Lauren Lapkus
A comedic shape-shifter who can steal a scene with a single line, she built a cult following through fearless improv and scene-stealing supporting roles.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American actress and comedian·Birthday: September 6·Millennials
Biography
Lauren Lapkus didn't just arrive in comedy; she exploded from its core, forged in the crucible of Chicago and Los Angeles improv theaters. Her career is a masterclass in character work, where a single guest spot—like the hilariously unhinged prison guard Susan Fischer on 'Orange Is the New Black'—could become a cultural touchstone. Lapkus possesses a rare, elastic talent, equally at home voicing a cartoon character, playing the straight woman in a studio comedy, or diving into the deep end of a bizarre podcast premise. She co-founded the influential improv team 'The Smokes' and her own long-running podcast, 'With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus,' became a playground where the rules of interview formats were gleefully dismantled. Her success is a testament to the power of specificity, turning oddball choices and committed performances into a loyal fanbase that follows her anywhere.
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.
Lauren was born in 1985, 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 Lauren Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Lauren's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
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
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned widespread recognition for her scene-stealing role as correctional officer Susan Fischer on the hit Netflix series 'Orange Is the New Black'.
- Co-founded the respected Los Angeles-based improv and sketch group 'The Smokes' with fellow comedians.
- Created and hosted the innovative podcast 'With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus,' where she improvises a new character interviewed by a different host each episode.
- Starred as the lead in the Netflix comedy film 'The Wrong Missy,' showcasing her capacity for broad, physical humor.
- Has been a frequent guest and guest host on the popular comedy podcast 'Comedy Bang! Bang!'
Did You Know?
She performed with the renowned improv troupe The Groundlings in Los Angeles.
Her middle name is Allegra.
She is married to actor and comedian Mike Castle.
Before her breakout, she had a recurring role as a waitress on the TV series 'Are You There, Chelsea?'
“I love finding the weird, specific voice that makes a character come alive.”
