Laura Harrier
A model-turned-actress who broke through as a superhero's love interest and became a vocal advocate for diversity in Hollywood.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American actress and model·Birthday: March 28·Millennials
Biography
Laura Harrier's story began not on a stage, but in a Chicago clothing store, where she was discovered by a scout at 17. She quickly became a familiar face in fashion, modeling for major brands and magazines in New York. But the runway wasn't her final destination. Harrier shifted gears, studying acting intently, determined to be more than a pretty face. Her patience paid off with a breakout role as Liz Allan in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming,' bringing warmth and intelligence to the superhero blockbuster. She followed this with a commanding lead in Spike Lee's 'BlacKkKlansman,' holding her own alongside seasoned actors. Harrier now uses her platform to speak candidly about the industry's need for authentic representation, both in front of and behind the camera.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Laura was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Laura Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Laura's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Landed her breakthrough film role as Liz Allan in the 2017 Marvel blockbuster 'Spider-Man: Homecoming'.
- Starred as Patrice Dumas in Spike Lee's Oscar-winning film 'BlacKkKlansman' in 2018.
- Served as the face of major global campaigns for brands like Garnier and Louis Vuitton.
- Headlined the Netflix limited series 'Hollywood' in 2020, playing an aspiring actress in post-WWII Tinseltown.
Did You Know?
She studied acting at the William Esper Studio, a prestigious Meisner technique school in New York.
She was a competitive figure skater for ten years during her childhood.
She is of Polish, English, and African-American descent.
She initially attended college to study anthropology before pursuing modeling full-time.
“Representation is about more than just seeing yourself on screen; it's about who is telling the story.”
