Lauren Buglioli on Breaking Barriers, Finding Humanity in Her Roles, and the Art of Balance

When it comes to captivating storytelling, actress Lauren Buglioli is no stranger to the magic of the craft. From her riveting roles in Florida Man and Bad Monkey to her latest project, Beyond the Gates, she continues to bring nuance and depth to every character she portrays. Now, with Beyond the Gates, a historic new daytime drama, Buglioli steps into a groundbreaking moment in television history.

Beyond the Gates: Making History on Daytime Television

“I’m so grateful to be part of this historic production,” Buglioli enthuses. And for good reason—Beyond the Gates isn’t just another soap opera. It’s the first-ever Black daytime soap opera and the first new daytime drama in over 25 years. “CBS and Sheila Ducksworth, along with Procter & Gamble Studios, have truly made history by prioritizing diversity and storytelling that centers the Dupree family.”

Buglioli plays Vanessa McBride, best friend to Nicole Dupree Richardson (played by Daphnee Duplaix). “Vanessa is a high-end real estate agent who’s deeply unfulfilled in her marriage, which leads to some… let’s call them questionable choices. I love that she’s messy. The writing team is phenomenal, giving us complex, layered characters. I can’t wait for audiences to see the drama unfold.”

And with an ensemble that includes Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Karla Mosley, and a lineup of rising talent, the stakes are high. “If we’re lucky as artists, we get to change the world with our work. Beyond the Gates is doing that by breaking barriers. Representation matters, and I’m proud to be part of something so meaningful.”

Diving Into Vanessa’s Complexity

For Buglioli, Vanessa is more than just a soap opera archetype—she’s a deeply flawed, vulnerable woman. “She’s someone who could be easy to judge at first glance, but when you peel back the layers, she’s wrestling with pain and longing. That’s what drew me to her—she’s real.”

The duality of Vanessa’s character—ambitious and fabulous on the surface, yet emotionally tangled beneath—makes her especially thrilling to play. “I love that in Beyond the Gates, I get to explore both drama and comedy in each episode. And let’s be honest, soap operas give us some of the best escapism. Vanessa’s looking for validation in all the wrong places, which is a disaster for her but fantastic for TV.”

From Florida Man to Bad Monkey: A Journey Through Genre

Buglioli’s versatility is evident in the wide-ranging roles she’s taken on. “I love playing women who are nothing like me—it’s a challenge to find their humanity and make them believable.” From the sharp, ambitious Kaitlin Fox in Florida Man to the edgy Heather in Bad Monkey, each role has been a deep dive into what makes people tick.

“The villain never thinks they’re the villain, right? That’s what makes acting such a rich experience—I get to remove my own judgments and truly understand my characters. It’s spiritual, in a way. The more I understand my characters, the more I understand myself.”

Trusting the Journey: A Lesson in Patience and Faith

Hollywood is a marathon, not a sprint, and Buglioli has embraced the philosophy of “trusting the timing of your life.”

“This industry is a faith walk. It’s easy to focus on what isn’t working, but I’ve learned to celebrate every win and trust that setbacks are conditioning me for what’s next. The tough times? They shape you. They make the victories even sweeter.”

That mindset also plays into her daily routine. “I don’t believe in a perfect self-care routine. Some days, it’s meditation and journaling. Other days, it’s walking my dogs or having a spontaneous dance party in my living room. The key is flexibility—doing what feels good without the pressure of perfection.”

Giving Back: Finding Purpose Beyond Acting

Buglioli’s passion isn’t just for acting—she’s deeply committed to advocacy work, particularly with Shine, an organization that empowers women in shelters through beauty and self-care. “I wanted to volunteer on Christmas, and my hairstylist on Beyond the Gates, Christy Miller, connected me with Shine. What Scott and Lindiwe [the founders] have built is extraordinary. They bring joy and confidence to women who’ve experienced domestic violence, giving them a day of pampering and empowerment.”

The experience has left a lasting impact on her. “It was the most meaningful Christmas I’ve ever had. We all have the ability to uplift others, and I’m honored to be part of that mission.”

Looking Ahead

With Beyond the Gates poised to make waves in daytime television, Buglioli’s journey is only just beginning. “I’m excited for people to fall in love with these characters. It’s a soap, so expect drama, romance, secrets, and betrayals—all the things that keep us coming back for more!”

As for her next steps? “I just want to keep telling great stories, whether that’s on TV, film, or beyond. I believe every character I play teaches me something, and I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me next.”

With her talent, passion, and infectious energy, one thing is certain—Lauren Buglioli is just getting started.

Photo Credit:
Photographer: Allie Hine
Stylist: Chelsea Augustine
HMU: Emily Martinez