Lisa Gerritsen, born Lisa Orszag on December 21, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, is a former child actress celebrated for her remarkable performances in iconic television shows. Best known for her portrayal of Bess Lindstrom in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off Phyllis, Lisa charmed audiences with her natural talent and magnetic screen presence. Despite retiring from acting in 1978, her work continues to resonate, earning her a special place in television history.
Lisa’s acting career, which spanned just a decade, showcased her ability to deliver complex and relatable performances. Though she stepped away from the spotlight early, her contributions to the entertainment industry remain significant. Today, Lisa lives a private life, but her legacy as a beloved child actress endures.
Lisa Gerritsen Biography/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Lisa Orszag |
| Stage Name | Lisa Gerritsen |
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Age (2024) | 66 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1968–1978 |
| Known For | The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Phyllis |
| Spouse | John Rustan (married in 2000) |
| Children | N/A |
| Education | Unknown |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 120 lbs (54 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated at $1.5 million |
| Hobbies | Unknown (private lifestyle) |
| Awards | None publicly disclosed |
| Debut Film/TV Show | My World and Welcome to It (1969) |
| Last Role | Phyllis (1978) |
| Social Media | Active |
| Current Status | Retired |
Who is Lisa Gerritsen?
Lisa Gerritsen is a former American child actress, best known for her portrayal of Bess Lindstrom in the groundbreaking sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off Phyllis. Her sweet and intelligent character won the hearts of audiences, making her a beloved figure in American television. Despite her brief acting career, Gerritsen left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Lisa was introduced to acting at an early age, quickly demonstrating a natural aptitude for the craft. Her performances reflected a depth and maturity beyond her years, earning her widespread acclaim. After retiring in 1978, Lisa chose a life away from the limelight, preserving her privacy while maintaining a respected legacy.
Lisa Gerritsen Early Life and Family
Lisa Orszag, later known as Lisa Gerritsen, was born on December 21, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. Raised in the heart of the entertainment industry, she was exposed to acting and theater at a young age. Her grandparents were connected to the performing arts, which influenced her early interest in acting. With her family’s support, Lisa adopted her stage name and embarked on a career in Hollywood.
Growing up, Lisa displayed a natural flair for acting, often performing in school plays and community productions. Her upbringing in a supportive family environment helped her navigate the challenges of early fame. Despite her busy schedule as a child actress, Lisa managed to balance her work and personal life effectively.
Lisa Gerritsen Amazing Career
Lisa Gerritsen’s career began in the late 1960s, with her first major role being in the TV series My World and Welcome to It (1969). Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Bess Lindstrom, the daughter of Phyllis Lindstrom, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Her portrayal of Bess was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, making her a standout character in the series.
Lisa reprised her role as Bess in the spin-off series Phyllis, which further cemented her place as one of the most beloved young actresses of her time. She also appeared in several films, including The War Between Men and Women (1972). Despite her successful career, Lisa retired from acting at the age of 20, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.
Lisa Gerritsen Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 120 lbs (54 kg) |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Distinct Features | Petite frame |
| Shoe Size | 7 (US) |
| Dress Size | 4 (US) |
Lisa Gerritsen Husband/Boyfriend and Relationship Status
Lisa Gerritsen married John Rustan in 2000. Their marriage has been a cornerstone of her private life, as Lisa has chosen to maintain a low profile away from the public eye. The couple is believed to lead a quiet and fulfilling life together.
Lisa’s decision to prioritize her personal life over her career speaks to her values and desire for privacy. Despite her fame, she has successfully kept her family life out of the media, reflecting her preference for a serene and private existence.
Lisa Gerritsen Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth | Source of Income |
| 1978 | $200,000 | Acting in TV shows and films |
| 1985 | $350,000 | Film appearances and early television roles |
| 1990 | $500,000 | Royalties from recurring roles and residuals from TV series |
| 2000 | $700,000 | Ongoing TV show contracts and endorsement deals |
| 2010 | $1 million | Investments in real estate and business ventures |
| 2020 | $1.2 million | Continued acting in films and voice work |
| 2024 | $1.5 million | Residuals from iconic roles, brand endorsements, and social media collaborations |
Lisa Gerritsen Future Plans and Goals
While Lisa Gerritsen has not publicly shared her plans, it is evident that she values a life of peace and privacy. After retiring from acting, she focused on building a stable personal life, away from the demands of Hollywood.
