Laura Ramsey, born Laura Jill Ramsey on November 14, 1982 in Brandon, Wisconsin, has steadily built a resilient and diverse acting career despite a rocky start. Early in her journey, Laura Ramsey found herself cast in what would become a controversial reality-style film—The Real Cancun (2003)—a so-called documentary about American college students on spring break in Mexico. Though the project was later revealed to be largely scripted and widely criticized for its exploitative tone, Laura Ramsey managed to emerge from the experience with her reputation intact. In fact, it served as a launching pad of sorts, catching the eye of industry insiders who saw potential in her natural screen presence.
After graduating from Laconia High School in Rosendale, Wisconsin, Laura Ramsey moved to Los Angeles at just 19 years old, determined to break into acting. While working as a waitress on Sunset Boulevard—a common rite of passage for aspiring actors—she was discovered by a casting agent who encouraged her to audition for The Real Cancun. Though the film didn’t age well critically, it opened doors. From there, Laura Ramsey began booking roles consistently, mostly in independent and genre-driven films during the mid-2000s. She appeared in horror projects like Cruel World (2005), which ironically parodied the reality TV culture she had briefly been part of, as well as Venom (2005) and The Covenant (2006). She also made smaller appearances in mainstream studio releases such as Lords of Dogtown (2005) and the teen comedy She’s the Man (2006).
A turning point came when Laura Ramsey took on a rare leading role in the French-Canadian drama Whatever Lola Wants (2007), portraying an American woman who travels to Egypt to pursue belly dancing. The film showcased her range beyond typical supporting roles and hinted at her ability to carry a narrative. Returning to more familiar territory, she delivered solid performances in supporting parts, including the psychological drama Shrink (2009), and made memorable guest appearances on television. One standout was her role on Mad Men (AMC, 2007–2015), where Laura Ramsey played a glamorous, alluring young woman attempting to pull Don Draper (Jon Hamm) into her world of indulgence and excess.
Her work on Mad Men forged a professional relationship with producer Matthew Weiner, which led to a significant opportunity: a key role in his directorial debut, Are You Here (2014), starring alongside Owen Wilson, Amy Poehler, and Zack Galifianakis. Unfortunately, despite the talent involved, the film received poor reviews and quickly faded from public view. But Laura Ramsey wasn’t deterred. In 2015, she landed her most prominent role yet—the lead in VH1’s sci-fi romantic comedy series Hindsight. The show centered on a woman who gains the ability to travel back in time to fix past decisions, and with it, Laura Ramsey finally stepped into the spotlight as a leading lady, proving her staying power in an ever-competitive industry.
Through ups and downs, Laura Ramsey has maintained a steady trajectory, evolving from a footnote in a maligned reality flick to a respected actress with credits across film and television. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and quiet determination—qualities that continue to define Laura Ramsey’s career.
When it comes to Laura Ramsey’s career highlights, one name consistently stands out—Laura Ramsey. Her most acclaimed work to date is undoubtedly Pulling Strings from 2013, which earned her widespread recognition and remains her highest-rated film. Over the years, fans and critics alike have pointed to this romantic comedy as a standout moment in her filmography. On the other hand, looking at Laura Ramsey’s body of work, her lowest-rated project appears to be The Covenant (2006), a supernatural thriller that received mixed reviews upon release. While it had its moments, it didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Still, through both highs and lows, Laura Ramsey has continued to build a diverse and interesting career in entertainment. Whether she’s taking on lighthearted roles or diving into darker themes, Laura Ramsey always brings something unique to the screen.