{{short description|American actress (born 1974)}} {{for|the American make-up artist|Laura Allen (make-up artist)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2017}} {{Infobox person | image = | name = Laura Allen | birth_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1974|3|21|mf=yes}} | birth_place = Portland, Oregon, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | occupation = Actress | alma_mater = Wellesley College | years_active = 2000–present | spouse = {{marriage|Bruce Weyman|2006}} | children = 2 }}
'''Laura Allen''' (born March 21, 1974)<ref name="oregonian-2014apr">{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Jeff |date=April 28, 2014 |title=18 actors you (maybe) didn't know were from Portland |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2014/04/18_actors_you_maybe_didnt_know.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023034602/https://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2014/04/18_actors_you_maybe_didnt_know.html |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2016 |newspaper=The Oregonian |location=Portland, Oregon}}</ref> is an American actress. She is known for her roles on the ABC Daytime soap opera ''All My Children'' (2000–2002) and the USA Network television series ''The 4400'' (2004–2005, 2007). She has also been a regular cast member on ''Dirt'' (2007 to 2008), ''Terriers'' (2010)'','' and ''Awake'' (2012)''.''
==Early life== Allen was born in Portland, Oregon, and grew up on Bainbridge Island, Washington.<ref name="oregonian-2014apr"/> She is the middle child of three sisters.<ref name="soapcentral" /> She attended Wellesley College as a sociology major and graduated in 1996. She worked with the NYPD as a domestic violence counselor before pursuing acting.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lauraallen.net/bio.html |title=Bio |publisher=Lauraallen.net |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928000951/http://www.lauraallen.net/bio.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Career==
=== 1997–2002: Early work and ''All My Children'' === While pursuing her career in social work, Allen became drawn to the theatre. She took a job as a crew member for the Blue Man Group, then won a role as Maid Marion in a touring production of ''Robin Hood.'' Despite the grueling experience of the ''Robin Hood'' tour'','' Allen decided she wanted to focus on acting.<ref name="backstage" />
Allen began working as a waitress while interning at the MCC Theater, where she met Robert LuPone. He mentored her, teaching her the Meisner technique and introducing her to her first agent.<ref name="backstage" /> Allen turned down a role on ''Sex and the City'' when she learned that it would require nudity. She won a guest starring role on ''The Street''.<ref name="soapcentral">{{Cite web |title=About the Actors: Laura Allen |url=https://www.soapcentral.com/theactors/allen_laura.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505013947/https://www.soapcentral.com/theactors/allen_laura.php |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=May 4, 2024 |website=Soap Central}}</ref>
She auditioned unsuccessfully for the roles of Michelle Bauer on ''Guiding Light'' and Melanie MacIver on ''One Life to Live'' before being cast as Laura Kirk-English on ''All My Children''. The role had previously been played by Lauren Roman. Allen played Laura from October 2000 to January 2002.<ref name="soapcentral" />
=== 2003–2008: ''The 4400'' and ''Dirt'' === After departing ''AMC'', Allen went on to play Susan Delacorte in Mike Newell's ''Mona Lisa Smile''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rooney |first=David |date=December 9, 2003 |title=Mona Lisa Smile |url=https://variety.com/2003/film/awards/mona-lisa-smile-1200537521/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505234859/https://variety.com/2003/film/awards/mona-lisa-smile-1200537521/ |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref> On television, she guest starred on ''Cold Case'', ''North Shore'', ''House'', and ''Criminal Minds''.<ref name="soapcentral" /><ref name="tvguidecredits">{{Cite web |title=Laura Allen |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/laura-allen/credits/3000437018/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505234901/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/laura-allen/credits/3000437018/ |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=TV Guide}}</ref> In 2004, Allen was cast as Samantha Wade in ''Sucker Free City'', a Showtime film directed by Spike Lee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rooney |first=David |date=September 16, 2004 |title=Sucker Free City |url=https://variety.com/2004/film/markets-festivals/sucker-free-city-1200531025/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505234857/https://variety.com/2004/film/markets-festivals/sucker-free-city-1200531025/ |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref> This was followed by a leading role as Jane Carol Webb in the film ''How You Look to Me''.<ref name="backstage">{{Cite web |last=Kuhn |first=Sarah |date=November 5, 2019 |title=Laura Allen: Down to Earth |url=https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/laura-allen-earth-35339/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505234858/https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/laura-allen-earth-35339/ |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=Backstage}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 17, 2005 |title='Look' looks about done |url=https://variety.com/2005/film/markets-festivals/look-looks-about-done-1117919715/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424230137/https://variety.com/2005/film/markets-festivals/look-looks-about-done-1117919715/ |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=Variety}}</ref>
