Lisa Ann Walter

Lisa Ann Walter was born on 3 August 1963 in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is an accomplished American actress, comedian, and television producer, recognized for her notable performances in various film and television roles. Walter gained fame as Chessy, the housekeeper in the beloved romantic comedy film The Parent Trap (1998) and as Melissa Schemmenti in the hit ABC mockumentary sitcom Abbott Elementary (2021-present). Her work on the latter earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

Walter's career spans various genres and formats. She created and served as executive producer for the reality weight-loss competition series Dance Your Ass Off on the Oxygen network. Her experience in reality television also includes being a judge on the ABC series The Next Best Thing and winning special celebrity editions of popular game shows like The Weakest Link and Jeopardy!.

Walter's early life and education greatly influenced her career. She graduated with a theater degree from Catholic University of America in 1983. She began her journey in the entertainment industry through stand-up comedy for five years before landing her own comedy series on Fox, My Wildest Dreams (1995). She further honed her skills in sitcoms, including her own creation, Life's Work (1996-1997).

Throughout her film career, Walter appeared in various notable movies such as Bruce Almighty (2003) and Shall We Dance (2004). In 2007, she took on a supporting role in the MyNetworkTV soap opera Watch Over Me and later joined the cast of Rizzoli & Isles (2011) as a ballet coach.

In May 2011, Walter released her comic memoir titled The Best Thing About My Ass Is That It's Behind Me. She also hosted a talk show called The Fabulous Lisa Ann Walter Show on KFI radio in Los Angeles until August 2014, when she decided to focus more on her acting career.

As of 2021, Walter has been captivating audiences as Melissa Schemmenti on the critically acclaimed sitcom Abbott Elementary. She was recognized once again for her outstanding work, winning the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in early 2023.

In her personal life, Lisa Ann Walter married fellow actor Sam Baum in 1983. Together, they welcomed two children: a son named Jordan in 1988 and a daughter named Delia in 1992 before divorcing in 1999. She later had twin sons, Spencer and Simon, born on 11 October 2000.

Walter continues to make her mark in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility and talent in a range of roles, including recent appearances on various television shows. Her journey reflects her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences across generations.