You probably know her face from the 80s or her name from the credits of your favorite sitcoms, but Kari Lizer is way more than just a Hollywood "triple threat." Honestly, her career is one of the most interesting "pivot" stories in the industry. She didn't just stumble into success; she basically rebuilt her entire life when the acting roles started to dry up in her thirties. That kind of grit is rare.
Kari Lizer movies and TV shows span decades, starting from her teen debut in Smokey Bites the Dust (1981) to creating hit shows that earned Julia Louis-Dreyfus an Emmy. But if you look closely at her credits, you see a woman who refused to be aged out of a business that is notoriously unkind to women. She went from being the "girl in the movie" to the boss calling the shots.
From Matlock to Making Hits: The Kari Lizer Evolution
Most people first noticed Kari Lizer as Cassie Phillips on Matlock. She had this sharp comedic timing that stood out even next to a legend like Andy Griffith. It’s funny because she actually appeared on the show as a rock star character first before they liked her enough to bring her back as a regular.
But Hollywood is weird.
Despite being a working actress throughout the 80s—appearing in things like Growing Pains, Who’s the Boss?, and even the cult classic Private School—Lizer hit a wall. She’s been very open about the fact that she turned to writing out of "desperation." When you’re 30 in Hollywood and the phone stops ringing, you either leave or you start writing your own lines. She chose the latter.
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The Writer-Producer Breakthrough
Her transition wasn’t overnight. It started with a play she wrote for herself, which eventually opened doors to writing rooms for shows like Empty Nest and Weird Science. If you’re a fan of the original Will & Grace, you’ve seen her work. She wasn't just a writer there; she was a co-executive producer during the show’s peak years.
She even popped up in front of the camera as "Connie" for a few episodes. Old habits die hard.
Why The New Adventures of Old Christine Changed Everything
If there is one project that defines the "Kari Lizer movies and TV shows" legacy, it’s The New Adventures of Old Christine.
This show wasn't just a job; it was deeply personal. Lizer based the series on her own life as a single mother navigating the awkwardness of "post-divorce" life. It was messy, it was relatable, and it was hilarious.
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- Star Power: It gave Julia Louis-Dreyfus the role that finally broke the "Seinfeld curse."
- ** Longevity:** The show ran for five seasons on CBS, which is a lifetime in the world of network sitcoms.
- The Controversy: When CBS canceled it in 2010, Lizer didn't go quietly. She famously called out the network, suggesting the cancellation was rooted in sexism. She pointed out that while male-led comedies got plenty of leeway, female-led shows were often the first on the chopping block.
A Career Beyond the Screen
Kari hasn't just stuck to the script. In 2020, she released a book called Aren’t You Forgetting Someone?: Essays from My Mid-Life Revenge. It’s basically a collection of honest, funny takes on what happens when your kids grow up and leave the house. It's the "empty nest" version of her life, and it feels like a natural extension of the voice she developed on Old Christine.
She also tried her hand at another sitcom, Call Your Mother, starring Kyra Sedgwick. While it didn't have the same long run as her previous hits, it proved that Lizer is still one of the few creators who can get a multi-cam comedy onto a major network in an era dominated by streaming dramas.
What to Watch: A Quick Guide to Kari Lizer’s Best Work
Honestly, if you want to see the range of her talent, you have to look at both sides of the camera.
- The New Adventures of Old Christine (Creator/Writer): This is her masterpiece. It’s smart, biting, and incredibly well-acted.
- Will & Grace (Writer/Producer): Look for the episodes in the middle seasons; her influence on the sharp, fast-paced dialogue is obvious.
- Matlock (Actress): If you want a nostalgia trip, her tenure as Cassie Phillips shows exactly why she was a comedic star in the making.
- Call Your Mother (Creator): A more recent look at her writing style, focusing on the "smothering" mother dynamic.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her
People often think Kari Lizer just "retired" from acting to write. That’s not quite it. She evolved because she wanted creative agency. Writing gave her the power to create the roles she wasn't seeing for women her age. She didn't just want to be in the show; she wanted to own the show.
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Her net worth is estimated around $4 million today, which isn't just "actress money"—it's "showrunner money." She built a brand around the "honest, slightly frazzled woman" archetype long before it was a common trope on Netflix.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Writers
If you’re looking to dive into Kari Lizer’s world, start with Old Christine. It’s available on most major digital retailers and occasionally pops up on streaming services like Max.
For those of you who are writers, Lizer’s career is a masterclass in authenticity. She always says to tell your own story and be honest on the page. Don't worry about what sells; worry about what’s true. Her best work came from her real-life struggles as a mom, and that’s why it resonated with millions of people.
If you haven't checked out her book, Aren't You Forgetting Someone?, it’s a great weekend read. It’s essentially a 200-page version of her sitcom wit, without the network censors. It’s a great way to support a creator who has spent forty years making us laugh while fighting for a seat at the table.