Laura Slade Wiggins
An actress and musician who brought a sharp, unsettling authenticity to troubled teen roles, most memorably on the hit series 'Shameless'.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actress, singer and musician·Birthday: August 8·Millennials
Biography
Laura Slade Wiggins grew up in Athens, Georgia, immersed in music from a young age, playing multiple instruments and singing. She moved to Los Angeles as a teenager, initially pursuing a career in music before acting took center stage. Her breakthrough came with the raw and chaotic role of Karen Jackson on the first seasons of Showtime's 'Shameless', a performance that mixed predatory sexuality with profound vulnerability, leaving a lasting impression on the show's gritty landscape. She demonstrated range by shifting to the devout, complex character of Cassidy on 'The Vampire Diaries' and later appearing in action series like 'Arrow'. Beyond acting, Wiggins has maintained a parallel path in music, writing and performing her own folk-tinged songs. Her career reflects a deliberate choice for interesting, often darkly layered characters over mainstream fame, building a resume defined by emotional risk rather than typecasting.
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 1988, 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 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Laura's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the morally complex and pivotal character Karen Jackson in the first three seasons of the critically acclaimed series 'Shameless'.
- Released original music as a singer-songwriter, including the 2014 EP 'How to Be a Lady, Vol. 1'.
- Starred as the lead in the Lifetime thriller 'The Wrong Teacher', showcasing her ability to anchor a film.
- Appeared in a recurring role on the popular CW series 'The Vampire Diaries' as the witch and former heretic, Cassidy.
Did You Know?
She is a classically trained pianist and also plays the guitar, mandolin, and ukulele.
She was homeschooled for most of her childhood and adolescence.
Her middle name, 'Slade', is her mother's maiden name.
She performed her own stunts for her role in the action series 'Arrow'.
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