Airing from 2016 to 2021 on ABC, American Housewife quickly found its place in the hearts of viewers thanks to its witty humor, relatable characters, and a refreshing take on suburban life. At the center of the story was Katie Otto, an unapologetically honest and fiercely loyal mother trying to raise her family in an ultra-wealthy town full of picture-perfect neighbors.
The show’s success was due in large part to its talented cast. But since the show ended after five seasons, what have its stars been up to? Let’s take a closer look.
Katy Mixon as Katie Otto: The heart of the show
Katy Mixon played the lead, Katie Otto, with a perfect blend of sass, vulnerability, and comedic timing. Already known for her roles in Mike & Molly and Eastbound & Down, American Housewife gave her a true starring role.
After the show ended, Mixon continued working in television, appearing in voice roles, TV movies, and advocating for mental health and women’s empowerment.
Meg Donnelly as Taylor Otto: From ABC to Disney stardom
Meg Donnelly, who played Taylor Otto, used the show as a springboard into Disney stardom. While on American Housewife, she starred in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise.
She reprised her role in Zombies 3 (2022), and made her supernatural debut in The Winchesters. Donnelly is also pursuing a music career, releasing singles and building a fanbase as both an actress and singer.
Julia Butters as Anna-Kat (Seasons 1–4): A breakout Hollywood talent
Julia Butters played Anna-Kat during the first four seasons before leaving to focus on her film career. Her breakout role came in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019), alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.
She has since starred in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans, cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s rising stars.
Ali Wong as Doris: Scene-stealer with sharp humor
As Doris, Katie’s sarcastic best friend, Ali Wong delivered a sharp, modern brand of comedy. Already well-known for her Netflix stand-up specials like Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife, Wong’s career skyrocketed post-American Housewife.
Her starring role in Netflix’s Beef (2023) earned her multiple awards, establishing her as a powerful actress, writer, and producer in the comedy world.
Other cast members who left their mark
| Actor/Actress | Character | Post-show projects |
|---|---|---|
| Carly Hughes | Angela | Left the show citing a toxic work environment. Returned to Broadway and is working in musical TV projects. |
| Giselle Eisenberg | Anna-Kat (Season 5) | Replaced Julia Butters. Active in family-friendly films and sitcoms. |
| Diedrich Bader | Greg Otto | Played Katie’s husband. Known for voice work (Batman, BoJack Horseman) and continues in TV comedies. |
The cast’s ongoing connection with fans
What made American Housewife stand out was not just the writing—it was the chemistry between the cast. Many of the actors are still active on social media, engage with fans, and attend fan conventions and charity events.
Though the series ended, its blend of heart, humor, and honest family dynamics still resonates. The cast continues to thrive in everything from Hollywood blockbusters to indie projects.
