Actress
Film
Rachel Harris first caught the attention of audiences while working as a correspondent on the comedy-news program *The Daily Show* (Comedy Central, 1996–), where she was featured from 2002 to 2003. Born in Worthington, Ohio in 1968, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Otterbein College in 1989. After graduation, she made her way to Los Angeles, where she quickly became part of the renowned Groundlings comedy troupe. While performing with the group, she also took on the role of instructor for new members, all while auditioning for television and film roles.
Her first on-screen appearance came in 1993 with a guest spot on the series *SeaQuest 2032* (NBC, 1993–96). Over the next few years, Harris steadily built her resume, with a small role in *The Disappearance of Kevin Johnson* (1996), a recurring part as Simone on the family sitcom *Sister, Sister* (ABC, 1994–99), and a memorable cameo in Christopher Guest’s *Best in Show* (2000). However, it was her time on *The Daily Show* that really brought her into the spotlight, thanks to her sharp comedic timing and engaging presence.
Following her stint on the show, Rachel Harris continued to stay active in both film and television. She appeared in the comedy *Daddy Day Care* (2003) and made a guest appearance on the critically acclaimed *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (HBO, 2000–). Around the same time, she landed a long-running role as Debbie Dangle on *Reno 911!* (Comedy Central, 2003–09), a role that became a fan favorite. She also co-starred with Kirstie Alley in the cult favorite *Fat Actress* (Showtime, 2005) and played a more prominent role in another Christopher Guest film, *For Your Consideration* (2006).
Throughout the 2000s, Harris maintained a steady presence in the entertainment world, making cameo appearances in films like *Kicking and Screaming* (2005) and *Evan Almighty* (2007), often alongside other notable comedic actors. Her big break came in 2009 when she portrayed Melissa, the tough-as-nails girlfriend of Stu (played by Ed Helms) in the wildly successful comedy *The Hangover* (2009). The film’s massive popularity opened new doors for her, leading to a starring role as the mother of the main character in the family film *Diary of a Wimpy Kid* (2010).
Not one to be typecast, Harris then took on a more emotionally complex role in the independent drama *Natural Selection* (2011), playing a woman grappling with her identity after the death of her husband. Around this time, she also joined the cast of the hit series *Suits* (USA, 2011–) in a recurring role as Sheila Sazs, a role she continued even after being cast as a main character on the fantasy series *Lucifer* (Fox, 2015–), where she portrayed the therapist to the devil himself.
Rachel Harris has consistently demonstrated her versatility, moving seamlessly between comedy and drama while maintaining a strong presence in both film and television. Her career reflects a deep commitment to her craft and an enduring ability to connect with audiences across a wide range of genres.