She landed a starring role on USA Network's hit series, ''The 4400,'' playing the role of Lily Tyler.<ref name="backstage" /> However, her character was written out of the show before its third season. She reprised the role of Lily Tyler in 2007 in the fourth season of ''The 4400'' for one episode.<ref name="Lily-Laura-Depart">{{cite web|url=http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/print.php?id=36546| title = What Happened To 4400's Lily?| access-date = December 11, 2006|last=Lee|first=Patrick|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715171158/http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/print.php?id=36546|archive-date=July 15, 2006}}</ref><ref name="tvguide07">{{Cite web |last=Webb Mitovich |first=Matt |date=August 17, 2007 |title=Laura Allen Has the Dirt on The 4400's Surprising Reunion |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/4400-dirt-allen-38674/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507031209/https://www.tvguide.com/news/4400-dirt-allen-38674/ |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=TV Guide}}</ref>
In 2007, Allen was cast in a regular role on the FX drama series ''Dirt'', playing Julia Mallory.<ref name="tvguide07" /> She guest starred on ''Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'' and appeared in the films ''From Within'' and ''The Collective''.<ref name="tvguide07" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Collective |url=https://www.brooklynfilmfestival.org/film-detail?fid=800 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011012320/https://www.brooklynfilmfestival.org/film-detail?fid=800 |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=Brooklyn Film Festival}}</ref><ref name="soapcentral" /><ref name="gruesome" />
=== 2009–2012: ''Terriers'' and ''Awake'' === Allen played a recurring role on ''Grey's Anatomy'' in 2009 as the ex-lover of Owen (Kevin McKidd).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cellura |first=Regan |date=January 14, 2009 |title=AMC's Laura Allen Cast on Grey's Anatomy |url=https://daytimeconfidential.com/2009/01/14/amcs-laura-allen-cast-on-greys-anatomy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507031825/https://daytimeconfidential.com/2009/01/14/amcs-laura-allen-cast-on-greys-anatomy |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=Daytime Confidential}}</ref> She guest starred on ''CSI: Miami'' and appeared in the films ''Hysteria'' and ''Old Dogs''.<ref name="gruesome">{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2016 |title=Interview: Laura Allen (Clown) |url=https://gruesomemagazine.com/2016/08/16/interview-laura-allan-clown/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929123804/https://gruesomemagazine.com/2016/08/16/interview-laura-allan-clown/ |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=Gruesome Magazine}}</ref><ref name="soapcentral" />
She played Linda in the 2010 comedy film ''Cherry'', co-starring with Kyle Gallner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=Mike |date=November 4, 2010 |title=A Freshman Year to Remember |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/movies/05cherry.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505234858/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/movies/05cherry.html |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Allen then had a regular role as Katie Nichols on the short-lived FX series ''Terriers'' in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bellafante |first=Gina |date=September 7, 2010 |title=In a Golden Land, but Grateful for Brass Rings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/08/arts/television/08terriers.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505234858/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/08/arts/television/08terriers.html |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> In 2012, she was initially cast in a supporting role on the NBC series ''Awake'' (then titled ''REM''), but was promoted to a leading role as Hannah Britten.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Alessandra |date=February 29, 2012 |title=Choose a Reality? If Only He Could |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/01/arts/television/awake-starring-jason-isaacs-on-nbc.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422181224/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/01/arts/television/awake-starring-jason-isaacs-on-nbc.html |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=March 21, 2011 |title=Pilot Rarity: Laura Allen Promoted To Female Lead On NBC's 'REM' |url=https://deadline.com/2011/03/pilot-rarity-laura-allen-promoted-to-female-lead-on-nbcs-rem-115931/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129070207/https://deadline.com/2011/03/pilot-rarity-laura-allen-promoted-to-female-lead-on-nbcs-rem-115931/ |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |website=Deadline}}</ref>
