Watch: Allison Janney Takes Over Actual White House Press Conference as ‘West Wing’s’ CJ Cregg
What Could Be Better Than a Surprise Visit From ‘Former’ White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg?
Allison Janney, who played the beloved C.J. Cregg from 1999 to 2006 on TV’s “The West Wing” took back her old podium and old role Friday afternoon at an actual White House press conference. Actual White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest was a good sport and played along.
“Josh is out today, he has, I believe it’s a root canal,” Janney quipped – a reference to Season 1 when C.J. had a root canal and “Josh Lyman” (not Josh Earnest) did a terrible job covering for her.
“But let’s be honest, I’m better at this than he is anyway,” Janney told her very happy audience.
She also told the White House press corps that the President (Obama, not Bartlet) is still working on his speech for Saturday’s White House Correspondent’s Dinner (which is Saturday), and insisted he will be very funny.
“It is Friday,” she continued, “which means that at half past 5, I will be performing ‘The Jackal’ in my office for anyone who is interested, or remembers or cares.”
For those who do.
Janney’s real mission, however, was to spread the word and garner support for those working to help combat opioid addiction.
“This is a disease that can touch anybody, and all of us can help reduce drug abuse through evidence-based treatment, prevention and recovery. Research shows it works, and courageous Americans show it works every day,” Janney told her audience.
And she did take a question from the audience.
CBS News’ Mark Knoller asked, “Who is President Bartlet supporting in the Democratic primary?”
“I think you know the answer to that question,” Janney shot back.
Watch:
.@AllisonBJanney
AKA CJ Cregg
AKA Bonnie on @MomCBS
drops by the White House press briefing. https://t.co/TK4NJ7TEyM— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 29, 2016
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Image: Screenshot via The White House/TwitterÂ
Hat tip: NPR
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