In the 1990s, the sketch comedy show In Living Color on Fox became known for its talented cast and innovative dance routines. One of the standout performers was dancer Lisa Marie Todd, better known as “Fly Girl” Lisa. Her energy, charisma, and impressive dance moves made her a fan favorite during her time on the show.
Lisa’s Early Life and Career
Lisa Marie Todd was born on July 20, 1968 in Los Angeles, California. From a young age, she was immersed in the entertainment world. Her mother was a back-up singer for musical legends like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Lisa started taking jazz, tap, and ballet dance lessons at age 6. By the time she was a teenager, she was already an experienced dancer, model, and actress.
In the 1980s, Lisa landed some small acting roles in shows like Fame and Kids Incorporated. However, her big break came when she became one of the original “Fly Girls” dancers on the sketch comedy series In Living Color. Premiering in 1990, In Living Color stood out from other TV shows for its roster of young, multi-ethnic cast members and emphasis on hip hop culture.
The Fly Girls
The Fly Girls were In Living Color’s house dance troupe, who would perform choreographed hip hop and funk dance routines during the show. The original line-up of Fly Girls included Lisa, Carrie Ann Inaba (who later became a host on Dancing with the Stars), Cari French, Deidre Lang, and Michelle Whitney-Morrison. Under the guidance of choreographer Rosie Perez, they brought flair, style, and street dance moves to television.
Lisa quickly emerged as the energetic stand-out of the group. With her curly hair, bright outfits, and radiant smile, audiences were drawn to her stellar dance technique and bubbly onstage persona. She turned even short transitional dance breaks into memorable moments with her animated facial expressions and high-energy style.
Lisa’s Fame Takes Off
Almost overnight, the Fly Girls became famous for their dance skills and trendsetting style. Lisa’s fame skyrocketed as she appeared at award shows, went on tours, and danced in music videos for artists like LL Cool J. Magazines like Vogue took notice of Lisa’s fashionable outfits on the show, and she was featured on the cover of Ebony magazine in the early 90s.
Lisa and the Fly Girls also got the ultimate honor when they were immortalized as Jellybean dolls. Lisa’s doll wore the electric blue zip-up bodysuit and denim vest that she rocked on the show. It was a sign that the Fly Girls weren’t just dancers – they were cultural icons.
Life After In Living Color
Lisa Marie Todd danced on In Living Color from 1990 to 1994. After leaving the show, she continued her career as both a dancer and actress. Some highlights included:
- Appearing in movies like The Flintstones (1994), Juwanna Mann (2002), and Alien vs. Predator (2004)
- Guest starring on TV shows like Ellen, The Steve Harvey Show, and The Parkers
- Touring with Janet Jackson as a back-up dancer from 1990-1996
- Performing at the Academy Awards in 1991
She also worked as a choreographer for recording artists like Vanessa Williams, James Brown, and Will Smith. Most recently, she choreographed Magic Mike XXL in 2015.
Where is Lisa Now?
For the past two decades, Lisa Marie Todd has continued to work as a dancer, actress, choreographer, and dance instructor. Although she stays out of the limelight these days, her former co-stars have said lovely things about reconnecting with her. In 2016, dancer Deidre Lang (fellow Fly Girl) referred to Lisa as her “sister from another mister” when posting throwback photos of them performing together.
Lisa Marie Todd helped pioneer the hip hop dance style that became mainstream in the 90s. Her time on In Living Color launched the careers of many future stars and introduced television audiences to new genres of dance. Although no longer a regular on our screens, “Fly Girl” Lisa remains an unforgettable part of dance history.
Lisa and the Fly Girls: By the Numbers
| Fly Girl | Hometown | Age When Joined In Living Color |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa Marie Todd | Los Angeles, CA | 22 |
| Carrie Ann Inaba | Honolulu, HI | 23 |
| Deidre Lang | Los Angeles, CA | 18 |
| Cari French | Minneapolis, MN | 20 |
| Michelle Whitney-Morrison | Los Angeles, CA | 22 |
As this data shows, most of the Fly Girls were in their early 20s when the show premiered. Lisa, along with fellow L.A. natives Deidre Lang and Michelle Whitney-Morrison, brought their urban dance backgrounds to the group. Along with dancers from other parts of the country, they created an eclectic, talented dance troupe that wowed audiences every week.
Conclusion
Lisa Marie Todd, aka “Fly Girl” Lisa, made a huge impact during her four seasons on In Living Color. Her charismatic dance skills, boundless energy, and funky style epitomized the youthful spirit of the show. She lit up the stage every time she performed one of Rosie Perez’s iconic hip hop routines. Along with her fellow Fly Girls, Lisa ushered in the mainstream popularity of hip hop dance on television.
After leaving In Living Color, Lisa continued her multifaceted career as a dancer, choreographer, actress, and dance teacher. She may have stepped back from the limelight, but the influence of her work lives on. Fly Girl Lisa remains one of the most beloved dancers of the 90s and an unforgettable part of pop culture history.
