Jane Frances Kaczmarek (; born December 21, 1955) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Malcolm's mother Lois on the Fox television sitcom Malcolm in the Middle (2000—2006), which earned her three Golden Globe nominations and seven Primetime Emmy nominations. She also appeared as Linda in Equal Justice (1990—1991), Judge Trudy in Raising the Bar (2008—2009), Ann in Falling in Love (1984), Emily in The Heavenly Kid (1985), and Gayle in 6 Balloons (2018).