Lauren Graham Then and Now

Lauren Graham Then

Lauren Graham was born Lauren Helen Graham on March 16, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Her father, Lawrence Graham, made his mark as a lobbyist in the candy industry, notably serving as president of the National Confectioners Association. Her mother, Donna Grant, had a career as a fashion buyer. 

Lauren’s early life was shaped by a blend of cultural influences; she spent part of her childhood in Japan due to her mother’s background and her father’s work with the United States Agency for International Development in Vietnam. 

However, the stability of her young life was disrupted when her parents divorced when she was just five years old. 

Lauren moved with her father to the Virginia suburbs, where he worked as a congressional staffer, while her mother pursued a career in the arts and settled in London. Tragically, Donna passed away in 2005 at the age of 61. 

Lauren’s family background includes a half-sister from her mother’s side and a half-brother and half-sister from her father’s side.

During her teenage years, Lauren Graham developed a passion for competitive horse riding before shifting her focus to acting. 

At Langley High School, where she was actively involved in the drill team, Graham’s burgeoning interest in performing arts began to take shape. 

She graduated in 1984, and in a full-circle moment, returned to Langley High over three decades later to deliver the keynote speech at the school’s 2017 commencement ceremony. 

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Following high school, Graham pursued higher education at New York University before transferring to Barnard College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1988. 

It was also during this time that she secured her actor’s Equity Card through summer stock performances at Michigan’s Barn Theatre. 

To further hone her craft, Graham moved to Texas in 1992 and enrolled at Southern Methodist University, where she achieved a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting Performance. 

This combination of academic achievement and practical experience laid a solid foundation for her successful acting career.

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Lauren Graham Acting Career

After earning her Master of Fine Arts degree, Lauren Graham returned to New York City, where she initially worked as a waitress and SAT prep tutor to support herself while pursuing acting opportunities.

Her early career included a unique job as Striker the Dog, the mascot for the FIFA World Cup, which showcased her willingness to embrace diverse roles. 

In 1995, Graham relocated to Hollywood, where she began to make a name for herself through various commercial appearances for Lean Cuisine and Dimetapp, and by hosting The Movie Channel’s free preview weekends.

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Graham’s acting career took off with guest roles on notable television shows. 

She made her debut in 1994 on the soap opera “All My Children,” followed by a notable appearance on “Caroline in the City” in 1995. 

She continued to build her resume with roles in “Good Company” and “Townies” in 1996. 

Her versatility was further displayed in the following year with guest spots on “Law & Order” and “Seinfeld,” and a recurring role on “NewsRadio.” 

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This period also marked her film debut with the horror film “Nightwatch,” showcasing her expanding range as an actress.

The year 2000 marked a turning point in Graham’s career when she was cast as Lorelai Gilmore on “Gilmore Girls.” 

The role was a significant milestone, earning her critical acclaim and nominations from the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

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The series became a beloved staple on The WB and later The CW, running for seven seasons and returning in 2016 with a Netflix miniseries, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.” 

During her time on “Gilmore Girls,” Graham also appeared in various films, including “Sweet November,” “The Third Wheel,” and “Because I Said So,” demonstrating her ability to balance television and film roles.

Graham’s career continued to flourish with a Broadway debut in the revival of “Guys and Dolls” in 2009. 

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She also ventured into voice acting with her role as Fran Lockwood in “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.” 

Her film credits expanded with notable appearances in “Bad Santa” and “Evan Almighty,” showcasing her comedic talent alongside established actors.

In 2010, Graham joined the cast of NBC’s “Parenthood,” playing Sarah Braverman. 

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The role was initially intended for Maura Tierney, but after Tierney left for cancer treatment, Graham stepped in and became a central figure in the series, which was based on the 1989 Steve Martin film. 

“Parenthood” ran for six seasons, further solidifying Graham’s reputation as a versatile and dependable actress.

The subsequent years saw Graham continue to diversify her career with roles in “A Merry Friggin’ Christmas,” “Max,” “Joshy,” and “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life.” 

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She also made guest appearances on “Web Therapy,” “The Odd Couple,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” 

From 2017 to 2018, she voiced Oxana Hauntley on the Disney Channel’s “Vampirina,” and more recently, from 2020 to 2021, she played Joan on NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.” 

In 2021, she began starring in the Disney+ series “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers,” showcasing her enduring presence and versatility in the entertainment industry.

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Lauren Graham Movies

• Nightwatch (1997)
• Confessions of a Sexist Pig (1998)
• One True Thing (1998)
• Dill Scallion (1999)
• Sweet November (2001)
• The Third Wheel (2002)
• Seeing Other People (2004)
• Lucky 13 (2005)
• Because I Said So (2007)
• Bad Santa (2003)
• Evan Almighty (2007)
• Flash of Genius (2008)
• The Answer Man (2009)
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) – Voice role
• It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
• Max (2015)
• Joshy (2016)
• The Barn Theatre: Tomorrow’s Stars Today (2016)
• Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016)
• It Takes a Lunatic (2019)
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)

Lauren Graham’s Personal Life

In 2010, Lauren Graham began a relationship with her “Parenthood” co-star Peter Krause. 

The two actors, who played siblings on the NBC series, found a deep connection that extended beyond their on-screen roles. 

They have since made their home in Los Angeles, where they live next door to another “Parenthood” co-star, Dax Shepard, and his wife, Kristen Bell, who is known for her roles in “Veronica Mars” and “The Good Place.” 

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This close-knit living arrangement reflects the strong bonds formed among the cast members of the show.

Earlier in her career, during the mid-1990s, Lauren Graham shared a memorable living experience with actress Connie Britton. 

The two were roommates during a time when their circumstances were quite modest. 

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On a 2013 episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” Graham recounted their living situation with a sense of humor, revealing that they occupied an empty house with no furniture and subsisted primarily on Rice Krispies Treats. 

This anecdote highlights the humble beginnings and the strong friendship between Graham and Britton during their early years in the entertainment industry.

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Lauren Graham Now

At 57 years old, Lauren Graham continues to make significant strides in her acting career while also pursuing her interests as an author.

She remains best known for her iconic roles as Lorelai Gilmore on “Gilmore Girls” and Sarah Braverman on “Parenthood.” 

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Her portrayal of Lorelai earned her notable accolades, including nominations for Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globe, and Satellite Awards. 

Both roles showcased her talent for combining humor and depth, endearing her to audiences and critics alike.

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In 2024, Graham starred in the movie “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” further adding to her diverse filmography. 

This role highlights her ongoing commitment to both television and film, as she continues to take on projects that resonate with her audience.

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Additionally, in 2024, Lauren Graham was cast in the upcoming film “Twinless,” where she will appear alongside Aisling Franciosi, Dylan O’Brien, and James Sweeney. 

The film is produced by Three Point Capital and David Permut, marking another exciting venture in Graham’s career. 

Her participation in “Twinless” underscores her versatility and continued relevance in the entertainment industry, as she remains a prominent and influential figure in Hollywood.

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Lauren Graham’s Net Worth

Lauren Graham is a multifaceted American actress, producer, and author with a net worth of $12 million, reflecting her successful career across television, film, and literature.

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