Born in Iran and raised in Switzerland, Lara Wolf has always been an introvert. As a child, she seized the chance to join a school play, which marked a pivotal moment in her life. "I was extremely shy," Lara remembered. "I always felt a bit anxious in social situations. But when I was around six or seven, I had this sudden urge during a school play to just go for it!" she explained.
Once on stage, Lara found her fears evaporating. "They just melted away," she described. Despite her natural shyness, the stage felt less daunting because her role required her to convey emotions naturally. "It felt wonderful and secure," she added. This experience was a turning point that reshaped her personal and professional path.
Although Lara initially planned to become a therapist at her mother's urging, she felt unfulfilled in her studies. Her mental health was suffering as she wasn't in a good place. She realized that therapy wasn't fulfilling her deep self-exploration needs. There was a void that only acting could fill, a realization she had known since childhood. This led her to pursue her acting dreams in New York City, where she now lives and works.
Lara recently finished a significant role in a Hollywood production, the Peacock series 'Those About to Die,' starring alongside Anthony Hopkins and other notable actors. She portrayed Berenice, a Jewish Queen from the Herodian Dynasty of the Roman Empire. The historical nature of the role intrigued her, especially as her character was based on a real historical figure. "It was fascinating to me," she noted.
Despite missing an opportunity to meet Hopkins due to COVID-19, Lara was pleased with her character's interactions with his in the series. Researching Berenice wasn't challenging as there were historical records to guide her. "I did extensive reading and consulted with a Jewish historian friend who helped me understand Hebrew sources," she shared.
Looking ahead, Lara is set to star in a spy action-thriller film this fall, which she is excited about. She aspires to play a diverse range of characters, from action-oriented roles to deeply psychological ones. Despite facing challenges due to her mixed heritage in Hollywood, she views her unique background as an asset in an increasingly diverse industry.
Lara believes that representation and talent are crucial in the entertainment industry. She advocates for more diverse roles for actors of all backgrounds, emphasizing that the industry is gradually improving in this regard. "I exist, and I have the right to represent myself," she asserted, encouraging actors from diverse backgrounds to claim their space in the industry.
