Lauren Buglioli: A Rising Star in Hollywood

Photography: Allie Hine | Stylist: Chelsea Augustine | HMU: Emily Martinez

As the entertainment world continues to evolve, Lauren Buglioli is making her mark with a compelling new role in CBS's much-anticipated series Beyond the Gates, which premiered on February 24th. Playing the character "Vanessa," Lauren's involvement in this groundbreaking series signifies notable firsts in television history, showcasing her remarkable talent and bringing her career full circle.

Having previously captivated audiences in Apple TV’s BAD MONKEY, alongside Vince Vaughn, Lauren possesses a unique viewpoint on Hollywood and life that is shaped by her personal experiences, including a transformative near-death experience. This journey has instilled in her the profound belief in the importance of trusting the timing of life, a mantra she embraces wholeheartedly. 

Lauren’s upbringing has given her a global perspective that enriches both her art and her approach to wellness. Rather than adhering to strict regimens, she believes in the power of flexibility, which contributes to her overall well-being. 

Beyond her acting career, Lauren is deeply committed to social causes. She has become an active volunteer for Shine, an organization dedicated to uplifting women in safe houses and battered women’s shelters throughout Metro Atlanta. Through initiatives like motivational speaking, artistic performances, and professional styling experiences, Shine empowers women to regain their confidence and start their healing journeys. Lauren’s introduction to Shine came courtesy of her on-set hairstylist, whose impact motivated her to get involved after just one day of volunteering. In addition to Shine, she also supports the Heart Gallery and Atlanta’s Chastain Horse Park.

Lauren boasts an impressive portfolio that includes roles in Netflix's FLORIDA MAN, CINNAMON, Tyler Perry’s A JAZZMAN’S BLUES, and ABC’s QUEENS, among other notable productions. 

With her impressive career, philanthropic endeavors, and heartfelt outlook on life, Lauren Buglioli is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in 2025 and beyond. Keep an eye on her as she continues to inspire both on and off the screen!

Photography: Allie Hine | Stylist: Chelsea Augustine | HMU: Emily Martinez

Can you tell us about your character, Vanessa, in “Beyond the Gates”, and what drew you to this role, especially as part of a series marking significant firsts in television history?

I am incredibly grateful to be part of this historic production. Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios NAACP venture, collaborated with Procter & Gamble Studios to create *Beyond the Gates*, the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap opera—and the first daytime drama to premiere in over 25 years. I’m thrilled that CBS is prioritizing diversity by telling the story of the Dupree family.

Our remarkable showrunner, head writer, and executive producer, Michele Val Jean, is the first woman of color to create a daytime soap opera. Watching her realize this dream alongside Sheila has been a true privilege. The talented cast, including Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Daphnee Duplaix, and Karla Mosley, forms the core of the Dupree family. I portray Vanessa McBride, Nicole Dupree Richardson’s best friend. Vanessa is a high-end real estate agent who is unfulfilled in her marriage, leading her to make some questionable choices. I’ve loved bringing her to life and exploring her humanity.

The writing team has provided us with rich material to work with, and I’m excited for audiences to see these characters embrace their messy sides! Alongside our lead cast, I can’t wait for viewers to meet the incredible ensemble, including Alex Alegria, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, and many others.

What initially drew me to Vanessa is how much fun she is. She is funny, fabulous, ambitious, and fiercely loyal. On the surface, she appears to have it all, but beneath that facade, she is struggling with pain. The opportunity to explore both drama and comedy through Vanessa is a gift. Mapping her character arc over 200 episodes allows me to deepen my understanding and connection to her.

Soap operas often address universal themes and the human condition, hoping to make audiences feel seen and less alone. Vanessa seeks intimacy and validation in all the wrong places, creating drama both for herself and the viewers. I’m excited for audiences to witness a soap centered around the lives of an affluent African American family, emphasizing the significance of representation. “If you can see it, you can be it,” right? I am proud to be part of such a talented and diverse cast.

How has your near-death experience shaped your perspective on Hollywood and influenced your approach to your career and roles?

At 19, I nearly died from pneumonia, which led to significant health challenges and a battle with major depression during my recovery. This experience profoundly shaped my outlook. Whenever I feel stressed, I remind myself of how blessed I am to be living a full life, no matter the difficulties.

I remember being bedridden and the weight of that depression, and now I see being in the world as a miracle. I adopted the mantra, “When you think you’re being broken, you’re being built,” which has helped me transform my perspective. I believe my journey was meant to cultivate a deep appreciation for my health and an empathy for others.

Being alive is a journey filled with challenges, and we never fully understand someone else's experiences. This realization makes it vital for me to practice kindness. Learning compassion for myself has also enhanced my ability to empathize with others and the characters I portray.

