Lauren Woodland
Lauren Woodland, born on October 28, 1977, is a multifaceted individual known for her diverse careers as an attorney and a semi-retired actress. She gained prominence for her roles in various television series, including “Alien Nation” and “The Young and the Restless.”
Early Life and Education
- Early Beginnings: Born in Carson City, Nevada, Woodland’s acting journey began at the young age of 6 with an Oscar Mayer Weiner hot dog commercial.
- Education Journey:
- High School: She attended the Highly Gifted Magnet at North Hollywood High School from 1992 to 1995.
- Summer Programs: Woodland spent her high school summers at prestigious institutions like the Boston Ballet and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
- University: After high school, she started at the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU before transferring to the University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude with a major in history and a minor in religion.
- Law School: In 2011, she obtained her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law, where she was the managing editor of the UCLA Entertainment Law Review.
Acting Career
- Alien Nation: Woodland’s notable early role was as Emily Francisco in the science fiction series “Alien Nation” from 1989 to 1990. She reprised this role in five TV movie sequels from 1994 to 1997.
- Soap Opera Roles:
- “The Young and the Restless”: She portrayed Brittany Hodges from 2000 to 2005, returning to the role in 2018 and 2020.
- Other Soaps: Woodland appeared on “Sunset Beach” and “Port Charles” in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
- Other Appearances: She also appeared in shows like “Quantum Leap” and “Cold Case,” showcasing her versatility.
Awards and Nominations
- 1990: Nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress Supporting Role in a Television Series for “Alien Nation.”
- 2004: Received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series for “The Young and the Restless.”
Legal Career
- Post-Law School: After earning her J.D., Woodland worked as an associate at White & Case LLP before becoming Senior Counsel at Novian & Novian, LLP.
- Professional Affiliations: She is Vice-Chair of the American Bar Association, Business and Corporate Litigation Committee Business Torts Subcommittee, Business Law Section.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
- Family Background: Woodland’s family has a notable history in California, with her great-grandaunt being Julia Morgan, architect of Hearst Castle.
- Arts Support: She is actively involved in supporting the arts, particularly in helping aspiring young actors.
- Board Memberships:
- Vice-President of the Los Angeles Dance Company, dedicated to advancing the art of dance.
- Member of the board of directors of the Castro Organ Devotees Association, supporting organ music through the restoration of the Wurlitzer pipe organ in the Castro Theatre, San Francisco.
Lauren Woodland’s journey from a child actress to a respected attorney reflects her versatility and passion for both the arts and legal advocacy. Her contributions to entertainment and law, along with her philanthropic efforts, make her a notable figure in both industries.