Evelyn Harper (Holland Taylor): Now
Holland Taylor is a hugely prolific and successful actress.
She’s appeared in countless movie classics, including George of the Jungle, The Truman Show and Legally Blonde, but is probably best known for her television work, on shows like All My Children, Bosom Buddies, Kojak, The Practice, ER and Ally McBeal.
Since her work on Two and a Half Men, Taylor has appeared on shows like The Orville, Speechless and Good Behavior, but perhaps her greatest acheivment is writing and starring in the one-woman Broadway production, Ann, which is based on the life and work of former Texas governor, Ann Richards.
Judith Harper-Melnick (Marin Hinkle): Then
Judith “Judy” Harper-Melnick’s first appeareance on the show was in its very first pilot episode.
Judy is Jake’s mother and Alan’s ex-wife.
A somewhat superficial and neglectful mother, Judy’s biggest part in Alan’s life is as the recepient of his alimony payments – which he finally gets to stop paying after she marries Jake’s pediatrician. The two later divorce, after she discovers he is conducting an affair with his receptionists – but regardless of her marital status, Judy continues to be present throughout the series.