Lusia Strus is a renowned American actress and theatrical writer of Ukrainian descent, born to a Ukrainian family in Chicago. She was raised speaking Ukrainian as her first language and developed an early interest in theater during her high school years. After completing her tertiary education at Illinois State University, Strus joined the experimental theatre troupe Neo-Futurists in 1993, which was inspired by the Italian Futurist movement's emphasis on speed. The troupe's performances typically consist of 30 short plays within one hour, showcasing Strus's versatility as a writer and performer.
Strus has had a successful career in both film and television, with notable roles including the androgynous veterinarian's assistant Alexa in the romantic comedy "50 First Dates" (2004),the hair assistant Janine in the action comedy "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" (2005),and the eccentric math teacher Dr. Xavier in the Nickelodeon sitcom "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide" (2004-2007). She has also appeared in various one-shot characters in popular series such as "Modern Family" and "Blue Bloods".
Strus's breakthrough role came when she was cast as Estelle Raines, the estranged mother of the professional thief Leticia 'Letty' Raines, in the crime drama series "Good Behavior" (2016-2017). The series lasted for two seasons and 20 episodes, showcasing Strus's ability to portray complex and nuanced characters. She then went on to appear in the crime comedy series "Claws" (2017-2022),playing the role of Brenda, the biological mother of co-protagonist Jennifer Husser and the adoptive mother of protagonist Desna Simms. In the series, both of Brenda's daughters join the male-dominated world of organized crime.
Throughout her career, Strus has demonstrated her range and versatility as an actress, taking on a wide variety of roles and genres. Despite having relatively few new roles in the 2020s, Strus remains an accomplished and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
