There's a reason why everyone loves Lisa Ann Walter.
The acclaimed actress has not only made people laugh extremely hard thanks to her notable roles throughout the years, but she's always connected with her passionate LGBTQ+ fans throughout her very successful career.
Now, the star is going back to her standup comedy roots by finally starring in her debut special, Lisa Ann Walter: It Was An Accident. Right off the bat, Walter shows love to her gay fans in the audience and naturally, makes some very funny jokes that'll leave viewers in tears.
"One of the most gratifying things for me is the fierce connection and intimate relationship that I have with the LGBTQ+ community. From the get, these are people that have showed up for me. Anytime you have a community that faces adversity, you get people who are funnier," Walter tells Out.
Walter even jokes that her allyship to the queer community goes all the way back to the beginning of her life with her first husband, who ended up coming out to her as gay at the end of their marriage. To this day, they're best friends and very close.
The talented actress also reveals that she was one of the first people her nephew came out to as a young adult, which is something she takes immense pride in.
"[My ex-husband] is still my biggest fan! A lovely Jewish man. Turns out, we had too much in common. He also liked men! I was a friend to the community before anybody declared for a party or team, but my nephew... I knew since he was 3. I was waiting for him. He came out to my my mother first, and I was second."
Beyond Walter's immediate circle, queer people across the globe have resonated with her maternal roles that have defined her career over the years. Although she's aware that she's created a safe space for many gay fans, the love is very much mutual from her perspective.
"Getting to play one character as, dare I say, iconic as Chessy in The Parent Trap, where people were writing me and saying, 'I felt accepted by you.' I said, 'You are perfect just the way. You are loved. I love you and accept you.' To get to do that once in your career is the biggest gift any actor could ever ask for."
The Parent Trap is a classic film that fans still talk about to this day, but Walter's role as Melissa Schemmenti in Abbott Elementary has made her a household name since the show's debut back in 2021.
"I consider myself extraordinarily blessed that I get to do again it in another way with Melissa. I'm so incredibly lucky to be someone that the LGBTQ+ community feels like they know and like I know them. We love each other. There's nothing better for me!"
Lisa Ann Walter: It Was An Accident premieres Friday, May 15, on Hulu. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.
