Lauren Lane, who was born in Oklahoma City and raised in Texas, graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor of fine arts degree in theater and then went on to earn a master's degree in the advanced training program at San Francisco's American Conservatory Theatre.

Upon graduation, Lane began her professional acting career in various regional productions. Her stage work, which includes "Uncle Vanya," "Burn This," "The Imaginary Invalid," "Boy's Life" and "No End of Blame," was noticed by representatives of NBC, who offered her a development deal.