Before Criminal Minds: the Gritty Comedy Struggles of a Young Aisha Tyler
By James H. Sterling
Rather than letting Hollywood lock her into single-camera romantic comedies, Tyler took unexpected roles. In 2005, she joined the supernatural drama Ghost Whisperer on CBS as Andrea Marino. Working opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt, she proved her ability to deliver grounded emotion in heavy dramatic scenes. Her sudden departure at the end of the first season remains one of the show's most memorable turns.
In 2009, Tyler took on the role of special agent Lana Kane in the FX animated series Archer. Her voice acting gave the character a distinct blend of sharp intellect, lethal combat skill, and deep exasperation. The show became an immediate cult sensation and critical hit, winning multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and running for fourteen seasons.
In 2013, she stepped into the host seat for The CW’s revival of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, taking over from Drew Carey. Tyler was a natural fit. Her improv training, quick thinking, and easy rapport with veterans Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, and Wayne Brady kept the show fresh for a new generation of viewers.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
