Published on Show Me Mizzou Dec. 19, 2024
Story by Mara Reinstein, BJ ’98
It’s easy to make the case for actor and Mizzou grad Lacretta, BA ’03. Playing short-fused bailiff Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous on the hit reboot of the 1980s sitcom Night Court, she can effortlessly go laugh-for-laugh with John Larroquette’s attorney Dan Fielding. But Lacretta’s moxie extends far beyond that televised Manhattan arraignment courtroom. At Mizzou, where she was known as Lacretta Ross, the Kansas City, Mo., native studied opera in Germany, landed in numerous stage productions (including The Seagull) at the Rhynsburger Theatre and participated in the Mizzou on Broadway showcase in 2002. After graduation, she brought her vocal talents to Broadway (Disaster!) and went on the first national tour of The Book of Mormon. She has also appeared on Law & Order: SVU, 30 Rock, Broad City and Gotham. Night Court is currently in its third season on NBC and Peacock.
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