The Pitt Star Had Never Seen Seinfeld Before Being Cast

Katherine LaNasa guest starred on the iconic sitcom without ever watching the show.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Prior to her role as Nurse Dana on the hit HBO series The Pitt, actress Katherine LaNasa guest starred on an episode of Seinfeld without ever having watched the iconic sitcom. LaNasa explained that early in her career, she was a single mother and was focused on breaking into the entertainment industry, leaving little time to watch television.

Why it matters

This story provides an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the acting industry, highlighting how even successful actors may not be familiar with certain iconic TV shows before landing roles on them. It also speaks to the demands and challenges that actors, especially those starting out, can face in balancing their careers with personal responsibilities.

The details

In the Season 6 Seinfeld episode 'The Beard,' LaNasa guest starred as an NYPD sergeant who flirts with Jerry Seinfeld and then subjects him to a lie detector test. LaNasa said she had also never seen the show Melrose Place, which was referenced in the episode. She explained that as a single mother early in her career, she simply didn't have time to watch much television.

  • LaNasa guest starred on the Seinfeld episode in the show's sixth season.

The players

Katherine LaNasa

An actress who guest starred on Seinfeld without having watched the show, and later went on to star in the HBO series The Pitt.

Jerry Seinfeld

The star of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld, who appeared in the episode that featured LaNasa's guest role.

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What they’re saying

“I had never seen Seinfeld, nor had I seen Melrose Place, which is hilarious. Yes, I was living under a rock.”

— Katherine LaNasa, Actress (ETalk)

“I was a single mom, my son's dad was an older guy, and we didn't watch Melrose Place. I just didn't watch a lot of TV. I know it sounds crazy, I was just starting out in television.”

— Katherine LaNasa, Actress (ETalk)

“It was just a big bucket full of talent and I was pinching myself. I couldn't believe I was a part of it or witnessing it.”

— Katherine LaNasa, Actress (ETalk)

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges and demands that actors, especially those starting out, can face in balancing their careers with personal responsibilities. Even successful actors may not be familiar with certain iconic TV shows before landing roles on them, underscoring the versatility and adaptability required in the acting profession.