Lauri Hendler
Lauri Hendler is an American actress, writer, and social activist who has had a long and varied career in the entertainment industry. In addition to her work in film and television, Hendler has dedicated much of her life to advocating for people with disabilities and promoting inclusion in all areas of society.
In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Lauri Hendler, from her early days as a child actress to her current work as an advocate for disability rights.
Early Life and Education
Lauri Hendler was born on April 22, 1965, in the city of San Rafael, California. She grew up in a family of artists and performers, with her mother being a dancer and her father a jazz pianist. Hendler showed an early interest in acting, and at the age of six, she began taking acting classes.
Hendler’s family moved to Los Angeles when she was nine years old, and she began auditioning for television and film roles. Her first big break came when she was cast as Julie Kanisky, the daughter of the lead character in the hit sitcom “Gimme a Break!” which ran from 1981 to 1987.
Despite her success as a child actress, Hendler was determined to pursue higher education. She attended the University of Southern California and graduated with a degree in journalism. She also studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City.
Acting Career
After graduating from college, Hendler continued to pursue her acting career, appearing in a variety of film and television projects. She had a recurring role on the soap opera “Santa Barbara” in the late 1980s, and she appeared in several made-for-television movies, including “An Enemy Among Us” and “The Return of the Shaggy Dog.”
Hendler’s most notable film role came in 1985 when she starred in the horror-comedy “Fright Night” alongside Chris Sarandon and Roddy McDowall. In the film, Hendler played the role of Amanda, the best friend of the main character, Charley Brewster.
In addition to her work in front of the camera, Hendler has also worked behind the scenes as a writer and producer. She wrote and produced the short film “Soar” in 2019, which tells the story of a young girl with cerebral palsy who dreams of flying. The film won several awards at film festivals around the world, including Best Short Film at the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival.
Social Activism and Advocacy
While Hendler’s acting career has been successful, her true passion lies in social activism and advocacy. She has dedicated much of her life to promoting inclusion and equality for people with disabilities.
Hendler was inspired to become an advocate for disability rights after her younger brother, Scott, was born with cerebral palsy. She saw firsthand the challenges that people with disabilities face in society, and she became determined to make a difference.
In 1993, Hendler founded the non-profit organization “The Hendler Family Foundation” to support programs and services for people with disabilities. The foundation has supported a variety of initiatives, including providing equipment and resources for people with disabilities to participate in sports and recreation activities.
Hendler has also been a strong advocate for disability rights in the entertainment industry. She has worked with the Writers Guild of America to promote the inclusion of characters with disabilities in film and television, and she has served as a consultant for various television shows and movies that feature characters with disabilities.
Tragedy and Triumph
Hendler’s life has not been without its share of tragedy and adversity. In 1996, her younger brother Scott passed away at the age of 24.
