There are a lot of Asian American (specifically Pilipino American) faces on primetime television these days. I’m not complaining…I am rejoicing! In addition to Darren Criss and Charice on the hit-show Glee, FOX’s new show Traffic Light (which premiered last night) also boasts a Pil-Am in its cast.
Liza Lapira (whose parents immigrated from the Philippines) was born in Queens, New York, but has been calling Los Angeles her home since 2004. Her acting resume is quite extensive, with not only film and television credits but New York stage credits as well (As You Like It, The School for Wives, No. 11 Blue and White). Her versatile roles showcases the drive she has to be a successful actress in what can be a very tough industry.
Lapira was recently seen playing neuroscientist Ivy in both seasons of the Joss Whedon series Dollhouse. Lapira has also had recurring roles on NCIS, Dexter, ER, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Lapira may also be a familiar face to fans of the films Repo Men, Fast & Furious and 21.
On her character Lisa’s relationship with on-screen hubby Mike (played by David Denman, The Office) on Traffic Light, Lapira says, ““Even within our specific arc type of ‘the married ones,’ it’s not stereotypical. I like to say we try and keep it hot. We’re still hanging on to being this young sexy couple that we were in college.”
And don’t worry about Lapira’s role being shoved into the background. Lisa is very much a main player in the show. ““Lisa is obviously married to Mike, [but] with Ethan and Adam, it’s almost a brother-in-law/sister-in-law relationship,” Lapira says. “Essentially the four of us have been friends since [we were in school]. It’s about the three guys, but Lisa has definitely been in the mix [for awhile]. I also feel like on a character level, there is something grounding about Lisa. She’s kind of — I don’t want to say the most normal — but I’d say the most grounded of the group.”
Weren’t able to catch the premiere of Traffic Light last night? No worries! You can catch the episode here. Traffic Light airs on Tuesdays 9:30/8:30c.
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Photo courtesy of: FOX Broadcasting Company
