Liz Torres: Veteran actress known for her spunky performances

Liz Torres is a Puerto Rican-American actress, singer and comedienne known for her role as “Mahalia Sanchez” in the NBC comedy series The John Larroquette Show (1993–1996), and her role as Patricia “Miss Patty” LaCosta in The WB family comedic drama series Gilmore Girls (2000–07).

Known for her spunky acting, Torres is a familiar ethnic face on the sitcom circuit, having had regular or recurring parts in numerous series. She has also had the honour of performing in front of Morocco’s King Hassan II and was invited to the White House by President Jimmy Carter for America’s First National Hispanic Week Celebration.

In addition, Torres has championed many causes, focusing her attention on AIDS, higher education for minorities and funding for public television.

Therefore, this is a biography of the spunky actress who has enjoyed a career that has spanned decades.

Liz Torres biography

Elizabeth Larrieu Torres was born on September 27, 1947, in The Bronx, New York, United States of America. She received her primary and secondary education in her state of birth before earning a scholarship to the New York University (NYU).

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Liz Torres career

Torres started her career as a comedian and singer, working at New York’s nightclub circuit with her friend, Bette Midler. Torres made her film debut playing a prostitute in a movie titled: Utterly Without Redeeming Social Value (1969).

In 1971, she was spotted doing one of her acts by the producer of Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show, who invited her to do a stand-up comedy skit on the show. Torres played Morticia in The Addams Family Fun House (1973), which was a musical version of the original series. She then became a regular cast member on the CBS sitcom, Phyllis, and Cloris Leachman’s spin-off series from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, where she succeeded Barbara Colby in the role of Julie Erskine.

In 1975, Torres recorded a disco music single called “Hustle Latino” on RCA Records (RCA 10519), which was arranged, conducted and produced by Michael Zager. She also played “Cat” in TV’s musical special Pinocchio (1976).

From 1993 to 1996, she starred as Mahalia Sanchez in the NBC sitcom, The John Larroquette Show. She was also a semi-regular cast member of Gilmore Girls, on which she played Stars Hollow’s resident dance teacher, Patty LaCosta.

Torres has also starred in other popular series such as Checking In, All in the Family, Starsky & Hutch, Love, American Style, Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law, Knots Landing, Mama’s Family, Tracey Takes On…, Ally McBeal, The Nanny, Happily Ever After: Fairytale for Every Child and Over the Top.

Other series she guest starred in include Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, Private Practice, Scandal, One Day at a Time and Devious Maids

Awards and nominations

Torres has earned accolades for her performances on the screen over the years. She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” for her performance on The Famous Teddy Z in 1990.

Torres also received two Primetime Emmy awards for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” and Golden Globe Award nominations for her performance in The John Larroquette Show. 

She received two nominations for the American Comedy Award for Funniest Supporting Female Performer in a TV Series.

Liz Torres movies

Below is a list of some of the movies that Torres has starred in:

• Up the Down Staircase (1967)
• Utterly Without Redeeming Social Value (1969)
• You’ve Got to Walk It Like You Talk It or You’ll Lose That Beat (1971)
• It Happened in Hollywood (1973)
• Pinocchio (1976)
• Scavenger Hunt (1979)
• Willow B: Women in Prison (1980)
• More Wild Wild West (1980)
• Her Life as a Man (1984)
• Not in Front of the Kids (1984)
• Hell Town (1985)
• Taking it Home (1986)
• Ordinary Heroes (1986)
• America (1986)
• Kate’s Secret (1986)
• If We Knew Then (1987)
• Poker Alice (1987)
• Addicted to His Love (1988)
• Hot to Trot (1988)
• Sunset (1988)
• Miracle at Beek Man’s Place (1988)
• Girl Talk (1989)
• Sweet 15 (1990)
• Thieves of Fortune (1990)
• Opposites Attract (1990)
• Lena’s Holiday (1991)
• Maid for Each Other (1992)
• Rescue Me (1992)
• A Million Juan (1994)
• Body Shot (1994)
• Greyhounds (1994)
• Attack of the 5 ft 2 Women (1994)
• Amber Waves (1994)
• Just Cause (1995)
• The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit (1998)
• The Odd Couple II (1998)
• Storm Chasers: Revenge of the Twister (1998)
• Permanent Midnight (1998)
• Luminarias (1999)
• The Princess & the Barrio Boy (2000)
• Once Upon a Christmas (2000)
• Gabriela (2001)
• Joe Dirt (2001)
• King Rikki (2002)
• Volare (2004)
• McBride: Anybody Here Murder Marty? (2005)
• Taylor (2005)
• West of Brooklyn (2008)
• Expecting Love (2008)
• My Mom and the Girl (2016)
• E. Roosevelt (2021)

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Liz Torres’ net worth

Information about Torres’ estimated net worth is unavailable for now.

Liz Torres family

Torres’ parents were Puerto Rican immigrants in the US.

In 1974, Torres married film producer, and co-founder of The Kushner-Locke Company, Peter Locke and they have two children together. The family now lives in Los Angeles, where Torres is a member of the board of directors of Write Act Repertory.

Liz Torres age

Torres is currently 76 years old and will turn 77 in 2024.

Liz Torres Instagram

Information about Liz Torres’ Instagram account is unavailable for now.

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