Louise Lasser

**Louise Lasser** (born April 11, 1939) is an incredible American actress, television writer, performing arts teacher, and director, known best for her portrayal of the title character on the soap opera satire Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Her acting roots lie in Greenwich Village coffee shops, bars, and improv revues before landing the opportunity to understudy Barbra Streisand in a Broadway musical, I Can Get It for You Wholesale. Her career is vast and includes numerous works with Woody Allen, several significant roles in black comedy films, and even a recurring role in the HBO series Girls. A true multi-tasker, Lasser ventured into television writing and creative directing, further solidifying her role in the performing arts industry. Beyond that, academy-level institutions recognize her talent and she's held faculty positions at HB Studio and runs the Louise Lasser Acting Studio. Born and raised in New York City, Lasser had to face significant personal hardships with her family, who are connected to the publication the Everyone's Income Tax Guide series. Yet, these struggles did not deter her from carving out a successful career for herself in the creative arts.