Alyson Hannigan was born in Washington, D.C, but grew up in Atlanta, Georgia with her mother after the divorce of her parents.
Hannigan's father is of Irish descent,[1] indicating what are likely some Catholic roots.
Her mother is Jewish, the granddaughter of Russian Jewish immigrants.[2] And given that she grew up with her mother, it would stand to reason that she would identify more as Jewish. However, when asked about growing up between two religions, she replied:
[It] wasn't that big of a thing. Neither [parent] was all that religious.[3]
All-in-all, despite some heritage, Hannigan appears to be generally non-religious.
Character Politics
Hannigan is reported to have attended a reception at Gwen Stefani's house in which Michelle Obama attended. Funds raised at the events went to the Obama Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee of Obama for America, the Democratic National Committee and numerous state Democratic parties.[4] Plus, she was caught by paparazzi waving excitedly at Obama's motorcade as he drove by in Los Angeles.[5] So, Democrat?
Her characters are often known for their lack of sexual inhibitions, possibly a sign that Hannigan leans slightly left in terms of social convention.
Alyson is renowned for her role as the popular Wiccan Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in which her character had a long-term lesbian relationship with a fellow Wiccan named Tara. When questioned about this particular storyline Alyson replied:
I was so grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful relationship, the people that it's touched that I've met … it's such a gift to have been able to do that.[6]
Even before this, in 1999, the show was labelled "the most gay show on TV" by the Boston Herald.
Furthermore, when asked if she had a lesbian following because of her role she replied:
Well, I mean I hope so. Yeah, I hope. I would feel like a failure if I didn't.[7]
If this isn't being comfortable with the LGBTQ+ community I don't know what is.
Of course, there's her promiscuous flutist character in American Pie as well, and many speculate that there was a running lesbian theme between her character 'Lilly' and 'Robin' in the show, How I Met Your Mother.
Overall, she seems to be willing to push the frontier of sexual politics.
Written by "Blaire"
Loading comments...