Katherine LaNasa’s Best Roles

Katherine LaNasa has built a long and impressive career as a character actress, becoming a familiar face to audiences through her extensive work in television and film. A former ballet dancer, she brings a unique grace and presence to her roles, embodying a wide variety of characters with skill and charisma. Her journey into acting saw her transition from the world of dance to performing in numerous productions, where she quickly established herself as a versatile and reliable talent capable of tackling both comedy and drama.

Over the decades, LaNasa has appeared in dozens of popular television shows, often in memorable recurring roles that leave a lasting impression. She has a talent for playing strong, intelligent, and often cunning women, from powerful executives and sophisticated socialites to complicated romantic interests. Whether she’s in a lead role or a supporting part, LaNasa consistently delivers compelling performances that elevate the projects she is in, making her one of Hollywood’s most dependable actresses.

‘The Pitt’ (2025–)

In this medical drama, Katherine LaNasa is part of the main ensemble cast. The series is a realistic portrayal of the immense challenges faced by healthcare workers in contemporary America and takes place in a Pittsburgh hospital. The show captures the daily struggles and triumphs of doctors and nurses on the front lines of medicine.

LaNasa plays Nurse Dana Evans, an experienced and dedicated veteran nurse. Her character is an essential part of the hospital staff, navigating the high-stakes environment and providing crucial patient care alongside the doctors. The series marks a reunion of several key creative team members from the influential medical drama ‘ER’, making it a significant new entry in the genre.

‘Judging Amy’ (1999–2005)

Katherine LaNasa had a recurring role as Attorney Yvonne Dunbar in this legal and family drama series. The show centers on Amy Gray, a young lawyer who leaves New York City to become a judge in Hartford, Connecticut, while living with her opinionated mother. The series tackled various social issues through the cases presented in Amy’s family court.

As Yvonne Dunbar, LaNasa portrayed a capable and professional lawyer who frequently appeared in Judge Gray’s courtroom. Her character was involved in several legal storylines, often representing one of the parties in the complex family cases that were the focus of the show. She was a recurring figure who interacted with the main cast within the series’ legal world.

‘The Lucky Ones’ (2008)

In this road trip comedy-drama, Katherine LaNasa plays Janet. The film follows three soldiers, each dealing with their own personal issues, who find themselves sharing a ride home after returning to the United States from active duty. What should be a straightforward trip turns into an unexpected journey of self-discovery across the country.

LaNasa’s character is one of the people the soldiers meet along their eventful trip. Her interaction with them is part of a series of vignettes that make up their journey. The film explores themes of chance, friendship, and the challenges soldiers face when readjusting to civilian life, with her character contributing to the fabric of their cross-country adventure.

‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003–2015)

Katherine LaNasa appeared in a recurring role as Lydia, the girlfriend of Alan Harper. ‘Two and a Half Men’ was a popular sitcom about a hedonistic jingle writer, his uptight brother Alan, and Alan’s young son who live together in a Malibu beach house. The series was known for its adult humor and revolving cast of romantic interests for the main characters.

Lydia was introduced as one of Alan’s more serious relationships, and her character arc involved her clashing with Alan’s brother, Charlie. Their relationship was a source of comedy and conflict during her episodes, as she tried to navigate the chaotic dynamics of the Harper household. LaNasa’s character was a memorable part of Alan’s ongoing search for love.

‘Truth Be Told’ (2019–2023)

In this drama series, Katherine LaNasa plays Noa Havilland. The show stars a true-crime podcaster who reopens a murder case that she helped close years before, questioning whether she helped put an innocent man behind bars. The series delves into the consequences of public investigations and the blurry line between justice and entertainment.

LaNasa’s character, Noa, is the mother of the convicted man’s identical twin daughters, adding a complex family dynamic to the central mystery. She is a key figure in the investigation, holding secrets about the night of the murder. Her performance contributes to the suspense and emotional weight of the story as the podcaster digs deeper into the family’s past.

‘Schooled’ (2019–2020)

Katherine LaNasa had a recurring role as Dr. Yoder in ‘Schooled’, a spinoff of the popular sitcom ‘The Goldbergs’. The series is set in the 1990s and follows the faculty of William Penn Academy, including some characters who were students in the original show. It blended humor with nineties nostalgia and stories about teaching and growing up.

Dr. Yoder is a confident and sometimes intimidating figure at the school, and she develops a romantic relationship with one of the main characters, Coach Mellor. Their dynamic provided a comedic storyline that explored the challenges of workplace romance. LaNasa’s character was a fun addition to the faculty and a memorable love interest within the show.

‘Dynasty’ (2017–2022)

In the reboot of the classic 1980s soap opera, Katherine LaNasa appeared as Ada Stone. ‘Dynasty’ follows the wealthy and powerful Carrington family as they navigate love, business, and betrayal. The series is known for its high-stakes drama, extravagant fashion, and constant power struggles among its characters.

