The 1960’s

During the 1960s, after hitchhiking from Detroit, MI, to New York City’s East Village, Lily Tomlin began her career as an unforgettable waitress at Howard Johnson’s diner. In her modified Ho-Jo’s uniform, she dazzled Broadway patrons with her efficiency, humor, and charm, turning each shift into a one-of-a-kind performance. Her nightly antics captivated customers, blending sharp wit and natural comedic timing. Eventually, needing to explore new opportunities, Tomlin transitioned to the Off-Broadway stand-up comedy scene, where her talent for creating inventive characters and delivering incisive humor set her on the path to stardom.