Lauren Buglioli, best known for her role in Apple TV’s Bad Monkey, has stepped into the spotlight once again as “Vanessa” in CBS’s new premiere show Beyond the Gates. But beyond the screen, Lauren is a passionate advocate for mental health, a firm believer in trusting the timing of life, and an expert at embracing life’s unpredictability with humor and heart. She’s a devoted dog mom to two outrageously adorable rescues — Vixen and Beverly Hills Cop II. (If you ask her for a photo, you might just make her day.)
We caught up with Lauren to talk about home, comfort, and the little things that bring joy.
I love starting with this question: How would you introduce yourself to someone new, say a fan who you’re meeting offscreen?
I’d lead with dog-mom and follow that up with actress, educator, daughter, friend, mindset nerd, and recreationally petty human. It aligns, as it is my truth.
A true multi-hyphenate in every sense. Since we’re pulling back the curtain, how would you describe the vibe of your home, and what made you fall in love with it?
I’d say ‘cozy elder millennial-meets-Barbie dream house.’
I fell in love with the energy of the space. It’s one bedroom and one bath, has a fireplace (a requirement for me!), and is about 10 minutes from where my grandparents lived. We moved around a lot when I was a kid, but I grew up visiting them — so their home was a warm, welcoming, love-filled constant in my life. I think that contributes to why the area feels like home.
It’s my favorite place I’ve lived for sure, because I gave myself full permission to let the space reflect my personality. Is my dog’s ‘art’ hanging on the walls? Yes, yes it most certainly is. If you don’t approve, please take that negativity elsewhere. MoMA would support it and likely pay me handsomely for it, so I sleep soundly at night.
With all that moving around as a kid, does ‘home’ feel more like a place or a feeling to you?
So I was born in LA, then moved to Seattle, Dublin, Tampa, London, New York, and Atlanta. With that upbringing, over time, home really became a feeling.
The gift of that has been a real detachment from ‘things.’
I was doing theatre in Tampa in 2017 and had to evacuate because of Hurricane Ian. I remember looking around at my place (on the water), holding my dog, and grabbing a few sentimental items before leaving… and realizing I had way more than I needed.
After that experience, I downsized to a studio apartment. I love and am so grateful for my home, but I also recognize it’s so much about the memories I’ve made here with friends and how I feel while snuggling with my dogs. People, dogs, and experiences over things — always.
The one key to living in a small space is organization. The best gift I could have given myself was working with Deneisha from ReOrganize Me in Atlanta. She helped me make my home actually feel like my dream home Pinterest board. I feel such a sense of peace in my home as a result.
I’m guessing you’re a stellar host. Do you like having people over? Where’s the go-to gathering spot?
Yes, I love hosting a girl’s night in.
The party spot is definitely my oversized couch in front of the fireplace. My favorite thing to do is to have friends over and catch up for hours. Take-out food, adult beverages, my record player, a fire, and yapping with the girlies is my ideal night. This is my definition of a “party” and I stand by it.
Speaking of that big comfy couch, what are you binge-watching currently?
I am currently watching season two of Severance. Do I know what is happening with the goats? Absolutely not, but I’m so invested and think Adam Scott and the rest of that cast and creative team are brilliant.
Because I believe in balance, I also revisit Selling Sunset and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
I am having the time of my life playing Vanessa on Beyond the Gates too, and would like the record to show that this is technically character research. I think Konstantin Stanislavski would support it and that’s what counts.
What about books, do you have any on your nightstand?
I am a monster who reads roughly four books at a time.
Currently on my nightstand:
- The Seat of The Soul by Gary Zukav
- Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza
- Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap
- and Made Whole by Tiffany Aliche.
I’m in my financial feminist era thanks to my accountant and friend, Jasmine Johnson with Square 1 Accounting. I wish I’d learned about taxes, budgeting, and investing when my math teacher was getting hype over the Pythagorean theorem, but now I’m just thankful for geniuses like Jasmine who don’t gatekeep when it comes to adulting.
You mentioned a record player, and your dog’s art. Do you have any collections — vinyl, art, etc.?
I do collect vinyl. My favorite is the Pretty Woman soundtrack. I listened to that album a lot in high school (weird flex, I know) and have an odd emotional attachment to it as a result.
A record player adds to the cozy vibe of my house and makes it easy for me to unplug from my phone.
What’s the most underrated thing in your home that brings you joy or comfort?
Easy — my dogs are the most underrated source of joy. Their names are Beverly Hills Cop II and Vixen, and they are my whole personality. I adopted them from Lifeline Animal Shelter in Atlanta, a phenomenal organization. I’m so grateful for the work they do.
My incredible castmate, Rhonnirose (who plays Chelsea Dupree on Beyond the Gates) just adopted her sweet baby, Bubba, from Lifeline as well, and it was a peak emotional experience for me.
Please adopt or foster if you’re able. Or volunteer at your local shelter. It will result in underrated joy and ultimate comfort!
I can tell your home definitely reflects your (stellar) personality. Does your wardrobe do the same?
Our insanely talented costume designer on Beyond the Gates, icon and Emmy Award winner Jeresa Featherstone, has inspired me to start getting dressed daily. It has really changed my style. I love how she styles the character I play, Vanessa. So I’ve fallen in love with these brands as a result: L’Agence, Veronica Beard, and Retrofete. Now just pray for my wallet and keep me away from Tootsies in Atlanta.
My favorite affordable brand is Commense. I get more compliments on their clothes than anything I own. But on my off days, I live in The Mayfair Group sweat sets. They are very much my vibe and energy. I think my inner child would be very proud that I never outgrew my aesthetic. I required clothing to be pink and or purple and ‘twirly.’ Those of us who get it, get it.
Speaking of our younger selves, are there any life rules you’d want to pass down to her?
One of my favorite books of all time is Marian Wright Edelman’s The Measure of Our Success: A Letter To My Children and Yours.
When I was studying Early Childhood Education and Special Education before teaching at an inclusion preschool in New York City, my mentor, Maris Krasnow, had us read Marian’s book. Her “25 rules for life” most definitely shaped me. Please get the book as she elaborates on every rule in gorgeous detail but my top four are:
- Never work for just money or for power. They won’t save your soul… or help you sleep at night.
- Slow down and live.
- Always remember that you are never alone.
- Use your political and economic power for the community and others less fortunate.
I have her ‘25 lessons’ hanging in my office because being alive is wild, and these always bring me hope and encouragement. Marian, I love you.
To keep up with Lauren, follow her on Instagram @lauren_buglioli.
Credits:
Written by Carly Long | @bycarlylong
Photographer: Allie Hine | @alliehine
Hair and Makeup: Chelsea J. Augustine | @chelseajaugustine
Stylist: Emily Martinez | @emilymstyle
