Lauren Cohan is a British-American actress best known for her work in television dramas such as The Walking Dead, Supernatural, Chuck, and The Vampire Diaries. She was born on January 7, 1982, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA. Despite a common misconception that she was born in Philadelphia, Cohan has clarified in interviews that her birthplace is indeed Cherry Hill. She holds dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Cohan is the daughter of an American father and a British mother and has a diverse heritage that includes Irish, Norwegian, and Scottish ancestry. At the age of five, she converted to Judaism after her mother remarried. Her surname “Cohan” comes from her stepfather, which she adopted during childhood.

She lived in New Jersey until the age of 13 before relocating with her family to Surrey, England. There, she continued her education and later attended the University of Winchester, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Drama and English Literature. Her transatlantic upbringing greatly influenced her accent and acting range.

Film and Television Career

Lauren Cohan began her film career with a role as Sister Beatrice in the 2005 film Casanova. She gained broader recognition in 2006 with her part as Charlotte Higginson in Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj. She later appeared in the action film Death Race 2, acting alongside Sean Bean.

However, television became the central platform for her success. She gained attention for her portrayal of Bela Talbot in Season 3 of Supernatural, where she played a skilled thief intertwined in a world of the paranormal. Cohan further expanded her television résumé with roles such as Rose in The Vampire Diaries and Vivian Volkoff in the action-comedy series Chuck in 2011.

The Walking Dead and Career Breakthrough

Lauren Cohan’s most recognized role came in 2011 when she joined the cast of AMC’s hit series The Walking Dead as Maggie Greene. Introduced in the show’s second season, Maggie becomes a central character and a fan favorite. Her performance showcased a blend of emotional depth and physical intensity, contributing to the show’s critical and commercial success. The Walking Dead aired at the height of the zombie genre's popularity and significantly boosted Cohan’s profile in the entertainment industry.