Lisa Ann Walter began her career as a stand-up comedian in the late 1980s and went on to land film and television roles, eventually landing a role on ABC’s hit comedy Abbott Elementary. She continues to tour as a stand-up comic, selling out venues across the United States.
But after decades, Walter has finally released a stand-up special and has signed a deal with Hulu to release her debut hour in 2026.
Walter directed the hour himself and recorded it at the Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia. The film is produced by Arts & Industry and executive produced by Walter, her Abbott co-stars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Michelle Caputo, and Shannon Hartman.
Walter plays the strict teacher Melissa Shementi on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” currently airing its fifth season. The show, created by Quinta Branson, is the network’s highest-rated comedy. She stars opposite Branson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Ralph and William Stanford Davis.
Prior to “Abbott,” Walter co-created, produced and starred in several network comedies, including Fox’s “My Wildest Dreams,” ABC’s “Life’s Work” and NBC’s “Dance Your Us Off.” Her film credits include the role of Chessie in “The Parent Trap” with Dennis Quaid and the role of Bobby in “Shall We Dance” with Richard Gere. She also appeared in “Bruce Almighty” with Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston, “War of the Worlds” directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, and Ashton Kutcher’s action comedy “Killers”. In 2011, Walter published his memoir, “The Best Thing About My Butt is It’s Behind Me.”
Walter will join Hulu’s “Flarious” lineup, which will also feature stand-up specials from Jim Gaffigan, Ilana Glazer, Roy Wood Jr., Chris DiStefano, Bill Burr, Jessica Carson, Mateo Lane, Atsuko Okatsuka, Zarna Garg, Ralph Barbosa, Andrew Santino and others.
Walter is represented in stand-up by Authentic, Gersh, and Innovative.
Deadline broke the news.
