Funny lady

The Smart Talk women’s lecture series kicks off Tuesday with a spoken word program featuring actress-comedienne Lily Tomlin. Tomlin became a household name after joining the cast of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In in 1969. She introduced audiences to some of her most memorable characters, including the wisecracking phone operator Ernestine and the mischievous child Edith Ann. After Laugh-In went off the air, Tomlin starred in several comedy specials, co-written with longtime collaborator Jane Wagner. Tomlin also made her silver screen debut in Robert Altman’s 1975 film Nashville. Her performance as Linnea earned her an Academy Award nomination. Tomlin made her Broadway debut in the 1977 play Appearing Nitely and starred in the critically acclaimed 1985 play The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, which was made into a film in 1991. Some of her recent work includes her appearances on the NBC political drama The West Wing. Tomlin hits the stage 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St. Tickets are $49.50-$77. Call 686-6600.