Laura Silverman, perhaps most widely recognized as the older sister of acclaimed actress and comedienne Sarah Silverman, has steadily carved out her own impressive niche in the entertainment industry. Over the years, Laura Silverman has built a solid and diverse resume across both television and film, showcasing her range and dedication to her craft. Her big break came in 1995 when she lent her voice to the character Laura the Receptionist on the popular animated series Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist—a role that helped put Laura Silverman on the map. Not long after gaining attention from that show, Laura Silverman began landing roles in feature films, expanding her presence beyond animation.
In 1998, she took on the memorable part of Jan, the laid-back stoner girlfriend of Jim Breuer’s character, in the cult classic comedy Half Baked. This role further cemented Laura Silverman’s ability to bring humor and authenticity to her performances. As the new millennium rolled in, Laura Silverman remained active in the industry, making guest appearances on a variety of notable TV shows. These included the HBO hit Curb Your Enthusiasm, the beloved vampire drama Angel, and the quirky animated series Home Movies—each appearance adding depth to her growing body of work.
A significant milestone came in 2005 when Laura Silverman joined forces with her sister Sarah in the full-length concert film Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic. It was a unique collaboration that highlighted not only their real-life sibling dynamic but also their shared comedic sensibilities. Soon after, Laura Silverman took on a recurring role in the short-lived yet critically praised sitcom The Comeback, starring alongside comedic powerhouse Lisa Kudrow—a role that allowed her to shine in a more dramatic-comedic ensemble setting.
Once again teaming up with her sister in 2007, Laura Silverman became a central figure in The Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central. In this Emmy-nominated series, Laura Silverman portrayed Sarah’s fictional sister—a grounded, level-headed counterpart to Sarah’s outrageous on-screen persona. The role gave Laura Silverman ample opportunity to demonstrate her acting chops, often serving as the voice of reason amidst the show’s absurd humor. Through these collaborations and independent projects alike, Laura Silverman has proven time and again that while she may be known as Sarah Silverman’s sister, she stands firmly on her own as a talented and versatile performer.
When it comes to Laura Silverman’s filmography, one title really stands out as her highest-rated work—State and Main from 2000. It’s clear that this movie has received the most acclaim compared to her other projects. On the flip side, Laura Silverman’s lowest rated appearance is in Half Baked, which came out back in 1998. While opinions on films can vary, the general consensus tends to place State and Main at the top when discussing Laura Silverman’s career highlights. So, if you’re exploring her body of work, starting with State and Main might give you a better sense of her strengths as an actress. Of course, even in less acclaimed roles like in Half Baked, Laura Silverman still brings her unique presence to the screen. Overall, Laura Silverman has had a varied journey in film, but these two titles definitely mark the high and low points in terms of ratings.