Louise Lasser Louise Lasser Louise Lasser (born April 11, 1939) is an American actress and television writer. She is known for her portrayal of the title character on the soap opera satire "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman". She was married to Woody Allen and appeared in several of his early films. Lasser was born in New York City, the daughter of Paula and S. Jay Lasser, a tax expert. Her family is Jewish. She studied political science at Brandeis University. Lasser was the understudy for Barbra Streisand in the Broadway musical "I Can Get It for You Wholesale". She also appeared on the
Louise Lasser her dressing room. She is then coaxed out by Chevy Chase/Land Shark and the promise of appearing on the cover of "Time". "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" producer Norman Lear and co-star Mary Kay Place also hosted Saturday Night Live during the run of "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman". Following her departure from "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman", Lasser wrote an NBC made-for-TV movie "Just Me and You" (1978), starring in it alongside Charles Grodin. She had a recurring role as Alex's ex-wife on the hit series "Taxi" and starred in the 1981–82 season of "It's a Living", playing waitress Maggie McBurney. Lasser