Lisa Long: A Versatile Actress with a Flavorful Life On and Off Screen
Lisa Long is one of those rare actors whose face you instantly recognize, even if you can’t always place the name. With a career spanning over four decades, she has built an impressive and diverse body of work across television, film, and voice acting, effortlessly slipping into roles from heartfelt drama to quirky comedy. But Lisa isn’t just a gifted performer; she’s also an accomplished restaurateur who created beloved gathering spots for Hollywood’s creatives. Oh, and she’s been a longtime friend of voice actor D.C. Douglas, finally teaming up professionally in 2023 for a voiceover project that raised some eyebrows—Autoblow! Buckle up for a deep dive into Lisa Long’s multifaceted career and life.
Early Career: From Television Guest Star to Solid Character Actress
Lisa Long’s acting journey kicked off in the 1980s, with appearances on iconic television shows such as Murder, She Wrote and Designing Women. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she became a familiar face on a wide variety of series, often guest-starring or in recurring roles. Some notable early appearances include roles on Diagnosis Murder (1999, Marilyn), 7th Heaven (1996, Mrs. Warner), and Batman Beyond (2000, voice role as Karen Foley).
What sets Lisa apart is her adaptability. She could be the warm mother, the steely professional, or a quirky local with equal ease. For instance, she played Dr. Levitt in four episodes of General Hospital (2008) and the recurring role of Judge Grossman in the drama-comedy Drop Dead Diva (2014). Her range kept her in demand in the ever-changing world of television.
Film and TV Roles in the 2010s and Beyond
The 2010s saw Lisa Long continuing her steady work on both TV and film. She appeared in cult favorites and mainstream productions alike, with roles in shows such as Scandal (2012), where she portrayed “Anchor Woman #2,” and in Superstore (2018) as a Midwestern Customer. She brought charm to guest spots in GLOW (2018) as Dr. Shiffrin, and in the crime drama StartUp (2018), playing Annie in one episode.
Her film credits include appearances in The Runaways (2010) as Sandy’s Mom and the Jim Carrey comedy Yes Man (2008) as an Airline Representative. Lisa’s solid presence on screen brings credibility to every project, whether in a starring role or a vital supporting part.
Recent Projects and Diverse Roles
From 2022 through 2025, Lisa’s portfolio expanded impressively with a slew of projects across various genres, reflecting her continued relevance and versatility. In 2022, she was seen in As Real As You Make It as Rosemary Moffett and in the TV movie Killer Stepmom (2022) as Roxanne.
In 2023 alone, she was part of multiple films and TV movies including The Recipe Files (Clare), Christmas with the Foxes (Aunt Nora), and You Can’t Escape Me (Diane). She also appeared in The Wedding in the Hamptons (Eileen Stratton) and the TV movie Road Trip Hostage (Motel Clerk), among others.
Looking forward to 2024 and 2025, Lisa is credited in productions like Playing by the Billionaire’s Rules (Janet Bennett), Love by Contract (Riley), and the TV movie Vanished in Death Valley 5.0 (Deb). Clearly, Lisa’s career remains dynamic and ongoing.
Lisa Long & D.C. Douglas: A Longtime Friendship Turns Professional
Lisa Long has been a close friend of actor and voice-over legend D.C. Douglas since the late 1990s. Their friendship, rooted in mutual respect for their craft, finally culminated professionally in 2023 when they worked together – on film in Killer Stepmom – and in a voice-over project for Autoblow, an adult-oriented tech product that raised eyebrows for its uniqueness and humor. This collaboration marked a fun and fitting moment where two veterans of the industry combined talents in an unexpected arena.
Autoblow with Lisa Long & DC Douglas
Given their history of supporting each other’s work across decades, this voice-over team-up was a delightful and somewhat rare occurrence, proving that long friendships in Hollywood can lead to interesting creative ventures.
Lisa Long Restaurants: Hollywood’s Favorite Gathering Spots
Outside the entertainment world, Lisa Long is also celebrated for her significant contributions to the Los Angeles dining scene. She co-owned three highly regarded restaurants — The Flats, Barsac Brasserie, and Firenze Osteria. These establishments were legendary for their warm atmosphere, excellent cuisine, and ability to attract a who’s who of the film industry.
The Flats was a casual yet stylish spot where actors, writers, and directors mingled over well-crafted dishes. It was often described as a “home away from home” for many industry insiders. Barsac Brasserie, with its French-inspired menu and cozy vibe, was known for long dinners and creative conversations, while Firenze Osteria brought a slice of Italy to LA with rustic Italian fare and a charming ambience.
These restaurants didn’t just serve food; they fostered community, friendships, and collaboration — proving that Lisa’s influence stretches far beyond the screen.
Selected Filmography Highlights
- Vanished in Death Valley 5.0 (2025) – Deb (TV Movie)
- Lose You to Love Me 2 (2024) – Barbara (Video)
- You Better Watch Out (2024) – Vivian (TV Movie)
- Playing by the Billionaire’s Rules (2024) – Janet Bennett (TV Mini Series)
- Love by Contract (2024) – Riley (TV Mini Series)
- The Recipe Files (2023) – Clare
- Christmas with the Foxes (2023) – Aunt Nora (TV Movie)
- You Can’t Escape Me (2023) – Diane (TV Movie)
- The Wedding in the Hamptons (2023) – Eileen Stratton (TV Movie)
- As Real As You Make It (2022) – Rosemary Moffett
- Keeping Up with the Joneses (2021) – Meg (TV Mini Series)
- Killer Stepmom (2022) – Roxanne (TV Movie)
- StartUp (2018) – Annie (TV Series)
- GLOW (2018) – Dr. Shiffrin (TV Series)
- Drop Dead Diva (2014) – Judge Grossman (TV Series)
- Yes Man (2008) – Airline Representative
- General Hospital (2008) – Dr. Levitt (TV Series)
Lisa Long’s Legacy
Lisa Long’s presence is felt across decades of beloved entertainment. She is a consummate professional with a chameleon-like ability to inhabit a wide array of characters — from moms and judges to quirky one-offs that bring charm and depth to every story. Her ongoing success in film, TV, and voice acting, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit in the restaurant industry, paints the picture of a true Hollywood multi-hyphenate.
Learn how D.C. Douglas met Lisa Long: "SHOCKING: D.C. Douglas Exposes Truth About 101 Voice Actors!"
