Pop-Culturalist.com

Lauren Buglioli has quickly made a name for herself with the complex and layered characters she’s brought to life in projects including White Elephant, The First Wives Club, and The Oval.

This year, she stars in not one, but two of the most highly-anticipated projects of the year: A Jazzman’s Blues and Florida Man.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Lauren about her journey as a storyteller, A Jazzman’s Blues, Florida Man, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
Lauren: I loved performing from a young age. I’m very grateful that I was raised in a family that supported my passion for the arts and encouraged me to take acting and dance classes, singing lessons, and allowed me to work professionally from a young age. I never take that for granted.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Lauren: My teachers, mentors, agents, managers, casting directors, collaborators, friends, and family have all been instrumental at every stage of my career. It takes a village. You learn so much from every experience, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been afforded along the way. I think my commitment to gratitude and having a growth mindset have influenced my happiness within the industry.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Lauren: Thank you! I feel very lucky. Every role and moment are meaningful for different reasons, but a moment that really stands out was finding out I’d been cast in Florida Man. It was very surreal. I felt really strongly about that role, and while I try not to get attached to projects, it just had a very special place in my heart from the second I saw the audition for Kaitlin Fox. Stay tuned, coming soon to Netflix!

PC: Tell us about A Jazzman’s Blues, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Lauren: A Jazzman’s Blues is a love story that explores the relationship of the central characters, Bayou and Leanne, and the obstacles their relationship faces in the deep south during the 1930s and ’40s.

I was drawn to the fact that it was a period piece and a character whose views are very different from my own. While it’s difficult to play an evil character, it is an honor to be able to serve this beautiful and heartbreaking story that Mr. Perry poured so much heart and soul into.

PC: When you’re working on a project that’s set in a distinct moment in time, does that change the preparation?
Lauren: The time period definitely influences my preparation. I did a lot of research on that particular moment in history and worked with a dialect coach on my accent. Studying as much as I can about a given time period is key to immersing myself in a character.

PC: This was the first feature that Tyler Perry had ever written, and he was waiting for the right time to bring it to life. What has it meant to you to be a part of this milestone?
Lauren: It means more than I can express. To know it meant so much to him and to be a part of this project is something I’ll hold on to forever. I admire him so much, so it means the world to me to be a part of this cast.

PC: The film has been incredibly well received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences? What do you hope they take away?
Lauren: The film covers so many themes, and I know it gave me a lot to process in preparing for the role, and I hope it does the same for audiences. I think the performances are raw and truthful, and the story is just so rich with so much to reflect on after the film ends. The last image of the film is so impactful that I had friends call me to discuss it after seeing the film. Another friend called me today to say her family is still discussing it a week later, which means so much to me. I hope audiences are moved and are left contemplating and reflecting on the themes Mr. Perry explored in this story. Ultimately, even in the face of hate and evil, love cannot be extinguished.

PC: In addition to A Jazzman’s Blues, you’re also going to be starring in Florida Man and Bad Monkey. What can you tell us about these projects?
Lauren: In Florida Man, for Netflix, I play Kaitlin Fox, a relentlessly ambitious newscaster. The series was created by Donald Todd for Aggregate Films. The writing is amazing, and it’s a stellar cast that includes Edgar Ramirez, Clark Gregg, Anthony LaPaglia, Emory Cohen, Otmara Merrero, Abbey Lee, Paul Schneider, Lex Scott Davis, and more.

In Bad Monkey, for Apple TV+, I’m Heather with The Weather, a meteorologist…and she’s a complicated woman. I’m not giving away any more…you’ll have to tune in! It’s created by Bill Lawrence and the incredible cast includes Vince Vaughn, Jodie Turner-Smith, Meredith Hagner, Michelle Monaghan, Rob Delaney, Ronald Peet, and many more incredible actors. I’m so excited for audiences to see both these incredible shows! I’m very grateful to have been a part of them!

To keep up with Lauren, follow her on Instagram.

Photo Credit: Ben Cope // Hair and Makeup: Cat Sherwin // Stylist: Anna Schilling