Ada Stone is a shrewd and mysterious antique dealer who becomes an antagonist to the Carrington family. She is a formidable and manipulative figure who uses her connections and knowledge to blackmail and control others. LaNasa’s character was a sophisticated villain who created significant trouble for several of the show’s main players.

‘Satisfaction’ (2014–2015)

Katherine LaNasa played a central role as Adriana in this drama series. The show explores a modern marriage at a crossroads after the husband discovers his wife has been seeing a male escort. In an unconventional turn of events, he secretly takes the escort’s place and begins to see the world from a new perspective.

Adriana is the madam who runs the escort service. She is a smart, pragmatic, and elegant businesswoman who acts as a mentor and guide to the main character as he enters this new world. LaNasa’s character is a pivotal figure in the story, controlling many of the events and offering a unique philosophical outlook on relationships and desire.

‘Three Sisters’ (2001–2002)

Katherine LaNasa starred as Bess Bernstein-Flynn Keats, one of the three titular sisters in this NBC sitcom. The series focused on the lives and close-knit relationships of three adult sisters living in the same apartment building in New York City. The show was narrated from the perspective of Bess’s husband, offering an outsider’s view on the sisters’ bond.

Bess is the middle sister, known for being responsible and somewhat high-strung, especially compared to her more carefree siblings. The show’s comedy came from the everyday interactions and relatable family situations the sisters found themselves in. LaNasa’s role was central to the series, which explored the humorous and supportive dynamics of sisterhood.

‘Deception’ (2013)

In this prime-time soap opera and mystery drama, Katherine LaNasa played Sophia Bowers. The series followed a police detective who goes undercover to investigate the murder of her childhood best friend, a wealthy socialite. To find the killer, she infiltrates the affluent and powerful Bowers family, uncovering a web of secrets and lies.

Sophia Bowers is the glamorous and manipulative mother of the murdered heiress. She is a powerful figure within the family who is protective of her family’s reputation and harbors many secrets of her own. LaNasa portrayed a classic matriarch with a hidden agenda, making her a key suspect and a formidable obstacle in the detective’s investigation.

‘Big Love’ (2006–2011)

Katherine LaNasa had a recurring role as Beverly Ford in the drama series ‘Big Love’. The show provided a look into the life of a fundamentalist Mormon family in Utah practicing polygamy. It explored the family’s struggles to maintain their lifestyle while navigating their relationships and facing scrutiny from their community and the law.

LaNasa’s character, Beverly, was a business associate of Bill Henrickson, the family patriarch. She becomes entangled in his professional life, particularly with his efforts to build a casino. Her character added another layer of complexity to Bill’s world outside of his three homes, representing the secular and business challenges he faced.

‘Future Man’ (2017–2020)

In the science-fiction comedy series ‘Future Man’, Katherine LaNasa played Athena. The show follows a janitor who, after beating a supposedly unwinnable video game, is visited by two warriors from the future. They reveal that the game was a recruitment tool, and he is now tasked with saving the world from a dystopian future.

Athena is the tough and determined mother of one of the future warriors, Tiger. She is a leader in the resistance and is deeply committed to her cause. LaNasa’s role allowed her to engage in the show’s action sequences and its unique brand of humor, portraying a character who is both a fierce fighter and a caring parent in a bizarre, time-traveling world.

‘Imposters’ (2017–2018)

Katherine LaNasa played Sally in the dark comedy series ‘Imposters’. The show revolves around a female con artist who gets her targets to fall in love with her before she robs them of everything they own. The story kicks off when three of her former victims team up to track her down and get their revenge.

Sally is a fellow con artist and a longtime associate of the main character, Maddie. She is a seasoned veteran of the game who is both a mentor and a cautionary tale. LaNasa’s character is stylish, intelligent, and dangerous, providing insight into the high-stakes world of professional grifters and the psychological toll it takes.

‘Longmire’ (2012–2017)

In the modern Western crime drama ‘Longmire’, Katherine LaNasa had a recurring role as Lizzie Ambrose. The series follows Walt Longmire, the dedicated and unflappable sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming, as he investigates major crimes within his jurisdiction, often with the help of his staff and a close friend.

Lizzie Ambrose is a wealthy and influential local woman who develops a romantic relationship with Sheriff Longmire. Their relationship is a significant subplot, complicated by the dangers of Walt’s job and his own emotional baggage. LaNasa’s character provided a look into Walt’s personal life and his attempts to find happiness outside of his demanding career.

‘Justified’ (2010–2015)

Katherine LaNasa appeared as Wynnona Hawkins in the acclaimed crime drama ‘Justified’. The series centers on Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who is reassigned to his hometown in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. There, he dispenses his own brand of justice while confronting the criminals of his past, including his estranged father.

Wynnona is Raylan’s ex-wife, a court stenographer who remarries but remains a significant presence in his life. Their relationship is complex and often turbulent, defined by their lingering feelings for each other and the dangerous nature of Raylan’s work. LaNasa’s performance captured the character’s strength, frustration, and deep connection to the show’s protagonist.

Let me know which Katherine LaNasa role you think is her most memorable in the comments.