Lauren Adams

Lauren Adams is an American actress, comedian, improviser, and director known for her work across television, film, and live performance. Adams began her professional career in regional theater and summer stock productions before transitioning to commercials and performing a one-woman play titled "Pig: A Restaurant," which ran for six months in New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. She expanded her reach through appearances in web shorts and series, and made her television debut on the political sketch show "The B.S. of A. with Brian Sack."

Adams has been a regular performer at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York and Los Angeles, where she developed her improvisational skills under instructors including Bobby Moynihan, Lennon Parham, Zach Woods, and Chris Gethard. She appeared on "Late Show with David Letterman" as Daphne, a comic character who hosted a fashion parade segment.

Adams is recognized for her recurring role as Gretchen Chalker in the Tina Fey-produced sitcom "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" on Netflix. She appeared in 20 episodes across four seasons and voiced the character in the interactive special "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend." Her portrayal explored themes of cult dynamics and personal reinvention.

In addition to "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," Adams has appeared in television shows such as "Modern Family," "Special," and "Deadbeat," as well as feature films including "Greener Grass" and "The Disruptors." "Greener Grass" is a satirical black comedy written and directed by Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe. Adams has also appeared in "The Sex Lives of College Girls" and "Interior Chinatown."

As a director and writer, Adams has directed plays, sketch shows, and the short film "Animal," starring Cathy Curtin. Her career spans comedy, improvisation, and drama, contributing to her reputation in the entertainment industry as a versatile performer and creator.