We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
I would be remiss if I didn’t say my family, furkids and friends, but to break it down to a simple answer? Love and kindness make me happy. I can’t help but break into a smile when I see a stranger do something for or help another person. It brings me joy to see people being kind. Our world needs more kindness, compassion and empathy for each other, animals and the environment. I would love to live in a world where no one hurts anyone but especially animals – that would make me over-the-moon happy!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always loved making people laugh (and laughing!) If I bring 30 seconds of joy, levity or connection to someone, I’m fulfilling my purpose. Whether it’s complimenting the barista at the coffee shop, remembering the security guard’s name at a red carpet event or people telling me they laughed watching me on a rerun of Parks and Recreation, making someone smile and feel “seen” is the best feeling in the world. I am so grateful to be able to do that on a larger scale (my work reaches more people than I personally could in a day). One really fun project was the PSA I created entirely in quarantine: Covid-19: Stop Spreading That Sh*t [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xak4Vc1CpVc]: This homegrown — literally, at home — project went viral on Instagram and even garnered buzz in the press! As for overcoming challenges or advice? One of the most interesting things about this business is that you don’t know anything for certain. You think you booked it; they go in another direction. You think you bombed the audition; you book the job. I literally can’t even count how many times I auditioned for House of Cards….the show went through at least 4 different casting directors, 5+ years and 70 episodes before I booked. I wish I had tracked how many characters, auditions and callbacks because I would surmise it was, at a minimum, 25. A lot of people get discouraged or think something is wrong with not booking in 5 years but, in reality, the show and casting folks liked what I was doing and liked me; they just couldn’t quite find the right fit for me on the show. If they didn’t like what I was doing, they wouldn’t have continued to give me opportunities to be on the show. The real takeaways are persistence, dedication and stay positive. I’d also say, in life or in art, expect failure . . .but don’t let it stop you. Every person, I am aware of, who is or has been successful has failed. I believe the key is learning from it and to keep going. It’s definitely a lot easier said than done, but it really is the truth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s probably easiest to do this as a list 😊 *Dockweiler Beach – it’s so fun to have a fire on the beach with friends. Beware the black soot feet that follow the fun {laughs] *Stuff I Eat in Inglewood * Lares Mexican Restaurant in Santa Monica * M Street in Sherman Oaks * Street Food Cinema (best with a group of friends) If you’ve never been to LA before, add these: * hike Runyon Canyon * visit the Hollywood Bowl (as impressive empty as it is for an event) * visit/walk Rodeo Drive – if for nothing else, just to see the architecture, fashion and vehicles * The Grove * any studio tour

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I certainly would not be where I am without my mom and stepfather. My mom used to drive me to all of my activities, regardless of any of the 800 other things she had to do. She made sure to find me medical treatment in spite of doctors saying nothing was wrong. I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for my mom….for multiple reasons! My mom and stepfather were always so supportive of the outside-the-box things I did and allowed me to create a unique path. There was one person, specifically, who told me I needed to “get a real job” and “use my degrees” but it was never my awesome, loving parents. I‘m sure they worried about me, because, well, they’re parents, but they had faith and trusted I would make the best decisions possible. I think it’s safe to say they no longer have to worry! (…but probably still do, cause, you know, they’re parents!) I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize and thank the legendary Pat Moran and her associates, Scott, Chuck and Emily. They gave me the opportunity to book my first network television show. With that opportunity, I was able to learn from incredibly talented people and a director who put me through the paces. I will always be grateful for that opportunity and experience.

Website: http://www.MsLaurenWhite.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MsLaurenWhite
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenwhite/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ms_Lauren_White
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsLaurenWhite
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MsLaurenWhite
Other: https://www.imdb.me/LaurenWhite https://link.medium.com/6V2gVP0ZT8

Image Credits
Chris Kucherer, Michael Bezjian, Greg Doherty, Inetra Brazil

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