Allen was cast in a Lifetime pilot, ''The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives'', in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Luke |date=October 15, 2012 |title=Laura Allen Uncovers The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives |url=https://daytimeconfidential.com/2012/10/15/laura-allen-uncovers-the-secret-lives-of-husbands-and-wives |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506212543/https://daytimeconfidential.com/2012/10/15/laura-allen-uncovers-the-secret-lives-of-husbands-and-wives |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=Daytime Confidential}}</ref> In early 2013, it was announced that the project wasn't going forward.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=January 16, 2013 |title=Lifetime's Kim Raver Starrer 'Secret Lives of Wives' Not Moving Forward |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/lifetimes-kim-raver-secret-lives-wives-413084/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506212543/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/lifetimes-kim-raver-secret-lives-wives-413084/ |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
=== 2014–present === In 2014, Allen had a recurring role as Rochelle Matheson on ''Ravenswood'', a spinoff of ''Pretty Little Liars''.<ref name="bustle">{{Cite web |last=Kay |first=Ariel |date=December 28, 2014 |title='Nanny Cam's Star Used To Work with the NYPD |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/55376-who-is-laura-allen-the-nanny-cam-star-used-to-work-with-the-nypd-is |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509121416/https://www.bustle.com/articles/55376-who-is-laura-allen-the-nanny-cam-star-used-to-work-with-the-nypd-is |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=Bustle}}</ref> She portrayed Meg in the horror film ''Clown''.<ref name="gruesome" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miska |first=Brad |date=2015-03-07 |title='Clown' Clip Enters a Jungle Gym of Terror |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/videos/3335176/clown-clip-enters-jungle-gym-terror/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507172544/https://bloody-disgusting.com/videos/3335176/clown-clip-enters-jungle-gym-terror/ |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Bloody Disgusting! |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Gareth |date=2015-02-28 |title=Clown (UK DVD) |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/91401/clown-uk-dvd/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507172547/https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/91401/clown-uk-dvd/ |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Dread Central |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barton |first=Steve |date=2015-02-27 |title=Eli Roth's Clown Gets a New UK Trailer |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/91272/eli-roths-clown-gets-new-uk-trailer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507172548/https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/91272/eli-roths-clown-gets-new-uk-trailer/ |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Dread Central |language=en-US}}</ref> Allen starred as Linda Kessler in the Lifetime movie ''Nanny Cam''.<ref>[http://marvista.net/Details.aspx?id=84df7e05-c1d7-e311-b063-d4ae527c3b65 Nanny Cam – MarVista Entertainment] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213152018/http://marvista.net/Details.aspx?id=84df7e05-c1d7-e311-b063-d4ae527c3b65 |date=February 13, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="bustle" /> She also had a guest starring role on ''NCIS: New Orleans''.<ref name="tvguidecredits" />
Allen was cast as Olivia in ''Marvel's Most Wanted'', a proposed spinoff of ''Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2016 |title=Marvel's Most Wanted – 2016 |url=https://www.avclub.com/film/reviews/marvel-s-most-wanted-2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506193125/https://www.avclub.com/film/reviews/marvel-s-most-wanted-2016 |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=AV Club}}</ref> The project was dropped before it could air. In May 2016, Allen guest starred on ''Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.''<ref name="gruesome" /> She had a recurring role as Rosie on ''American Horror Story: Cult'' in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemetz |first=Dave |date=July 19, 2017 |title=American Horror Story: Lena Dunham Books Season 7 Role (Yes, Really) |url=https://tvline.com/casting-news/american-horror-story-cast-lena-dunham-season-7-fx-849404/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506212546/https://tvline.com/casting-news/american-horror-story-cast-lena-dunham-season-7-fx-849404/ |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=TV Line}}</ref>
