infectious laughter and emotional depth that Allison Janney brought to C.J. “The Jackal” Cregg. But it was more than being funny and making us cry; Claudia Jean truly was the heart of The West Wing. Her compassion and passion was evident in everything she did, whether she was defending the President to hostile journalists, choosing a Thanksgiving turkey to pardon, or sacrificing her romantic happiness in order to not compromise her own journalistic ethics. She could hold her own in any situation, and was frequently the lone female voice in a male dominated workplace. C.J. didn’t always get it right, but she did always make you care.
Favorite Quote: “There were 36 homicides last night. 480 sexual assaults. 3411 robberies. 3685 aggravated assaults, all at gun point. And if anyone thinks those crimes could have been prevented if the victims themselves had been carrying guns, I only remind you that the President of the United States was shot last night while surrounded by the best-trained armed guards in the history of the world.” C.J.Cregg – facing the media after the President is shot. C.J. puts things in perspective for the White House Press Corps in one of her most important, and most memorable, press conferences.
Favorite Scene/Episode: In season 1, episode 18, C. J. wins the entire show with her lip syncing of “The Jackal.” Interestingly, this was added into the episode after Aaron Sorkin discovered that Allison Janney could lip sync the entire song.
Favorite Guest Star: Recurring guest star Emily Procter as Ainsley Hayes, amazing for being feminist and fabulous, unflinchingly standing up for her own (unpopular, at least in that building) beliefs, and never saying no to a cupcake.
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