Phyllis Katz, a talented character actress, hails from Chicago, Illinois. Her extensive career in television, film, and stage has showcased her remarkable versatility as an actor, writer, and director.
Phyllis has made numerous guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Rhoda, The White Shadow, The Billy Crystal Show, Charlie and Co., Webster, E/R, and M*A*S*H, where she played various nurse roles, including Nurse Able. She is also a pioneering member and former director of the Groundlings improv comedy group.
As a writer, Phyllis has created her own one-woman show, "Katz: Music & Characters," which won a Drama-Logue award for best performance. Her play, "Codependently Yours," was a nominee for the L.A. Weekly award, and her film short, "Shoedini," received a 10 rating and was featured on I-film for a year.
Phyllis has also made appearances in Reno 911, Strong Medicine, and the film Taking the Plunge. She was the female lead in Showtime's cult comedy series Sherman Oaks. As a songwriter, she co-authored three TV theme songs and the anthem for Project Literacy. She was a regular contributor to FX's Son of the Beach.
In addition to her creative endeavors, Phyllis co-created The Groundlings School and conducts private coaching, writing, character development, and song improv workshops across the country. She is a contributing writer for OurLa.org.
Phyllis has been involved with The Virginia Avenue Project, a community arts program in Santa Monica, working with at-risk kids for several years. She is the sister of writer/producer Allan Katz and attorney/jazz musician Stu Katz, whose CD, Family Affair Ira Sullivan and Stu Katz - Live at Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase, was released in 2013.
Phyllis is married to photographer Rob Lewine, who is also a songwriter and bassist for The Enzymes. They reside in Los Angeles with their dogs, Gary and Brian.
