“Grownish” Lauren Gaw Shares Her First Taste Of Acting And Baking

After Lauren Gaw was convinced to audition for a talent agency that she was interning with, she hasn’t left the screens since! She is known for her role as Samantha on ABC’s Grownish, but You can catch Lauren Gaw on so many of our favorite shows! From Netflix’s Fuller House to Netflix’s Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave. 

Along with being on tv shows, films, and even in theater, Lauren has a big sweet tooth! Check out more about her acting journey and about her sweet cravings. 

Q. Lauren Gaw, it’s always interesting to hear how one got into acting. How would you say you first got into acting and then realizing it was something you wanted to do full time?

A. “My first taste of acting was in my school’s musical when I was in the first grade. I don’t even remember why I was there, but I think they auditioned my entire class. I ended up being one of 3 kids cast! I loved being on stage and the community surrounding live theater. I was such a shy kid, and it really gave me a safe space to explore and break out of my shell. I’ve loved performing ever since. I didn’t decide to act full time until after I graduated from college. I got the opportunity to sign with a musical theater agent and I decided to jump in feet first. I knew I would always regret it if I didn’t.”

Q. After graduating from University of Southern California with a degree in Communications, what was that transition like?

A. “Scary and exhilarating all at once. I was working in fashion marketing at the time, which is something I always thought I wanted to do. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I was miserable at that job, so that made it easier to leave.”

Q. You have a blossoming list of credits! What has been one of your favorite sets to work on?  Whether that was tv, film, or theatre.

A. “By far my favorite project was my first. It was for a Disney pilot that didn’t end up getting picked up, but it combined three of my favorite things: singing, dancing, and cheerleading. The entire cast was young, and it was the first project for a lot of us. There was just so much excitement and gratitude surrounding the entire experience.”

Q. What’s one audition that really forced you to step out of your comfort zone?

A. “There have been quite a few, but the first one that comes to mind is the audition for the Disney pilot I just mentioned. My musical theater agent sent me this audition looking for cheerleaders, but there was also an open dance call taking place that morning. There were probably 200 people there, and I recognized a lot of them as former contestants on So You Think You Can Dance. I was so intimidated, but I managed to fumble my way through the routine. I was quickly cut, and I was so discouraged that I didn’t want to go back for the cheer audition! Luckily I did, because in addition to showing our cheerleading skills, they taught us the same dance routine from that morning. They must have thought I was such a quick learner!”

Q. Outside of acting you have a plethora of other talents and hobbies such as cheer, piano, knitting – the list goes on – What advice would you give to someone who thinks it’s too late to pick up on a new hobby?

A. “It’s never too late to do anything! We’re usually afraid to try something new because we’re afraid we won’t be good at it. You don’t have to be good, it’s a hobby! It’s okay to do something just for fun. If you still think it’s too late to pick up a new hobby, start small. There are so many free resources online that allow you to try and learn something new at your own time. I learned how to knit by watching YouTube tutorials.”

Q. You are also very passionate about cooking and baking, and have your own baking series entitled “ Life Above The Clouds”, how did that come about? Cannabis infused treats are usually the star of the show, what sparked your interest in those particular treats?

A. “I’ve always loved cooking and baking, and I even dreamt about having my own cooking show when I was a kid. I guess starting my own baking show was a natural extension of that. When recreational cannabis first became legal in California, I had a hard time finding good recipes and resources. I knew there had to be other people who felt the same way, so I started developing my own recipes and sharing them online. Along with cannabis recipes, I’ll make anything that sounds delicious to me at the time. I admit I have a huge sweet tooth so that always ends up being dessert, but lately I’ve been experimenting with a lot of “healthy” dessert recipes that I’m really proud of. They have no refined sugar or are dairy and gluten free, but still taste amazing!”

Q. What is one of your favorite baking dishes? 

A. “Currently, my favorite recipe is my churro cookies. They’re a cinnamon-sugar dream!”

Q. Along with your baking series, you have a lot of vlog style videos under your belt. How important is it to be able to share parts of your life while bringing your viewers along with you?

A. “I love being able to share little glimpses of my life with viewers. I want people to know the real me! We tend to share a very curated version of ourselves on social media, but I have just as much fun making a video about converting a van as I do showing behind the scenes of a photoshoot.”

Q. Lauren, What’s next for you and what should we be looking out for on our screens?

A. “You can see me in the Cheaper by the Dozen reboot coming out on Disney+ next year!”

Q. Where can we follow your journey?

A. “Follow me on Instagram: @lauren_gaw and subscribe to my YouTube channel: @laurenleegaw.”