Alison La Placa (born December 16, 1959)[1] is an American actress best known for playing Linda Phillips on the sitcom Duet and its spin-off Open House, playing Catherine Merrick in 49 episodes of The John Larroquette Show and the recurring role of Joanna, Rachel Green’s boss who dated Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends.
[4] Shortly after moving to Hollywood, La Placa landed the role of Elyse in the sitcom version of Barry Levinson's dramedy movie Diner (1982).
[9] La Placa played opposite Kirstie Alley in the comedy movie Madhouse (1990), with co-star John Larroquette.
She played the character Andrea in the television series Boston Legal in two episodes in season 4 ("Glow in the Dark" and "Rescue Me").
She appeared in Malcolm in the Middle as Barbara in the episode "Convention" and in a recurring role in 'Til Death as Beth, Joy's co-worker.