During her childhood, Lara was notably shy, prompting her to participate in dance and arts programs as a way to build confidence and self-expression. She later attended and graduated from The Chicago Academy for the Arts. After completing high school, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Boyle made her acting debut in 1986 with a small, uncredited role in the film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. While her early roles were relatively minor, her breakthrough came in 1990 with the television series Twin Peaks, in which she played the character Donna Hayward. The show became a cult classic and established her as a notable talent in Hollywood.

Film and Television Success

Following her success in Twin Peaks, Boyle appeared in a number of films throughout the 1990s, including Wayne’s World (1992), Where the Day Takes You (1992), The Temp (1993), Red Rock West (1993), Threesome (1994), and Happiness (1998). She became recognized for portraying complex characters and became a staple in both indie and mainstream productions during the decade.

Another significant highlight in her career came with her role as Assistant District Attorney Helen Gamble on the legal drama The Practice, which aired from 1997 to 2003. Her performance was critically acclaimed and contributed greatly to the show's popularity. In 2002, she appeared as the antagonist Serleena in Men in Black II.

Over the course of her career, Boyle has acted in more than 40 films and over 10 television series. Her work in both film and TV during the 1990s and early 2000s helped cement her status as a successful actress. As of recent estimates, her net worth is approximately $10 million.