Lauren Graham is an American actress and author. She is best known for her roles as Lorelai Gilmore on the television series Gilmore Girls, for which she received nominations for Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globe and Satellite Awards, and as Sarah Braverman on the NBC television drama Parenthood.
Just like actor Jason Mamoa, she was born on Hawaii.
Biography
Lauren Helen Graham was born on March 16, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father, Lawrence Graham, is a candy industry lobbyist who has been president of the National Confectioners Association, and her mother, Donna Grant, was a fashion buyer.
Graham was raised in her father’s Catholic faith (her maternal grandfather was a Baptist minister). Her roots are from Irish, English and Scottish descendent. Graham remains involved with her Catholic faith by occasionally attending Mass.
Lauren also lived for a few years in Japan. This was at the time when her father worked for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam. Her mother also grew up there, as the daughter of a missionary.
When Graham was 5 years old, her parents divorced. Then, she moved to the Virginia suburbs of the Washington, DC metropolitan area with her father, who became a congressional staffer, while her mother left to pursue an artistic career, and lived in London until her death in 2005, at the age of 61.
A part of her childhood years, she also spend in Southampton, New York. She also went to the New York University there, but later transferred to Barnard College. She graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. After moving to Texas in 1992, Graham earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting Performance from Southern Methodist University.
Graham has a half-sister and a half-brother from her father’s second marriage. Her British half-sister from her mother’s second marriage, Shade Grant, works at a talent agency.
Since 2010, Graham has been in a relationship with actor Peter Krause. They first met in 1995 when they both appeared in the sitcom Caroline in the City. Then, they became a couple while co-starring on Parenthood. Currently, they are living together in Los Angeles. In the mid-1990s, Graham was roommates with actress Connie Britton. Graham owns an apartment in Manhattan and a house in Los Angeles.
Acting Career
Lauren Graham, widely recognized for her role as Lorelai Gilmore in the hit television series “Gilmore Girls,” has also explored the realm of acting beyond her iconic TV roles. Born on March 16, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Graham moved to Washington, D.C., in her youth, where she discovered her love for acting.
Before rising to fame with “Gilmore Girls,” Graham’s acting career began in the 1990s with guest appearances on various television sitcoms, including “Caroline in the City,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and “Seinfeld.” Her early career also included a regular role as Shelly in the sitcom “Conrad Bloom” and as a recurring character on the popular show “NewsRadio.”
However, it was her portrayal of Lorelai Gilmore, a witty, fast-talking single mother, from 2000 to 2007, that brought her widespread recognition. Graham’s chemistry with co-star Alexis Bledel, who played her daughter Rory, and her ability to deliver the show’s signature rapid-fire dialogue, won her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. She reprised this role in the 2016 Netflix revival “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.”
Post “Gilmore Girls,” Graham continued to build her acting portfolio. She starred in the NBC family drama “Parenthood” from 2010 to 2015, portraying the role of Sarah Braverman. Her performance in “Parenthood” was praised for its depth and realism, showcasing her range as an actress.
In addition to television, Graham has appeared in several films. Her filmography includes roles in “Bad Santa,” “The Pacifier,” “Because I Said So,” and “Evan Almighty.” While her film roles have varied, they often showcase her ability to blend comedy with more serious, heartfelt performances.
Graham has also ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to characters in animated shows and films, including “Vampirina” and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.”
Apart from acting, Lauren Graham is also an accomplished author. She has written a memoir titled “Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between)” and a novel called “Someday, Someday, Maybe,” further highlighting her diverse talents.
Lauren Graham’s acting career, characterized by a blend of comedic and dramatic roles, reflects her versatility and enduring appeal. Her ability to connect with audiences, whether on the small screen or in film, has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.