Lauren Lapkus

Lauren Lapkus, known for her eccentric comedic spirit and malleable performances, has carved a distinctive path in Hollywood that showcases her as one of the most original figures in contemporary comedy. Born on September 6, 1985, in Evanston, Illinois, Lapkus discovered her love for performance early in life, an affair that began with school plays and community theater. Her trajectory, from improv stages to the silver screen, charts a compelling journey through the complex ecosystem of entertainment. Lapkus’s formative years in Chicago proved to be foundational. The daughter of entrepreneurial parents, she imbibed a sense of creativity and resilience that would later become hallmarks of her career. It was here, amidst the storied corridors of Evanston Township High School, that Lapkus honed her skills in acting and improvisation, laying the groundwork for her style—a seamless interplay of wit, spontaneity, and earnestness. Further engraving her affinity for humor, Lapkus graduated from DePaul University with a degree in English, but her real education came from the comedy breeding grounds of Chicago. Immersing herself in the city's vibrant improv scene, she joined the famed iO Theater, where she refined her craft alongside future comedy luminaries. It was this period that cemented her love for improvisation, a discipline she describes as both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, nurturing her signature unpredictability. Her talents caught the attention of casting directors and audiences alike, leading to a pivotal move to Los Angeles. It was here that her career took a decisive turn. Lapkus quickly became a staple in the Los Angeles comedy scene, performing regularly at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, a fertile ground for future stars, where her performances were marked by their distinctiveness and razor-sharp comic timing. The year 2005 marked a breakthrough with her role on NBC's "Are You There, Chelsea?" Her portrayal of Dee Dee, a quirky, wide-eyed innocent amidst a cast of more jaded characters, showcased her adeptness at bringing levity and depth to even the most whimsical roles. This exposure opened doors to more diverse opportunities, leading to guest appearances in a variety of TV shows, including "The Office" and "The Big Bang Theory," establishing her ability to blend into any comedic environment. However, it was her role as Susan Fischer on Netflix’s groundbreaking series "Orange is the New Black" that catapulted her into a different echelon of fame. Her performance as the earnest, often overwhelmed prison guard was both relatable and refreshing, offering a counterbalance to the show's intense dramatic moments. This role not only broadened her audience but also demonstrated her range, inviting opportunities that showcased her in more varied roles. Branching into film, Lapkus continued her ascent in the comedy genre with roles in major projects like "Jurassic World" (2015), where her portrayal of Vivian, a control room staffer with an unflappable demeanor, further solidified her versatility. Her ability to inject humor into blockbuster settings demonstrated her unique capability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Beyond on-screen roles, Lapkus has proven herself a force in digital and audio formats. Her foray into podcasting with "With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus" illustrates her penchant for improvisation and her comfort with spontaneity. The podcast, an exercise in comedic freedom, invites guests to take over as host while Lapkus responds as a variety of characters, a testament to her improvisational genius. Lapkus's role in "The Earliest Show," a comedic web series where she starred alongside Ben Schwartz, further exemplified her ability to collaborate and innovate within the digital sphere. Her performance was lauded for its notable chemistry and the series’ success highlighted a growing trend of entertainers leveraging new media for creative exploration. In 2020, Lapkus continued to shine with a lead role in the Netflix comedy film "The Wrong Missy," where her portrayal of the titular character—an eccentric and unpredictable blind date—earned her critical acclaim for its wild energy and fearless humor, reaffirming her status as a comedic tour de force. Off-screen, Lapkus remains committed to her roots in comedy, often returning to perform at improv theaters. Her dedication to the craft and her willingness to embrace diverse projects has earned her a significant place among film and television’s boldest comedic voices. Her story is one of continual evolution, a narrative written with humor, vulnerability, and an unabated love for making audiences laugh. Lauren Lapkus’s ascent in entertainment is a testament to the power of perseverance, a fiercely original talent whose journey through the ranks of comedy has been as unpredictable as the roles she inhabits. Her legacy is one of craftsmanship and creativity, a tapestry of improvisation and authenticity that continues to inspire and entertain. As she navigates an ever-changing industry, Lapkus remains an indelible figure in modern comedy, her career a delightful reminder of the joy in unpredictability.