Alison La Placa
Alison La Placa is an American actress best known for playing Linda Phillips on the sitcom Duet and its spin-off Open House, playing Catherine Merrick in 49 episodes of The John Larroquette Show and the recurring role of Joanna, Rachel Green’s boss who dated Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends.
Biography
Early life and career
Born in Lincolnshire, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, La Placa is a graduate of Stevenson High School.Shortly after moving to Hollywood, La Placa landed the role of Elyse in the sitcom version of Barry Levinson's dramedy film Diner. That pilot did not get picked up, and soon thereafter La Placa got a role in the made-for-TV film Listen to Your Heart.
Later career
The following year, La Placa earned a regular spot on the short-lived sitcom Suzanne Pleshette Is Maggie Briggs. She had a small role in the movie Fletch, and subsequently played the starring role of Linda Phillips on the sitcoms Duet and Open House. La Placa played opposite Kirstie Alley in the comedy movie Madhouse, with co-star John Larroquette.La Placa has guest-starred on series including Family Ties, Cheers, ER and Desperate Housewives. She was a regular on Stat, The Jackie Thomas Show, Tom, and the NBC sitcom The John Larroquette Show. La Placa has guest-starred on animated series such as Batman: The Animated Series and Johnny Bravo.
She played the character Andrea in the television series Boston Legal in two episodes in season 4. She appeared in Malcolm in the Middle as Barbara in the episode "Convention" and in a recurring role in 'Til Death as Beth, Joy's co-worker. She also guest starred in the CBS sitcom Mom.