Balancing a busy schedule is essential for your well-being. What self-care practices do you incorporate to maintain flexibility and relaxation in your life?

I have a variety of self-care practices that I cycle through to ensure that caring for myself remains a manageable priority. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking self-care routines must be perfect, but I find that mixing and matching a few practices each day helps me feel my best.

Some of my favorite practices include meditation, journaling, walking my dogs, spontaneous dance parties (which my dogs thoroughly enjoy), writing down my wins, cold showers, exercise, and reading. Writing down my wins—big or small—has been particularly beneficial. It shifts my focus to what’s going well, counteracting our brain’s negativity bias.

The more flexible I am with my self-care routine, the more I engage in it. I have to resist the urge toward perfectionism and remind myself that others’ curated self-care routines may be edited and filtered. I strive for progress over perfection to ensure my wellness doesn’t get compromised.

Your involvement with organizations like “Shine” and “Heart Gallery” is inspiring. What standout experiences have you had, and how do you see your impact on the communities you serve?

Thank you! I became involved with Heart Gallery Tampa while performing regional theater in Tampa, Florida. Heart Gallery helps children in foster care find their forever homes by collaborating with local photographers to create beautiful portraits that aid in their adoption. While playing Daisy in “The Great Gatsby” at Stageworks Theatre, I was moved by Heart Gallery’s mission, especially after seeing a presentation they made to potential investors and portraits displayed in our theater lobby. I began fundraising for them by teaching spin classes, volunteering for their annual events, and holding birthday fundraisers. It was enlightening to realize how we can leverage our passions—whether acting or fitness—to support causes that matter.

I started volunteering with Shine this past Christmas. My wonderful hairstylist on “Beyond The Gates,” Christy Miller, mentioned that her son, Scott Miller, along with his friend Lindiwe Famodou, founded Shine to help women who have experienced domestic violence. When I learned they would be volunteering in a shelter on Christmas Day, I offered to provide childcare for the shelter residents. Shine’s mission is “to bring joy and confidence to women’s lives through pampering.” They connect with safe houses and women’s centers year-round, providing uplifting experiences focused on beauty and empowerment. Witnessing their impactful work made last Christmas the most meaningful holiday I’ve had yet. I look forward to continuing my involvement with Shine and promoting their incredible initiatives. You can learn more and donate at shineforme.org. It has always been my dream to use my platform as an actor to celebrate organizations like Shine and the remarkable individuals behind them.

Having previously worked as a special education teacher, I experienced the impact I had on others daily. Collaborating with organizations like Heart Gallery Tampa and Shine allows me to see firsthand how artists can influence audiences positively while supporting organizations that make a difference in people's lives.

How does your global upbringing influence your work as an actress, and are there specific genres or types of characters you are drawn to exploring in the future?

Growing up in London greatly influenced my work as an actress by exposing me to incredible theater and the extensive training I received in the UK. I would love to perform on the West End one day, with roles like Elvira in Noel Coward’s *Blithe Spirit* or Marie Antoinette in David Adjmi’s *Marie Antoinette* being particular dreams of mine. I’m especially drawn to period pieces, given my passion for history.

Can you share a memorable lesson learned from working alongside accomplished actors like Vince Vaughn or Edgar Ramirez, and what advice would you give to aspiring actors navigating the industry?

Absolutely! Both Vince Vaughn and Edgar Ramirez were welcoming, kind, and collaborative on set. I observed firsthand that when lead actors create a positive environment, it positively influences everyone. I feel incredibly grateful to have the support of Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Daphnee Duplaix, and Karla Mosley on *Beyond The Gates*. Their commitment to maintaining a positive and professional culture on set makes it a joy to work every day.

For aspiring actors, I would advise you to never underestimate the power of your positive energy. Your character and attitude can significantly impact the environment around you, and that can be a powerful act of service.

Looking ahead, what projects or roles do you dream of pursuing, and how do you hope to use your platform to inspire or empower others, especially women seeking confidence and healing?

I’m enjoying every moment of “Beyond The Gates”—it feels like a dream come true! I hope to continue playing Vanessa for as many seasons as possible. During downtime, I’d love to take on guest star roles in my favorite prime-time and streaming series, and one day, I aspire to perform on Broadway and the West End.

I aim to use any platform I have to raise awareness for remarkable organizations like Shine, Lifeline Animal Shelter, Heart Gallery Tampa, and Chastain Horse Park.

Ultimately, I want to inspire others by sharing my journey and emphasizing that healing is a process. Confidence is practiced, and we build it by taking action and confronting the fears that arise when we step outside our comfort zones. Celebrating the journey of healing and embracing discomfort can empower us and inspire others to do the same.