Lisa Emery has certainly made a name for herself in the world of American entertainment, carving out a unique path that blends stage, screen, and streaming success. Early on, Lisa Emery focused on her craft in New York’s vibrant theater scene during the early 1980s, laying a solid foundation before transitioning to on-screen roles. As Lisa Emery’s career progressed, she began taking on small but notable parts in television and film, including appearances in the CBS miniseries “Doubletake” (1985) and the horror flick “Dreamaniac” (1986).
By the 1990s, Lisa Emery was steadily building her resume with recurring and guest roles across various projects. She appeared on the long-running soap opera “As the World Turns,” showcased her comedic timing in the indie film “How to Be Louise” (1990), and took part in series like “H.E.L.P.” (ABC, 1990) and “Class of ‘96” (FOX, 1993). These opportunities helped elevate her profile, eventually leading to roles in higher-profile films such as “Wolf” (1994), “In & Out” (1997), and the beloved HBO series “Sex and the City” (1998–2004).
Thanks in part to her strong background in theater—where Lisa Emery had originated several roles—she transitioned smoothly into more prominent screen work. Public television audiences got to see Lisa Emery shine in the filmed version of the Off-Broadway play “Far East” (2001), a role she first brought to life on stage. She followed that up with another standout performance in the PBS production of Clare Boothe Luce’s “The Women” (2002), sharing the screen with stars like Cynthia Nixon and Jennifer Coolidge.
Throughout the 2000s and into the next decade, Lisa Emery remained a familiar face on TV, appearing in multiple episodes of “Law & Order,” a recurring role on “Ed” (NBC, 2000–04), and later, a memorable stint on Louis C.K.’s “Louie” (FX, 2010–15). On the big screen, she shared scenes with Tina Fey and Paul Rudd in the comedy “Admission” (2013), further showcasing her range.
But it was Lisa Emery’s turn as Louise Thompson—the deeply troubled mother of the villain Killgrave—in Netflix’s “Jessica Jones” (2015–) that truly catapulted her into the spotlight. Her chilling performance earned widespread acclaim and introduced her to a much broader audience. Not one to rest on her laurels, Lisa Emery soon stepped into another compelling role in the hit Netflix drama “Ozark” (2017–), where she portrayed the wife of Peter Mullan’s ruthless crime boss, adding yet another layered character to her already impressive repertoire.
Over the years, Lisa Emery has proven time and again that she can deliver powerful performances across genres and mediums. From her early days on the New York stage to becoming a staple in both independent and mainstream productions, Lisa Emery continues to be a force in the industry—a quietly commanding presence who brings depth and authenticity to every role she takes on.
When it comes to Lisa Emery’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Catch the Fair One (2021) as her standout performance—definitely her highest rated movie to date. It’s clear that Lisa Emery brought something truly powerful to that role, earning both acclaim and attention. On the other end of the spectrum, The Night Listener (2006) tends to come up as one of her less celebrated works, making it her lowest rated film so far. While Lisa Emery has consistently delivered solid performances throughout her career, these two titles really highlight the range in reception. Still, there’s no denying that Lisa Emery continues to be a compelling presence on screen.