Over a quarter-century has passed since Lisa Ann Walter shared the screen with a then-12-year-old Lindsay Lohan in the classic 1998 film directed by Nancy Meyers, The Parent Trap. Today, the comedian takes pride in witnessing her former co-star flourish into a remarkable woman.
“It’s genuinely heartening. I’ve always been genuinely happy for her,” Walter, now 61, who portrayed Chessie in the Disney hit, told Us Weekly exclusively during her collaboration with Synchrony CareCredit. “When she was going through tough times, I was just as proud of that young girl – the one I watched take care of her siblings, work tirelessly, and always show respect by saying ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ to everyone on set.”
She continued: “Now, she has blossomed into one of the most stunning young women and a truly wonderful mother – just as I always believed she could become.”
Having experienced Hollywood’s harsh realities firsthand, Lohan’s early struggles in her teens and early twenties evoke empathy from Walter, who recognizes the progress society has made in understanding and supporting young stars navigating fame’s treacherous waters.
Following her success in films like The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday, Lohan took a break from acting, only to return in 2022 with Netflix’s Falling for Christmas. Fans can look forward to her reprising her role as Anna Coleman alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in the upcoming remake, Freakier Friday.
“Just wait until you see it. I promise, it’s worth the wait,” Walter teased to Us. Although she hasn’t seen the final cut, she admits to having some inside knowledge about the project.
Beyond her admiration for Lohan, Walter’s connection to The Parent Trap also introduced her to one of her closest friends, Elaine Hendrix, who played the villainous Meredith Blake.
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“She was just 26 and completely genuine. And I was right there with her,” Walter recalled with a smile. “From the very first day on set, we hit it off instantly. We started chatting, and one of us jokingly asked, ‘Want to go grab a bite?’ That’s how our conversations just kept flowing – they haven’t stopped since.”
Elaine Hendrix, a passionate animal rights advocate, also inspired Walter to adopt her dogs, Steve and Buster. After rescuing Steve from a high-kill shelter, Hendrix’s own dogs unexpectedly had puppies. She kept one, Ellie, and gifted Buster to Walter, creating a lifelong bond.
“We had siblings for years until Ellie passed away, and I still have Buster,” Walter shared. “When Steve was diagnosed with cancer, I was devastated. But thanks to the support I received, I was able to afford his treatment, which included radiation and other costly procedures. Without that financial help, I might have had to make heartbreaking decisions that many pet owners face.”
This experience underscored the importance of accessible pet healthcare, leading Walter to partner with Synchrony CareCredit. “It’s a practical way for pet owners to understand the potential costs involved in caring for their animals, whether it’s a dog, a hamster, or a guinea pig – like Melissa’s beloved ‘Candy Cheeks’ from Abbott Elementary. It helps families plan financially for their pets’ long-term well-being,” she explained.
