Laura Leigh's "We're The Millers" Role With Jennifer Aniston: Before & After
Could a single role catapult a reality television personality to the heights of Hollywood, sharing the screen with one of the industry's most celebrated actresses? For Laura Leigh, a former "Vanderpump Rules" cast member, the answer proved to be a resounding yes, marking a pivotal shift in her career trajectory.
Published: January 30, 2024 at 09:30 ET | Updated: January 30, 2024 at 10:54 ET, the narrative around Leighs journey took a significant turn with her appearance in the 2013 comedy "We're the Millers." This film, which featured a star-studded cast including Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter, offered Leigh a platform far beyond the confines of reality television. The film, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, saw Leigh take on a role that, while brief, provided a crucial stepping stone.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura Leigh |
| Profession | Actress, Assistant Director |
| Known For | "We're the Millers" (2013), "The Ward" (2010), "Under the Silver Lake" (2018), "Blue Bloods" (2010), "Vanderpump Rules" (Season 1), "The Client List" (TV Series) |
| Notable Roles | "We're the Millers" as a Stripper (Boner Garage), "The Ward" |
| "Vanderpump Rules" Role | Recurring cast member in Season 1 |
| Associated Actors | Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts, Will Poulter, Andrew Garfield |
| Big Break | "We're the Millers" |
| Family | Focusing on family, boyfriend, and dog |
| Reference | IMDB Profile |
The film's plot revolves around a veteran pot dealer who creates a fake family to smuggle a large shipment of weed into the U.S. The film's success and the opportunity to work alongside established stars provided Leigh with a significant boost in visibility and credibility within the industry. This move proved to be a calculated risk that paid off, leading to further opportunities and a shift away from her reality television persona.
Leigh's journey from the "Vanderpump Rules" cast to the silver screen highlights the unpredictable nature of fame and fortune. Her decision to leave the show to pursue acting was a bold one, and her subsequent role in "We're the Millers" served as a crucial stepping stone.
In "We're the Millers," Leigh wasn't just another face in the background; she shared scenes with Jennifer Aniston. The experience of working on such a high-profile project with well-known actors was a pivotal moment for her. Although the role was relatively small, appearing alongside established stars and being part of a box office success gave her career a substantial lift. This propelled her from a reality TV personality to someone who could claim genuine film credits.
The film's comedic elements, along with its star power, contributed to its popularity. Aniston, as one of the leads, brought her considerable star appeal, and the film's storyline, centered around a fake family and drug smuggling, provided ample opportunities for humor and memorable moments. It was directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, known for his work in the comedy genre, which further enhanced the movie's appeal.
Before securing her role in "We're the Millers," Leigh was already carving a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. She had made appearances in other films, including "The Ward," a thriller directed by John Carpenter. However, the role in "We're the Millers" became her most recognizable and discussed role.
The success of "We're the Millers" was also a testament to the film's ensemble cast. Jason Sudeikis, who played the lead alongside Aniston, brought his comedic talent to the forefront. The film also featured rising stars like Emma Roberts and Will Poulter, ensuring that it appealed to a wide audience.
This film was more than just a job for Leigh; it was a chance to reinvent herself and distance herself from the confines of reality TV. It wasnt just about getting a role; it was about working in a different environment, learning from experienced actors, and being part of a project that had both commercial and critical success.
Leigh's story is also a reminder that the film industry can be a place of second chances and new beginnings. She capitalized on the opportunity presented to her, transforming a role that could have been a footnote into a cornerstone of her acting career.
Her participation in "We're the Millers" marked a turning point, enabling her to explore various roles and projects. While the movie presented a significant opportunity, Leigh was already accumulating experience in other ventures.
The film's impact on her career is undeniable. It provided her with the validation and recognition that are crucial for building a sustainable acting career. While the film offered her a wider reach, she had also made appearances in other films, ensuring that she had more than one avenue for creative expression.
The decision to leave "Vanderpump Rules" and pursue acting full-time was a gamble that paid off. Leigh's willingness to step away from reality TV and commit to her acting career demonstrated her ambition and determination.
The narrative of Leigh's experience mirrors those of many actors who start in less conventional roles. Its a reminder that success in the film industry can come from unexpected places. This role provided a platform to build upon, which allowed her to showcase her talent and establish herself as a serious actress.
Leigh's narrative is inspiring because it highlights the importance of taking chances and seizing opportunities. Her story demonstrates that with talent, hard work, and the courage to try something new, it is possible to break free from typecasting and create a lasting career.
The contrast between her reality television beginnings and her later work in film serves as a reminder that people's career paths are rarely linear. For Leigh, the jump from reality TV to Hollywood was a defining one. This decision allowed her to take advantage of new opportunities that would have been more challenging to pursue had she remained in reality television.
The success of "We're the Millers" contributed significantly to Leigh's future roles. The film's positive reception and the opportunity to work with well-known actors boosted her professional standing. The recognition from this film was a major step toward securing additional film and television roles.
The movie's success also provided Leigh with the chance to collaborate with notable individuals in the entertainment industry. The director, Rawson Marshall Thurber, and her fellow actors like Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston offered an environment where she could learn, grow, and create professional connections.
Leighs journey is a demonstration of the tenacity needed in the entertainment world. While the "Vanderpump Rules" fame gave her name recognition, it was her performance in "We're the Millers" that gave her the opportunity to show her acting abilities.
Leigh continues to focus on her career, family, boyfriend, and dog.
