Best remembered for her groundbreaking performance in the satirical soap opera “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” Lasser became one of television’s most distinctive comedic voices during the 1970s while also leaving her mark on film, theater, and later television projects.
A Career That Spanned More Than Six Decades
Lasser first stepped onto the Broadway stage in 1962 with “I Can Get It for You Wholesale,” where she understudied Barbra Streisand before gradually establishing herself in television and film. She later appeared in several of Woody Allen’s early comedies, including “Take the Money and Run,” “Bananas,” and “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About S*x (But Were Afraid to Ask).” The pair were married from 1966 to 1970, and Lasser would later describe Allen as a major influence on her approach to comedy.
Her defining role arrived in 1976 when she was cast as Mary Hartman in Norman Lear‘s “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.” The unconventional satire, which aired five nights a week, turned Lasser into a household name and earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination. Although she departed the series after two seasons because of its demanding production schedule, the performance cemented her status as one of television’s most memorable comic actresses.
Lasser remained a familiar face on television throughout the following decades. She hosted “Saturday Night Live” during its inaugural season in 1976 and later appeared in series such as “The Bob Newhart Show,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Taxi,” “Laverne and Shirley,” and “St. Elsewhere.” Years later, she introduced herself to a new generation of viewers with a recurring role in HBO’s “Girls,” created by Lena Dunham.
Her film career also continued well beyond her television success. Lasser appeared in Todd Solondz‘s acclaimed dark comedy “Happiness,” Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream,” and Owen Kline’s “Funny Pages,” which marked her return to theatrical features after nearly two decades.
Outside of acting, she taught at HB Studio, directed stage productions, and remained an active member of The Actors Studio, continuing to mentor performers while maintaining a lifelong connection to the craft.