Lisa Arch (née Kushell) is an American actress and comedian known for her recurring role as Cassie, the wife of Larry David’s cousin Andy, on Curb Your Enthusiasm, her cast membership on the 1997–98 season of Mad TV, her work as cohost of TBS’s Dinner and a Movie from 2002 to 2005, and her role as Samantha Samuels on the Disney Channel series Cory in the House. She has also appeared in films, including Legally Blonde in 2001.
Early Life
Arch was born Lisa Kushell in Los Angeles, California. She began acting at age fifteen in the sketch comedy troupe Upstage Comedy and has said that Whoopi Goldberg’s “valley girl” monologue inspired her to pursue acting. Her parents encouraged her interest and allowed her to rehearse in their unfurnished living room throughout her high school years. She earned her SAG card with a one-line role on Dream On, which led to small parts on Seinfeld, The X-Files, and For Your Love.
She has an older brother, Bob Kushell, a television writer and producer who later co-created the internet talk show Anytime with Bob Kushell, which was produced with Arch’s husband, Russell Arch.
Arch and her husband have one son, Garrett Mitchell Arch, born in 2007. The family lives in Los Angeles with their two dogs.
Career
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Arch first appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2009 as Cassie in the Season 7 episode “The Black Swan.” She returned in Season 10 for “Side Sitting” and “Artificial Fruit.” In the latter episode, she plays a new mother who asks Larry to contribute a doodle for charity, later criticizing his lack of artistic effort.
Mad TV
Arch joined Mad TV in its third season in 1997 and was promoted to repertory status mid-season. She became known for recurring characters such as socially awkward Susan Whitfield and Wanda Terry-Ann Lanier Parker of the Parker Sisters sketches. Her impressions included Paula Jones, Farrah Fawcett, Demi Moore, Alyson Hannigan, Lori Loughlin, Melanie C, Alanis Morissette, and Fiona Apple. She departed the series at the end of the season to pursue other projects.
Other Television Work
Arch has worked steadily in television since leaving Mad TV, appearing on shows including Reno 911!, Seinfeld, The X-Files, Hannah Montana, and Austin & Ally. She voiced the character Cammie, an exuberant party girl, on Crank Yankers, and portrayed Samantha Samuels on Cory in the House. She frequently performs at the ACME Comedy Theater in Los Angeles and has hosted episodes of Reel Comedy.
Dinner and a Movie
In 2001, Arch’s visibility grew when she replaced Annabelle Gurwitch as cohost of TBS’s Dinner and a Movie. Working alongside Paul Gilmartin and chef Claud Mann, she helped introduce films and participated in themed cooking segments for more than two years.
Filmography
Film
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Billboard Dad (1998) – Woman #2
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Dirt Merchant (1999) – XTV Reporter
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Legally Blonde (2001) – Boutique Saleswoman
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The Comedy Team of Pete & James (2001) – Gwen
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Windy City Heat (2003) – Susan B. Anthony
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Guess Who (2005) – Woman at Elevator
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I’m Not Gay (2005) – Chris
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Evan Almighty (2007) – Staffer
