Lisa Roti is a Chicago-based actor, writer, and producer with a casting essence best described as “maternal meets morally defiant.” With a background in classical ballet, martial arts and international jazz performance, Lisa brings a grounded physicality and unexpected warmth to both comedic and dramatic roles.

​

Her television work includes co-starring appearances on Amazon’s Utopia, NBC’s Chicago PD (as criminal and detective), and FOX’s The Mob Doctor, as well as a role opposite Jeremy Piven in Cupid. She recently played the lead in indie feature Laundromat and earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her performance in Side Effects, directed by José Mutarelli.

 

Behind the camera, Lisa is deeply invested in authentic, human-centered filmmaking. She’s collaborated with local filmmakers as a casting partner, location scout, and producer to help bring inclusive and emotionally resonant stories to life. Her current documentary-in-progress highlights the overlooked joy and connection found in a senior community inside a suburban McDonald’s.

​

As a jazz vocalist, Lisa has toured internationally, including multiple trips to China as an American Artist Ambassador for President Barack Obama’s 100,000 Strong initiative.

 

She is drawn to projects that explore the dignity, humor, and complexity of everyday people—particularly women navigating love, justice, power, and aging.