Lauren Weedman was born in 1969 in Indianapolis, Indiana—a city that, while not central to her story, marks the beginning of a creative journey that would eventually take her across the country and into the spotlight. After completing her studies at DePaul University in Chicago, IL, Lauren Weedman made the move to Seattle, WA, where she truly began carving out her identity as a playwright and performer. It was there, in the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant arts scene, that Lauren Weedman found her voice—literally and figuratively—through solo performance work.
One of her earliest breakthroughs came with the one-woman show Homecoming, which premiered at the Seattle Repertory Theatre in 1997. This deeply personal production chronicled Lauren Weedman’s emotional quest to find her biological parents, drawing from her own experience as an adopted woman. The show resonated widely, earning critical praise and setting the stage for what would become a dynamic career. By 2000, Lauren Weedman had relocated to New York City, bringing Homecoming with her for an Off-Broadway run that lasted through 2002. During this time, she also explored other theatrical projects, including Amsterdam the Musical and They Got His Mouth Right, further showcasing her range and versatility.
Around the same time, Lauren Weedman stepped into the world of television, landing a correspondent role on The Daily Show (Comedy Central, 1996–), a gig that opened doors to appearances on popular comedy series. She popped up in memorable bit parts on shows like Reno 911! (2003–09) and Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO, 2000–), where her sharp comedic timing started to gain recognition. In 2007, expanding her reach beyond performance, Lauren Weedman published her first book, A Woman Trapped in a Woman’s Body, a witty and candid exploration of identity and self-perception.
Her momentum continued into the next decade. After a recurring role on the HBO dramedy Hung (2009–2011), Lauren Weedman began appearing in films such as Date Night (2010) and The Five-Year Engagement (2012). Still, much of her work during this period remained rooted in television, with supporting roles on series like New Girl (Fox, 2011–) and Arrested Development (Fox/Netflix, 2003–06, 2013–). These consistent appearances kept Lauren Weedman in the public eye and demonstrated her ability to bring depth and humor to even the smallest parts.
Then came Looking (HBO, 2014–15), a turning point in her career. On this dramedy series centered around LGBTQ+ life in San Francisco, Lauren Weedman took on the role of Doris, a character whose complexity and warmth added emotional weight to the show. Though Looking was canceled after two seasons, it solidified Lauren Weedman’s place in contemporary storytelling. Not long after, she released her second book, Miss Fortune: Fresh Perspectives on Having it All From Someone Who Is Not Okay (2016), a refreshingly honest memoir that blended humor with vulnerability.
From there, Lauren Weedman continued building her film resume with roles in indie comedies like Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017), and Wilson (2017). She also joined the cast of Playing House (USA, 2015–) in its third season, playing Cookie, a no-nonsense self-defense instructor who brought both laughs and life lessons. Through every chapter—from her early days in Seattle to her evolution as a writer, actress, and performer—Lauren Weedman has remained a distinctive voice in American entertainment, one who isn’t afraid to be real, raw, and relatable.
So, when it comes to Lauren Weedman’s filmography, there’s definitely a standout in terms of critical reception. Lauren Weedman’s highest rated movie is Looking: The Movie from 2016, which fans and critics alike seemed to really connect with. It’s no surprise that this one stands out—Lauren Weedman brought such a genuine presence to the project. On the flip side, another 2016 release, Rainbow Time, ended up being her lowest rated film. While it had its moments, it just didn’t resonate the same way. Overall, Lauren Weedman continues to take on diverse roles, showing range across different types of movies.