Lauren Ridloff

Lauren Ridloff is an American Actress and the niece of Shirley Hall Bass. She grew up in the neighborhood of Hyde Park, on Chicago's near south side, and took ballet classes at the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre. While Ridloff ultimately left dance, her years of instruction -- with her Aunt Shirley, among others instructors -- provided her foundation in the performing arts. Ridloff attended California State University, Northridge and later earned a master's degree in education from Hunter College. She initially worked as a teacher before pursuing acting. She was also crowned Miss Deaf America. Her acting career took off when she was hired as an American Sign Language tutor for Kenny Leon, the director of Children of a Lesser God, and subsequently cast in the lead role.