Laura Harrier

Biography

Laura Harrier (born March 28, 1990) is an American actress and model who has quickly established herself as a captivating presence in Hollywood. Born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, Harrier's path to acting began somewhat serendipitously.   

Early Life and Modeling Career:

After graduating from high school, Harrier moved to New York City with the initial intention of studying art history at New York University. However, her striking looks led to a successful modeling career. Represented by prominent agencies like IMG Models and Wilhelmina Models, she graced the pages of major magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, and appeared in campaigns for brands such as Urban Outfitters and Garnier. 

While modeling provided an initial foray into the visual world, Harrier found it creatively unfulfilling and decided to pursue her true passion: acting. She honed her craft at the prestigious William Esper Studio in New York City.   

Acting Breakthrough:

Harrier's first significant acting role came in 2013 with the reboot of the soap opera "One Life to Live," where she played Destiny Evans. However, it was her role as Liz Allan, Peter Parker's love interest in the 2017 Marvel blockbuster "Spider-Man: Homecoming," that catapulted her to international recognition. This role showcased her natural charm and on-screen presence, introducing her to a global audience.   

Critical Acclaim and Diverse Roles:

Building on her success, Harrier demonstrated her range and talent in Spike Lee's critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning film "BlacKkKlansman" (2018). Her portrayal of Patrice Dumas, a civil rights activist, earned her a Black Reel Award nomination and further solidified her reputation as a serious actress.   

Since then, Harrier has continued to take on diverse and compelling roles in both film and television. She starred in the independent drama "Balance, Not Symmetry" (2019), the Netflix miniseries "Hollywood" (2020), where she portrayed a young black actress navigating the discriminatory landscape of 1940s Hollywood, and the Hulu limited series "Mike" (2022) as Robin Givens. More recently, she appeared in the remake of "White Men Can't Jump" (2023) and has upcoming roles in films like "Michael" and the series "Doctor Odyssey."