Lauren Cohan is a British-American actress and model, best known for her role as Maggie Rhee on the television series “The Walking Dead.” In the animated series “Invincible,” she voices the character War Woman.
Early Life and Education[]
Lauren Cohan was born on January 7, 1982, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to an American father and a British mother of Scottish descent. She spent her early years in New Jersey and Georgia before moving to the United Kingdom at age 13. There, she settled in Surrey, England, and later attended King Alfred’s College (now the University of Winchester), where she studied Drama and English Literature. During her university years, she co-founded a theater company, which allowed her to tour and gain early acting experience.
Career Beginnings[]
Cohan’s acting career began with her film debut as Sister Beatrice in “Casanova” (2005). She then appeared in “Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj” (2006) as Charlotte Higginson and in the film “Float” (2008). These early roles showcased her versatility and opened doors to television opportunities.
Television Roles[]
Cohan gained recognition for her role as Bela Talbot in the dark fantasy series “Supernatural” (2007–2008), where she portrayed a thief skilled in the occult. She then appeared as Rose, a vampire, in “The Vampire Diaries” (2010–2012), further establishing her presence in supernatural-themed television. In 2011, she played Vivian McArthur Volkoff in the action-comedy series “Chuck,” adding a comedic dimension to her repertoire.
The Walking Dead[]
In April 2011, Cohan was cast as Maggie Greene (later Maggie Rhee) in AMC’s post-apocalyptic horror series “The Walking Dead,” based on the comic book series of the same name. Her portrayal of Maggie, a strong and resilient survivor, became one of the show’s central characters. She appeared from 2011 to 2018 and returned from 2020 to 2022. Her performance was pivotal in the series, contributing significantly to its success.
Film Appearances[]
Beyond television, Cohan’s film credits include “Death Race 2” (2010), where she played September Jones, and “The Boy” (2016), starring as Greta Evans, a nanny tasked with caring for a life-sized doll. She also appeared as Martha Wayne in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) alongside Jeffery Dean Morgan, and portrayed Leila Steinberg in the biographical drama “All Eyez on Me” (2017), which chronicles the life of rapper Tupac Shakur.
Voice Acting[]
In addition to her on-screen roles, Cohan has lent her voice to various characters. Notably, she voices War Woman in the animated series “Invincible,” showcasing her talent in voice acting and contributing to the series’ dynamic character roster.
Personal Life[]
Cohan holds dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom. Raised in a diverse cultural environment, she spent significant time in both countries, enriching her adaptability as an actress. She is known for her dedication to her craft and her ability to portray a wide range of characters across different genres.
Philanthropy and Advocacy[]
Throughout her career, Cohan has been involved in various charitable endeavors, supporting causes related to health, education, and the arts. Her commitment to giving back reflects her desire to make a positive impact beyond her acting career.
Cultural Impact[]
Cohan’s portrayal of strong female characters, particularly in “The Walking Dead,” has inspired audiences and contributed to the representation of complex women in media. Her performances have been praised for their depth and authenticity, solidifying her status as a respected actress in the entertainment industry.