Lauren Buglioli is making waves in Hollywood, one complex and compelling role at a time. You may recognize her as the delightfully unforgettable Heather with the Weather in Apple TV’s Bad Monkey alongside Vince Vaughn. But now, she’s taking on a whole new challenge as Vanessa in CBS’s Beyond the Gates, a groundbreaking series that debuted on February 24 and will keep audiences captivated through August.
With a career full of dynamic roles—ranging from the high-stakes world of Florida Man on Netflix to Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues—Lauren has mastered the art of playing “complicated women” with depth and charm. But what’s even more fascinating than her on-screen performances is her off-screen dedication to making a real difference.
Beyond the spotlight, Lauren is a force for good. Inspired by an on-set hair artist, she became involved with Shine, a remarkable organization that uplifts women in safe houses and shelters through beauty, self-care, and empowerment. She’s also passionate about Heart Gallery and Atlanta’s Chastain Horse Park, proving that her heart is just as big as her talent.
Oh, and let’s not forget her two “offensively cute” rescue dogs, Vixen and Beverly Hills Cop II, who are living their best lives thanks to Lifeline Animal Project.
Now, let’s dive into what makes Lauren tick, her latest career milestone, and the advice that keeps her going.
INLOVE: You’re starring in Beyond the Gates on CBS—what makes this show such a game-changer for television?
Lauren: I’m so grateful to be a part of this historic production. Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios NAACP venture, partnered with Procter & Gamble Studios to create Beyond the Gates, the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap opera and the first daytime drama to premiere in over 25 years. I’m thrilled that CBS is prioritizing diversity by telling the story of the Dupree family!
Our incredible showrunner, head writer, and executive producer, Daytime Emmy Award winner and soap veteran/icon Michele Val Jean, is the first woman of color to create a daytime soap opera, and seeing her realize that dream with Sheila has been a gift.
Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Daphnee Duplaix, and Karla Mosley are the core members of the prestigious Dupree family at the center of Beyond the Gates. I play Vanessa McBride, who is Nicole Dupree Richardson’s (played by Daphnee) best friend. Vanessa is a high-end real estate agent who is unfulfilled in her marriage and, as a result, makes some… questionable choices. I’ve really loved bringing her to life and finding her humanity.
The team of writers is absolutely incredible and has given us so much to work with as actors. I’m excited for audiences to see these characters get MESSY! In addition to the brilliant work of Tamara, Clifton, Daphnee, and Karla, I can’t wait for the world to meet the rest of this incredible ensemble of characters played by the wildly talented Alex Alegria, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Ben Gavin, Marquita Goings, Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, Mike Manning, Rhonni Rose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad, and Arielle Prepetit.
INLOVE: Your character, Vanessa, in Beyond the Gates is a different challenge from your past roles. What drew you to her?
Lauren: What initially drew me to Vanessa in the audition was how much fun she is. She is funny, fabulous, ambitious, and fiercely loyal. On the surface, she has it all, but when you peek behind the curtain, she is in a lot of pain.
I love drama and comedy, and with Vanessa, I get to explore both within each episode, which is a GIFT. It is a joy to map out a character’s arc over 200 episodes because it really allows me to continue to understand and honor her over time.
The thing about soap operas is that they explore universal themes and the human condition, and hopefully, they can make audiences feel seen and less alone. Vanessa has a tendency to look for intimacy, validation, and approval in all the wrong places, which is painful for her but can provide great escapism and drama for audiences!
INLOVE: We loved you as Heather with the Weather in Bad Monkey! What is it about playing “complicated women” that excites you?
Lauren: Thank you so much! Human behavior fascinates me, and I try to bring curiosity and empathy to each role. Heather was “tricky”… meaning… not at ALL nice.
It excites me to try to understand why a character behaves the way they do, to honor their experience, and to avoid staying surface-level. The villain never thinks they’re the villain, right?
I also play women who are very different from who I am, and it’s honestly a joy to do that because it challenges me to find more similarities than differences in order to bring them to life.
Heather was so much fun to play because I got to interview some meteorologists who told me that unkind behavior is not unheard of at local news stations, particularly among meteorologists in local markets, because it is so competitive. Word to the wise—don’t cross a meteorologist!
I hope this is largely untrue, but it helped me justify Heather’s behavior. BUT karma took Heather out (may she fictionally rest in peace).
INLOVE: You’ve worked on projects spanning Netflix, Apple TV, ABC, and more. What’s been a defining “full-circle” moment in your career?
Lauren: Booking Beyond the Gates was a full-circle moment because when I first moved to New York from London after high school, I screen-tested for a contract role on Guiding Light.
It was such an exciting opportunity, and after that job didn’t come through, life took a lot of twists and turns for me because I faced major health challenges.
I had created a story around that role being “the one that got away.” In truth, life would have happened to me either way.
When Beyond the Gates came through, it felt like confirmation that “what’s for you is for you.”
The truth is, all those hardships I went through made me a better human being and actor.
At 18, I just didn’t have the perspective I do now.
I’ve learned it’s not about achieving the goal—it’s who we become in pursuit of it that defines our life.
INLOVE: The best advice you’ve received is “Trust the timing of your life.” Can you share how that wisdom has played out for you personally and professionally?
Lauren: Like I mentioned, I took a few breaks from the industry, and during that time off, I taught children with special needs.
If you had told me then that I’d end up living in Atlanta, GA, as a working actress, I NEVER would have believed you.
The unexpected twists and turns have shown me that if we just keep going, things can come together more beautifully than we ever imagined.
INLOVE: Your involvement with Shine is truly inspiring. What was the moment that made you realize you wanted to be part of it?
Lauren: Thank you, but the creators of this organization, Scott and Lindiwe, are the inspiring ones!
It was a serendipitous moment. I was telling my incredible hairstylist on Beyond the Gates, Christy Miller, that I was looking for somewhere to volunteer on Christmas.
She mentioned that her son, Scott Miller (also a hairstylist on Beyond the Gates), started Shine with his dear friend Lindiwe Famodou.
Witnessing the powerful work they do made it the most meaningful holiday I’ve had yet.
I look forward to continuing working with their organization and being their publicist, low-key!
INLOVE: Rescue dogs, heartwarming charities, and horse parks—your off-screen life is just as incredible as your acting career. What keeps you grounded in between projects?
Lauren: Thank you!
I’m passionate about volunteering and bringing awareness to organizations like Lifeline Animal Shelter, Chastain Horse Park, and Heart Gallery Tampa.
Staying connected to these causes helps me maintain perspective in an industry where it’s easy to lose sight of what’s most important.
INLOVE: You’ve worked alongside Hollywood heavyweights. Any fun or unexpected lessons you’ve picked up along the way?
Lauren: When I met Daphnee Duplaix, I told her how excited I was to work with her and learn from her. She very humbly said, “Oh, I’m always a student.”
Working with this woman is a true masterclass!
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from Beyond the Gates is how each team member contributes to the culture of a show.
INLOVE: If we open your camera roll right now, how many photos of Vixen and Beverly Hills Cop II would we find? (Be honest.)
Lauren: The limit does not exist!! Truly… An. Infinite. Amount.
INLOVE: And finally, our signature question—what are you in love with right now?
Lauren: I’m in love with practicing being kinder to myself every day.
How we talk to ourselves has such a massive impact on our lives.
I’m also very much in love with my dogs, but that’s a given.
Let me know if you want to see those infinite photos of them sometime!
Words by Elle Taylor
