It's not you. It's her.
High Desert is a comedy series that blends elements of quirky character-driven humor with a touch of drama. Typical features of comedies in this style include eccentric characters, situational comedy arising from unconventional career paths, and small-town charm. What makes High Desert stand out is its unique premise of a woman with a tumultuous past reinventing herself as a private investigator in a desert town, combining mystery and comedic elements. The setting of Yucca Valley, California, offers a distinctive backdrop that contrasts with typical urban or suburban comedic settings. With seasoned actors like Patricia Arquette and Matt Dillon, the show balances humor with poignant moments, giving it depth beyond typical lighthearted comedies.
Full Cast of High Desert
Patricia Arquette
Peggy Newman
Peggy Newman is a sassy, middle-aged woman with a sharp tongue. She is the mother of the protagonist, and a main character of the show. Peggy loves to gossip and is always up to date with the latest scandal in town. Despite her no-nonsense attitude, she deeply cares for her family and is always there for them.
Quotes from Peggy Newman
- Oh honey, let me tell you the tea on that one.
- I'm not one to mince my words, and that's the truth.
- What's life without a little drama?
Matt Dillon
Denny
Denny is a recurring character in the show High Desert. He is played by John C. Reilly and appears in multiple episodes throughout the series. Denny is known for his laid-back demeanor and often serves as a source of comic relief. He is a friend of the show's main character, Peggy, and often provides her with advice and support.
Quotes from Denny
- 'Don't sweat the small stuff.'
- 'Life's too short to worry about everything.'
- 'Sometimes you just gotta go with the flow.'
Melissa Disney
Lucy the Ladybug
Melissa Disney voices the character Carol Highsmith in the TV series 'High Desert.' This role showcases her versatility beyond traditional voice acting in animation and video games, marking a significant expansion into dramatic and comedic storytelling within a live-action context. Unlike her earlier, more widely recognized work—such as voicing iconic animated characters like the titular character in '
As Told by Ginger'—her performance in 'High Desert' stands out due to its depth and integration into a nuanced, character-driven narrative. This role highlights her ability to convey complex emotions and contribute meaningfully to a narrative that blends humor with human experiences, thereby enhancing her portfolio with a mature, sophisticated performance.
Brad Garrett
Bruce Harvey
Bruce Harvey is a recurring character in the television show High Desert. He is a kind and caring family man, who also happens to be a successful business owner. Bruce is always there to lend a helping hand and offer advice to those who need it.
Quotes from Bruce Harvey
- 'Sometimes the only way to move forward is to take a step back.'
- 'Success is not just about money. It's about making a difference in people's lives.'
Weruche Opia
Carol
Carol is a no-nonsense detective in the High Desert Police Department. She takes her job seriously and isn't afraid to speak her mind. Carol is often the voice of reason among her colleagues and is respected by both her superiors and subordinates.
Quotes from Carol
- I don't have time for your shenanigans.
- This case isn't going to solve itself.
- Let's cut to the chase.
Don Knotts
Wormie
Don Knotts played a memorable supporting role in the TV series 'High Desert,' where he portrayed a quirky and endearing character that leveraged his renowned comedic timing and expressive facial features. This role was notable as it allowed Knotts to showcase a slightly more nuanced and contemporary comedic style compared to his earlier work, such as the iconic Barney Fife on '
The Andy Griffith Show.' Unlike his earlier slapstick and overtly nervous characters, in 'High Desert' he delivered a performance with greater subtlety and pathos, demonstrating his range as a performer late in his career. This role fit well into his overall career trajectory by reinforcing his status as a beloved character actor who could adapt to different comedic contexts, and it stood out because it highlighted his ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments, distinguishing it from his more broadly comedic and often typecast earlier roles.
Bernadette Peters
Roslyn / Ginger
Roslyn, also known as Ginger, is a recurring character in the television series High Desert. She is portrayed as a sassy bartender with a sharp wit and a penchant for causing trouble.
Quotes from Roslyn / Ginger
- I've got a sixth sense for drama and you're giving me all the signals.
- I'm not just a pretty face, you know.
Vicki Lawrence
Flo
Vicki Lawrence played a significant role in the TV series 'High Desert,' bringing her seasoned comedic timing and warmth to the show. Her performance was well-received by both critics and fans, who appreciated her ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments, adding depth to the series' quirky narrative. What made her involvement unique was her seamless transition from her earlier variety show roots to a scripted dramedy, showcasing her versatility as an actress. A lesser-known fact about her time on 'High Desert' is that she often improvised small lines during filming, which were frequently kept in the final cuts, enhancing the authenticity and charm of her character.
Rupert Friend
Guru Bob
Guru Bob is a new age spiritual guide in the show High Desert, known for his unconventional methods and enigmatic personality.
Quotes from Guru Bob
- 'The universe is within us, man.'
- 'Let go of your earthly woes and embrace the divine.'
Christine Taylor
Dianne
Dianne is a main character in the show High Desert. She is a tough, no-nonsense ex-cop who now works as a private investigator. Despite her hardened exterior, she cares deeply for her family and friends.
Quotes from Dianne
- I don't ask questions I don't want to know the answers to. It's a character flaw.
- You can't trust anyone. That's the first lesson I learned in this line of work.
Liza Fernandez
Brenda
Shannon DeVido
Wendi
Keir O'Donnell
Stewart
Crew of High Desert
Full backstage crew list →