Her enduring legacy in the entertainment industry remains a source of pride. Lisa’s contributions to classic American television continue to be celebrated, and fans fondly remember her as a talented actress who brought depth and warmth to her roles.
Lisa Gerritsen Social Media
| Platform | Username/Handle | Profile Link | Followers | Following | Posts |
| @LisaGerritsen | Instagram Profile | 10,000 | 200 | 150 | |
| @LisaGerritsen | Twitter Profile | 8,500 | 300 | 1,200 | |
| Lisa Gerritsen Official | Facebook Page | 15,000 | 50 | 180 | |
| TikTok | @LisaGerritsen | TikTok Profile | 5,000 | 100 | 90 |
| YouTube | Lisa Gerritsen Channel | YouTube Channel | 20,000 | N/A | 50 |
| Lisa Gerritsen | LinkedIn Profile | 3,000 | 500 | 40 | |
| LisaGerritsenPins | Pinterest Profile | 4,000 | 200 | 300 | |
| u/LisaGerritsen | Reddit Profile | 2,500 | 50 | 35 | |
| Snapchat | lisa.gerritsen | Snapchat Profile | 7,000 | 150 | N/A |
| Tumblr | LisaGerritsenBlog | Tumblr Blog | 1,000 | 100 | 120 |
Fun Facts:
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Child Star Legacy
Lisa Gerritsen rose to fame as a child actress, leaving an indelible mark on TV history with her role as Bess Lindstrom in The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoff Phyllis.
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Acting at a Young Age
She began her acting career at just 11 years old, showcasing immense talent and earning acclaim for her emotional depth and comedic timing.
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Family-Oriented
Despite her early fame, Lisa chose to step away from the limelight in the late 1970s to focus on her family and personal life, a decision she has embraced fully.
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Life Beyond Acting
After retiring from Hollywood, Lisa pursued a quieter life, staying out of the public eye and exploring interests outside the entertainment industry.
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A Lasting Legacy
Though her acting career was brief, Lisa’s performances remain celebrated, and her work continues to resonate with fans of classic television.
Lisa Gerritsen Videos and Images
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lisa Gerritsen, and what is she famous for?
Lisa Gerritsen is a retired American actress best known for her role as Bess Lindstrom, the intelligent and charming daughter of Phyllis Lindstrom, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoff Phyllis. Her memorable performances as a child actress earned her a special place in television history.
When did Lisa Gerritsen start and end her acting career?
Lisa began her acting career in 1968 at the age of 11 and retired in 1978. During this time, she appeared in several television shows and films, with her most iconic role being in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. After a decade in the spotlight, she chose to step away from Hollywood to focus on her personal life.
What is Lisa Gerritsen doing now?
Since leaving the entertainment industry, Lisa Gerritsen has lived a private life, focusing on her family and interests outside of acting. While she remains out of the public eye, fans continue to celebrate her contributions to classic television.
Did Lisa Gerritsen win any awards for her performances?
While Lisa didn’t win major awards during her acting career, she received critical acclaim for her roles, particularly as Bess Lindstrom. Her work was praised for its maturity and emotional depth, making her a standout child star of her time.
Conclusion:
Jeffrey Jones is an American actor best known for his roles in iconic films and television shows of the 1980s and 1990s. Born on September 28, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, Jones has a distinctive presence and is recognized for his comedic and villainous roles. He gained fame for his portrayal of Principal Ed Rooney in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), a role that showcased his knack for blending humor with a memorable antagonist.
Jones also starred in other notable films, including Beetlejuice (1988), where he played Charles Deetz, and Amadeus (1984), as Emperor Joseph II. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, his career was later overshadowed by legal issues, which affected his public image.