From Scream Queen To Culinary Matriarch: 7 Must-Watch Jamie Lee Curtis TV Shows And Her Shocking New Role In 'Scarpetta'
Jamie Lee Curtis, an actress whose career spans nearly five decades, has cemented her status as a Hollywood icon, not just on the big screen but also through a series of memorable and critically acclaimed television roles. As of today, Thursday, December 18, 2025, her television presence is more vibrant and relevant than ever, with a recent, highly-praised return to a beloved series and a major upcoming project that promises to dominate the streaming landscape.
From her early days in the late 1970s to her current status as an Academy Award-winning performer, Curtis has consistently chosen roles that challenge expectations, delivering performances that are both chaotic and deeply human. Her latest TV work, particularly her powerful, Emmy-contending guest role as Donna Berzatto, proves she is still at the peak of her dramatic power, while her next major series is already generating significant buzz.
The Essential Jamie Lee Curtis: A Biographical Profile
Jamie Lee Curtis is an American actress, producer, and author, born into Hollywood royalty but forging a unique path defined by versatility and resilience. Her television career, though often overshadowed by her film work, is a testament to her enduring talent.
- Full Name: Jamie Lee Curtis
- Date of Birth: November 22, 1958
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Parents: Tony Curtis (Father) and Janet Leigh (Mother), both legendary actors.
- Career Debut: Made her screen debut in a 1977 episode of the television drama Quincy, M.E.
- Notable Awards:
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
- BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress (Everything Everywhere All at Once)
- Two Golden Globe Awards (one for Operation Petticoat and one for True Lies)
- Known For: Horror/Slasher genre (the "Scream Queen" title), comedy, and dramatic character work.
The Modern TV Renaissance: Recent and Upcoming Must-Watch Roles
The last decade has seen Jamie Lee Curtis re-embrace the small screen with a vengeance, taking on roles that are complex, often satirical, and always memorable. Her commitment to character has led to some of the most talked-about performances on television.
The Unhinged Matriarch: Donna Berzatto in The Bear (2022–2024)
Curtis’s portrayal of Donna Berzatto, the deeply troubled and volatile mother of the Berzatto siblings, is arguably one of the most celebrated television guest performances in recent memory.
She first appeared in the pivotal Season 2 episode, "Fishes," delivering a chaotic, tour-de-force performance that earned her widespread critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.
Fans were thrilled by her confirmed return in Season 3, specifically in episode 8. Her character, Donna, returns during a moment of crisis when her daughter Natalie ("Sugar") goes into labor. Curtis's ability to capture the raw, destructive love and mental health struggles of the Berzatto family’s core trauma has made Donna an instantly iconic figure in modern prestige television.
The Upcoming Forensic Thriller: Scarpetta (2026)
Looking ahead, Jamie Lee Curtis is set to co-star in one of the most anticipated Prime Video series: *Scarpetta*.
The series is based on the bestselling forensic crime novels by Patricia Cornwell, centered on the medical examiner Kay Scarpetta.
Curtis will star alongside Academy Award-winner Nicole Kidman, with Kidman playing the titular Kay Scarpetta and Curtis playing her sister, Dorothy. This pairing of two Hollywood heavyweights as on-screen sisters is a massive draw for the series, which is currently scheduled to premiere on March 11, 2026.
The Surprise Sci-Fi Cameo: Star Trek: Section 31 (2025)
In a surprising and high-profile turn, Curtis made a significant cameo in the 2025 *Star Trek* TV movie, *Section 31*.
She appeared as "Control," the mysterious commander of the clandestine Section 31 unit, which is led by Emperor Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh). This role, which was a reunion with her *Everything Everywhere All at Once* co-star Michelle Yeoh, placed Curtis at the center of a major sci-fi franchise, further diversifying her incredible portfolio.
A Career of Iconic Television Roles
While her current work is making headlines, a look back at Jamie Lee Curtis’s television history reveals a pattern of choosing roles that are either groundbreaking, satirical, or deeply rooted in her family’s legacy.
The Satirical Horror: Dean Cathy Munsch in Scream Queens (2015–2016)
Curtis fully embraced her "Scream Queen" moniker—a title earned from her debut in the film *Halloween*—with this Fox horror-comedy series.
As Dean Cathy Munsch, the often-shady and always-unflappable head of Wallace University, Curtis delivered a pitch-perfect satirical performance. The role was specifically written for her by creator Ryan Murphy, who stated the show would not have happened if she had declined. Her work on the series earned her a Golden Globe nomination, proving her staying power in the television comedy space.
The Early Break: Lieutenant Barbara Duran in Operation Petticoat (1977–1978)
Before Laurie Strode in *Halloween* made her a star, Jamie Lee Curtis had a starring role in the short-lived but significant military comedy series, *Operation Petticoat*.
This was a pivotal role early in her career, based on the 1959 film that starred her father, Tony Curtis. Winning a Golden Globe for this role was an early indicator of her talent for blending comedy with strong character work.
The Guest Star Power: Quincy, M.E. and Columbo (1977)
Curtis’s first on-screen credit was in a 1977 episode of the medical drama Quincy, M.E.
She also appeared in an episode of the classic detective series *Columbo* that same year. These guest spots were the foundational stepping stones that launched her legendary career, demonstrating her ability to hold the screen even in brief appearances.
The Enduring Appeal of Jamie Lee Curtis on TV
Jamie Lee Curtis’s television career is a fascinating blend of homage, satire, and deep dramatic exploration. From her early days navigating the world of episodic television to her current status as a guest star capable of elevating an entire season of a show like *The Bear*, her impact is undeniable.
Her upcoming role in *Scarpetta* alongside Nicole Kidman represents the next phase: a high-stakes, prestige streaming series that will showcase her dramatic depth once again. Whether she is playing a satirical dean, a volatile mother, or a mysterious commander, Jamie Lee Curtis continues to prove that she is one of the most dynamic and essential actresses working in television today.
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