In the 2018 film ''The Tale,'' a drama about sexual abuse, Allen played a younger version of Ellen Burstyn's character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Felperin |first=Leslie |date=January 20, 2018 |title='The Tale': Film Review {{!}} Sundance 2018 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/tale-review-1076440/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506215853/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/tale-review-1076440/ |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> She continued to take on dramatic roles, appearing in the short film ''Unspeakable'', directed by Milena Govich.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Unspeakable |url=https://watch.afi.com/movie/unspeakable-3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515231637/https://watch.afi.com/movie/unspeakable-3 |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=American Film Institute}}</ref> On television, she had a regular role as Officer Reynolds in the third season of ''Hap and Leonard''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keene |first=Allison |date=March 14, 2018 |title='Hap and Leonard' EP on Florida's Journey & Balancing Humor with Serious Darkness |url=https://collider.com/hap-and-leonard-season-3-interview-john-wirth/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529190659/https://collider.com/hap-and-leonard-season-3-interview-john-wirth/ |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=Collider}}</ref>
Allen had recurring roles on ''9-1-1'' and ''Suits'' in 2019.<ref name="tvguidecredits" /><ref name="looper">{{Cite web |last=Poisuo |first=Pauli |date=April 5, 2024 |title=Why Chicago Fire's Chief Robinson Looks So Familiar |url=https://www.looper.com/1553215/chicago-fire-why-chief-robinson-looks-familiar-actress-laura-allen/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506212543/https://www.looper.com/1553215/chicago-fire-why-chief-robinson-looks-familiar-actress-laura-allen/ |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |website=Looper}}</ref> In 2024, she began appearing in the recurring role of Chief Robinson on ''Chicago Fire''.<ref name="looper" />
== Personal life == After leaving ''All My Children'' in 2002, Allen took a ten week training course to become an emergency medical technician.<ref name="backstage" />
==Filmography==
===Film=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |rowspan="2"|2003 | data-sort-value="Tale of Two, A" | ''A Tale of Two'' |Limo Girl |Short film |- |''Mona Lisa Smile'' |Susan Delacorte | |- |2005 |''How You Look to Me'' |Jane Carol Webb | |- |rowspan="2"|2008 |''From Within'' |Trish | |- | data-sort-value="Collective, The" |''The Collective'' |Clare | |- |2009 |''Old Dogs'' |Kelly | |- |rowspan="2"|2010 |''Cherry'' |Linda | |- |''Hysteria'' |Erin | |- |2013 |''Red Car'' |Marilyn |Short film |- |2014 |''Clown'' |Meg McCoy | |- |2017 |''Tulip Fever'' |Buxom Wench | |- | rowspan="2" |2018 | data-sort-value="Tale, The" | ''The Tale'' |Young Nettie | |- |''Unspeakable'' |Marie Deguire |Short film |- |2019 |''One Foot in Front'' |The Mom |Short film |- |2020 |''Last Looks'' |Friend |Short film |}
===Television=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2000 | data-sort-value="Street, The" | ''The Street'' |Jennifer |Episode: "Pilot" |- |2000–2002 |''All My Children'' |Laura Kirk-English |Contract role |- |rowspan="3"|2004 |''Cold Case'' |Vanessa Prosser |Episode: "Late Returns" |- |''North Shore'' |Monique |Episode: "More" |- |''Sucker Free City'' |Samantha Wade |Television film |- |2004–2005; 2007 | data-sort-value="Forty-four Hundred, The" | ''The 4400'' |Lily Tyler |Main cast (seasons 1–2) |- |2006 |''House'' |Sarah Alston |Episode: "All In" |- |rowspan="2"|2007 |''Criminal Minds'' |Bobbi Baird |Episode: "Open Season" |- |''Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'' |Cass Magnall |Episode: "Alternate" |- |2007–2008 |''Dirt'' |Julia Mallory |Main cast |- |rowspan="2"|2009 |''Grey's Anatomy'' |Beth Whitman |Episodes: "Beat Your Heart Out", "Before and After" |- |''CSI: Miami'' |Sondra Moore |Episode: "Dissolved" |- |2010 |''Terriers'' |Katie Nichols |Main cast |- |2012 |''Awake'' |Hannah Britten |Main cast |- |2013 |''Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives'' |Alison Dunn |Unaired pilot |- |2013–2014 |''Ravenswood'' |Rochelle Matheson |6 episodes |- |rowspan="2"|2014 |''NCIS: New Orleans'' |Katherine Wilson |Episode: "Watch Over Me" |- |''Nanny Cam'' |Linda Kessler |Television film |- |2015; 2019 |''Suits'' |Lily Specter |Episodes: "Hitting Home", "Faith", "Thunder Away" |- |rowspan="2"|2016 |''Marvel's Most Wanted'' |Olivia |Unaired pilot |- |''Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders'' |Emily Wagner |Episode: "Paper Orphans" |- |rowspan="2"|2017 |''American Horror Story: Cult'' |Rosie |Episodes: "Neighbors from Hell", "Holes" |- |''Wisdom of the Crowd'' |Shelly Walsh |Episode: "Clear History" |- |rowspan="2"|2018 | data-sort-value="Nine-one-one" | ''9-1-1'' |Marcy Nash |Episodes: "Point of Origin", "Bobby Begins Again" |- |''Hap and Leonard'' |Officer Reynolds |5 episodes |- |2019–2021 |''Truth Be Told'' |Alana Cave |5 episodes |- |2024 |''Chicago Fire'' |Chief Danya Robinson |7 episodes |- |2025 |''FBI: International'' |Marlena Kline |Episode: "A Winged Lion for Protection" |- |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{IMDb name}} * [https://www.allmovie.com/artist/laura-allen-vn15434154 Laura Allen] at [https://www.allmovie.com/ AllMovie]
{{Portal bar|Biography|United States|Oregon|Film|Television}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Allen, Laura}} Category:1974 births Category:American soap opera actresses Category:American television actresses Category:21st-century American actresses Category:Living people Category:Actresses from Portland, Oregon Category:Actresses from Washington (state) Category:Wellesley College alumni Category:American film actresses