She grew up in Northern Virginia, USA (Fairfax, Arlington, and Great Falls, VA) Graduate of Langley High School, McLean, VA Graduate of Barnard College/Columbia University with a Bachelor's Degree in English. Graduate of Southern Methodist University with a Master's Degree in Acting. She was raised by a single parent, her father. Her parents divorced when she was 5. Growing up she wanted to be a jockey but her height precluded it. She traveled extensively with her father during her childhood and discovered acting while in elementary school. Her resume includes theatre, film and television.

Graduate of Barnard College/Columbia University

Lauren's father, Larry, is the President of the Chocolate Manufacturer's Association. Her mother, Donna, left her family when Lauren was 5 to pursue a singing career. She ended up in the fashion industry.

Has Irish roots. Has a half sister, Maggie and a half brother, Chris. First paying job was in high school, in a video about Planned Parenthood.

On "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn" (1999) (Feb 1, 2003), when they were discussing the quote then on her page on IMDb site, she said that she preferred "Belly buttons are cool".

2003 - Started her own production company, Good Game.

Received an MFA in Acting from Southern Methodist University.

Prior to "Gilmore Girls" (2000), she and once guest star Scott Cohen both appeared on a three part episode of "Law & Order" (1990) (though never appearing in the same scene).

She loves horses and horseback riding. Wanted to be a jockey, but she was too tall.

She and "Gilmore Girls" (2000) co-star Scott Patterson both made appearances on the TV series "Seinfeld" (1990) as a prospective girlfriend for Jerry and boyfriend for Elaine, respectively (but not in the same episode).

She has a dog named Hanna.

Her stepmother is Karen Graham.

She cooks good butterscotch brownies.

She can't leave home without a book to read in case things get boring.