6 Questions With ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s’ Jane Krakowski: Emmy Contender Quickie

No one can accuse Jane Krakowski of lacking range.

On her new Netflix sitcom “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” the 46-year-old actress plays the age-appropriate Jacqueline Voorhees — but also the 14-year-old version of the character in flashbacks.

Krakowski is no stranger to the race for Supporting Actress – Comedy. She was nominated four times for her role as Jenna Maroney on the critically beloved “30 Rock,” but hasn’t been called to the ultimate podium yet.

After re-teaming with Tina Fey and Robert Carlock for “Kimmy Schmidt,” perhaps this is Krakowski’s year. And if not, she’s perfectly happy just being invited as part of the ensemble.

Read TheWrap‘s phone conversation with Krakowski:

TheWrap: What was the toughest thing you had to do this season?
Krakowski: It’s not the toughest, but it was the most surprising that I got to play my 14-year-old version of self in my flashbacks and through my childhood years. When I read that and it said, “Jacqueline at 14, played by Jane Krakowski,” I was like, “Yes! Only in the world that Tina Fey and Robert Carlock create could I at 46 play my 14-year-old self.”

What was the most fun thing you got to do this season?
I would say it’s the same. There was so many great moments — it’s hard to pinpoint one — because every episode I would get, I would be like, “Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe this. This is so awesome.”

One of the joys of working with Tina and Robert — and I felt this through the seven years of “30 Rock” as well — they write such amazing characters. I feel like they write these characters and they want you to dance like no ones watching within them.

Let’s assume that somebody has never seen your show. What would you say to persuade them to watch it?
“Doesn’t Netflix have like a 29-day free trial …?”

“Come for ‘Kimmy’ and subscribe for the rest!”

Who else on your show really deserves an Emmy, and why?
That’s such a hard question. Everybody is incredibly inspired in what they do. I really do hope that Ellie and Tituss [Burgess] will be recognized.

And I’m going to say [songwriter/composer and Fey’s husband] Jeff Richmond, because I think he has given everyone such musical joy — not only in “Kimmy” with “Pinot Noir” as the theme song — but also everything from “Muffin Top” and “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah” at “30 Rock.” It’s long-deserved that he be recognized for the musical joys he has given us.

I hope the show gets recognized because that means we all get to go!

Are you a binge-watcher, or a once-a-weeker?
I’ve become a binge-watcher, but out of necessity because I’m a mom to a 4-year-old. So I can only watch the shows that I’m longing to see at very unusual times.

If nominated, which episode would you submit and why?
I feel like we’re putting the cart before the horse. I only hope we all get to make that choice!