Lauren Cohan, a name widely recognized in Hollywood, has captivated audiences with her compelling performances across genres in both television and film. Best known for her portrayal of Maggie Rhee on the AMC series The Walking Dead, Cohan has a versatile career that spans supernatural dramas, action-packed thrillers, and post-apocalyptic horror. With her talent, charisma, and dedication, Cohan has earned her place among the industry’s celebrated stars.
Early Life: From New Jersey to the UK
Born on January 7, 1982, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Lauren Storholm—who would later adopt her stepfather’s surname, Cohan—had a multicultural upbringing. Her father is American, and her mother is Scottish, giving her a dual heritage that influenced her unique identity. When Cohan was thirteen, her family moved from New Jersey to Surrey,
England, following her mother’s remarriage. This shift allowed her to connect with her Scottish roots and embrace a European perspective that would later inform her acting versatility. Raised in the Jewish faith, she converted to Judaism at the age of five and remains connected to her spiritual and cultural heritage.
After completing her schooling, Cohan pursued higher education in drama and English literature at King Alfred’s College, Winchester (now the University of Winchester). With a passion for the arts, she co-founded a theater company, which helped her hone her craft and gain stage experience before transitioning into the world of television and film.
Breakthrough in Television: Rising Fame with Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries
Cohan’s career began to gain traction in 2007 when she was cast in Supernatural as Bela Talbot, a morally ambiguous character who trades in supernatural artifacts. The role brought her into the spotlight and showcased her ability to portray complex, layered characters.
Supernatural fans quickly grew fond of her character, even though she appeared in only six episodes during the show’s third season. Her final appearance in the episode “Time Is on My Side” left a lasting impression and demonstrated her knack for portraying dark, mysterious figures.
Following her success on Supernatural, Cohan landed the role of Rose, a 560-year-old vampire, in The Vampire Diaries. Her portrayal of Rose added depth to the show’s supernatural elements, making her an unforgettable part of the series’ storyline. These roles not only introduced her to a broader audience but also established her as a skilled actress capable of handling roles in both supernatural and dramatic settings.
Major Role on The Walking Dead: Becoming Maggie Rhee
In 2011, Cohan joined the cast of The Walking Dead, portraying Maggie Greene, who later becomes Maggie Rhee. Based on the popular comic book series, The Walking Dead explores the challenges of survival in a zombie-infested world. Maggie’s character undergoes significant development,
evolving from a farm girl to a resilient leader and fierce protector of her community. Cohan’s authentic portrayal of Maggie resonated with fans, contributing to the show’s phenomenal success.
Cohan initially joined the series as a recurring character in its second season, but due to the popularity of her role, she quickly became a series regular by season three. Her character arc, particularly her strong will and resilience in the face of immense loss, made her one of the show’s most beloved characters. Cohan’s dedication to the role and her ability to portray Maggie’s strength and vulnerability contributed to The Walking Dead becoming one of the most-watched cable series in television history.
Transition to Film: Exploring New Characters and Genres
In addition to her television work, Cohan has appeared in several films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her early film appearances include Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (2006) and Float (2008). Although these were modest beginnings, they set the stage for her transition into more prominent film roles.
One of her notable performances was in the 2016 horror-thriller The Boy, where she played Greta, a woman hired to care for a lifelike doll that harbors dark secrets. This role demonstrated her range as she portrayed both fear and courage in a chilling psychological setting.
Cohan also appeared in the 2017 biographical drama All Eyez on Me, where she portrayed Leila Steinberg, mentor to the legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. This role allowed her to explore a character grounded in reality and engage with historical and cultural contexts. In 2018, she starred in Mile 22, an action thriller that further showcased her ability to adapt to high-stakes, fast-paced storylines.
Return to The Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: Dead City
After stepping away from The Walking Dead in 2018 due to contract negotiations, Cohan briefly explored other projects. She starred in the ABC action-comedy series Whiskey Cavalier as CIA operative Francesca “Frankie” Trowbridge, a role that allowed her to blend action with humor. Although the show was canceled after one season, it provided her with the opportunity to explore new aspects of her craft.
In 2019, it was announced that Cohan would return to The Walking Dead for its final season. Her reappearance as Maggie brought fresh energy to the series, much to the delight of fans. Following the main series’ conclusion, Cohan and co-star Jeffrey Dean Morgan reprised their roles in the spinoff series The Walking Dead:
Dead City, which explores the journey of Maggie and Negan in a new apocalyptic setting. Cohan’s involvement as both an actor and executive producer highlights her commitment to the franchise and her growth in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Multicultural Background
Splitting her time between London and Los Angeles, Cohan embraces her transatlantic identity. She has mentioned in interviews that her dual heritage has given her a unique perspective, allowing her to navigate Hollywood with an open mind. Her close relationship with her family and her grounding in both American and British cultures have influenced her choices in roles and projects, helping her build a career that bridges continents and appeals to international audiences.
Conclusion
Lauren Cohan’s career is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and dedication to her craft. With a background rich in cultural diversity and a passion for performance, she has made a lasting impact on both television and film audiences.
From her breakout role in Supernatural to her iconic portrayal of Maggie Rhee in The Walking Dead, Cohan continues to captivate fans worldwide. Her journey is far from over, and with each new role, she reaffirms her position as a talented and dynamic force in Hollywood.
FAQs about Lauren Cohan
1. What is Lauren Cohan’s most famous role?
Lauren Cohan is best known for her role as Maggie Rhee on The Walking Dead, a character she portrayed from 2011 to 2018, with her return in 2020 and continued role in The Walking Dead: Dead City.
2. Where was Lauren Cohan born, and where did she grow up?
Lauren Cohan was born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, but moved to Surrey, England, at age thirteen, where she was raised in a multicultural environment due to her Scottish mother and American father.
3. Has Lauren Cohan worked in film as well as television?
Yes, Lauren Cohan has appeared in several films, including Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj, The Boy, All Eyez on Me, and Mile 22, showcasing her versatility across different genres.
4. Why did Lauren Cohan leave The Walking Dead in 2018?
Cohan temporarily left The Walking Dead due to contract negotiations, as she sought a salary increase. She later returned for the show’s final season and starred in the spinoff The Walking Dead: Dead City.
5. What other shows has Lauren Cohan appeared in besides The Walking Dead?
Lauren Cohan has had roles in popular shows like Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, and Chuck. She also starred in Whiskey Cavalier, an action-comedy series on ABC.