Lisa Emery facts for kids

Lisa Emery is an American actress who has worked in plays, movies, and on television. She is very well known for playing the character Darlene Snell in the Netflix series Ozark.

Early Life and Education

Lisa Emery was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her mother wanted to be an actress, and her father worked in advertising. Lisa went to Hollins College. She first planned to study painting there. But then, she found drama classes much more fun! So, she decided to study acting instead. After college, she studied acting for a year at the Circle in the Square Theatre School. She then started trying out for roles. In 1982, Lisa moved to the East Village in New York.

Lisa Emery's Acting Career

Lisa Emery has had many roles in theatre plays. Some of her plays include Dinner with Friends, What the Butler Saw, and The Women. She has been nominated three times for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play. This award celebrates great acting in plays.

Movies and TV Shows

Lisa has also appeared in several movies. These include A Map of the World, Unfaithful, and The Night Listener. On television, she had a regular role on the show Ed. She also made guest appearances on popular shows like Law & Order, Sex and the City, and Fringe. Her main role as Darlene Snell on Ozark made her very famous.

What Critics Say

Ben Brantley, a theatre critic for The New York Times, praised Lisa's acting in a play called A Kind of Alaska. He said her performance was one of the most detailed and moving on a New York stage. Another critic, Charles Isherwood, also from The New York Times, called Lisa "fine" and "skillful" in the play Relatively Speaking.

Playing Darlene Snell in Ozark

In an interview in 2020, Lisa Emery talked about her character Darlene Snell in Ozark. She said she enjoyed how unpredictable Darlene was. Lisa mentioned that every time she got a new script, she was surprised by what Darlene would do next. She also thought it was interesting how Darlene was a great mother in her own unique way.

Personal Life

Lisa Emery was married to actor Josh Pais. They have a son named Zane. Zane even acted with his mother in the movie Margot at the Wedding. Lisa has said that she did not specifically try to get roles in movies or TV. She just takes opportunities as they come. She is happy with her life and loves her work.

Awards and Nominations

Lisa Emery has been recognized for her acting with several nominations and one award.

• Drama Desk Award 2011, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play - The Collection & A Kind of Alaska (Nominee)
• Drama Desk Award 2006, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play - Abigail's Party (Nominee)
• Drama Desk Award 1992, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play - Marvin's Room (Nominee)
• Lucille Lortel Award 2009, Outstanding Featured Actress - Distracted (Nominee)
• Lucille Lortel Award 2006, Outstanding Featured Actress - Abigail's Party (Nominee)
• Lucille Lortel Award 2004, Outstanding Lead Actress - Iron (Nominee)
• Obie Awards 2003–2004, Outstanding Performance - Iron (Winner)

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles