Dr. Lanie Parish is a medical examiner, and also a friend of Detective Kate Beckett. Dr. Parish’s friendly and upbeat personality is what endears her to Beckett. She is the one person whom Beckett can talk to without reservations, and one of the people she really trusts. She is very good at her job and takes it up quite seriously, but this doesn’t prevent her from having fun.

Lanie is easygoing and outgoing. She always tries to set Beckett up with guys she knows and always encourages her to quit being too serious and go out and have more fun. She is considered as Beckett’s best friend, and was the one who instantly notices Beckett and Castle’s personal connection and constantly urges Beckett to act on it.

Detective Esposito had often flirted openly with her but she just always brushed him off. Until it was revealed in the episode “Poof, You’re Dead” that she and Esposito are actually in a relationship. They thought they have managed to keep their relationship a secret to their colleagues, but Castle, Ryan and Beckett already figured it out and agree to the fact that they know to themselves.

Tamala Jones plays the role of Dr. Lanie Parish. Jones was born in Pasadena, California in November 12, 1974. She started her career as a model in magazine ads and television commercials. She has appeared in the TV series California Dreams, Dangerous Minds, For Your Love, My name is Earl, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.