Laura Steinel is an American director, writer, and actress who has carved out a unique space in Hollywood’s entertainment industry. Known for her creative storytelling and multi-talented approach to filmmaking, Laura has become a well-respected figure in independent cinema. From writing compelling screenplays to directing critically acclaimed films, she continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers worldwide.
In this comprehensive biography, we’ll explore everything about Laura Steinel—her early life, educational background, career breakthrough, notable works, personal life, net worth, and much more. Whether you’re a fan or just discovering her work, this guide covers all the essential details about this talented filmmaker.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts: Laura Steinel Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura Steinel |
| Profession | Director, Writer, Actress |
| Birth Year | 1985 |
| Age | 40 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | New York University (NYU) – Tisch School of the Arts |
| Notable Works | Family (2018), Babylon (2022), Draft Day (2014) |
| Net Worth | $650,000 (estimated 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 123 lbs (56 kg) |
| Relationship Status | Private (Married to a musician) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @lsteinel4eva |
Who is Laura Steinel?
Laura Steinel is a multi-talented filmmaker who wears many hats in the entertainment industry. As a director, she brings stories to life with a unique vision. As a writer, she creates compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. And as an actress, she understands performance from both sides of the camera.
Born in 1985 in Chicago, Illinois, Laura grew up with a passion for storytelling and creative expression. She’s best known for her directorial debut “Family” (2018), a comedy-drama that premiered at the SXSW Film Festival to critical acclaim and audience appreciation. The film showcased her ability to handle complex characters and unconventional subject matter with humor and heart.
Unlike many Hollywood directors who specialize in one genre, Laura Steinel has demonstrated versatility across comedy, drama, and independent film production. Her work often features authentic characters, heartfelt storytelling, and a fresh perspective on American life and subcultures.
Laura Steinel Age and Early Life
Laura Steinel was born in 1985 in Chicago, Illinois, making her 40 years old as of 2026. She grew up in a large, supportive family with four siblings and two parents who were both teachers. This educational household environment fostered her love for learning, creativity, and storytelling from an early age.
Childhood and Family Background
Growing up in Chicago, Laura attended New Trier High School, where she actively participated in theater productions and improvisational comedy. These early experiences shaped her understanding of performance, timing, and character development—skills that would later prove invaluable in her directing career.
Her parents’ backgrounds in education instilled in her a strong work ethic and a belief in the power of knowledge. Laura spent much of her childhood reading books, watching classic films, and creating her own stories. She would often put on plays for family and friends, showing early signs of her future in the entertainment industry.
The supportive family environment allowed Laura to explore her creative interests without pressure to conform to traditional career paths. This freedom to experiment and fail became crucial to her artistic development.
Educational Background
Laura Steinel’s formal education played a significant role in shaping her career as a filmmaker.
New York University – Tisch School of the Arts
After graduating from high school in 2002, Laura moved to New York City to pursue her passion for acting and writing. She enrolled at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, one of the top film schools in the United States.
At NYU, Laura studied drama and comedy writing, learning the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking from industry professionals. The rigorous program exposed her to various aspects of production, from screenwriting to directing to performance.
Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB)
During her time in New York, Laura also joined the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), a renowned improvisational comedy theater and training center. UCB has produced numerous successful comedians and comedy writers, including Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Ed Helms.
At UCB, Laura performed regularly and honed her comedic timing and improvisational skills. The training she received in improvisation would later influence her directing style, particularly her ability to work with actors and capture authentic, spontaneous moments on camera.
She graduated from NYU in 2006 with a strong foundation in both the artistic and practical aspects of entertainment production.
Career Breakthrough and Journey
Laura Steinel’s career in Hollywood has been marked by steady growth, creative risks, and eventual recognition for her unique voice as a filmmaker.
Early Career (2006-2012)
After graduating from NYU, Laura continued pursuing her career in comedy. She wrote and performed sketches for various shows and festivals, including:
- New York Comedy Festival
- Aspen Comedy Festival
- Montreal Just for Laughs Festival
She also appeared in several commercials, web series, and short films, building her resume and industry connections. These early years were crucial for developing her craft and understanding the entertainment business from multiple angles.
“The Office” – Major Breakthrough (2012-2013)
Laura’s career breakthrough came in 2012 when she was hired as a staff writer for the Fox sitcom “The Office” during its ninth and final season. This opportunity put her in the writers’ room of one of television’s most successful and beloved comedies.
During her time on “The Office,” Laura wrote two episodes:
- “The Target”
- “Junior Salesman”
She also made a memorable cameo appearance as Heather, a potential new hire who interviews with Dwight Schrute. This experience working on a hit television show taught her about collaborative writing, production schedules, and the demands of network television.
Television Writing Career (2013-2017)
After “The Office” ended, Laura continued building her television writing career:
Red Oaks (Amazon Prime): Laura worked as a writer on this comedy series set in a 1980s New Jersey country club. The show starred Craig Roberts, Jennifer Grey, and Paul Reiser and was praised for its nostalgic tone and character development.
Big Mouth (Netflix): She contributed as a writer to this adult animated series about the struggles of puberty. Created by Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett, the show became a critical and commercial success for Netflix.
Acting Roles
As an actress, Laura appeared in several films:
- Draft Day (2014) – Sports drama starring Kevin Costner
- Sisters (2015) – Comedy starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
- Office Christmas Party (2016) – Comedy ensemble film
She also starred in and executive produced the Comedy Central pilot “Duty”, which she wrote. Though the pilot received positive reviews, it wasn’t picked up for a full series.
“Family” (2018) – Directorial Debut
Laura Steinel’s biggest achievement to date is “Family”, her directorial debut that premiered at SXSW in 2018.
The Inspiration
The film was inspired by Laura’s personal experience babysitting her niece, who was interested in LARPing (live-action role-playing) and the Insane Clown Posse. This real-life situation sparked the idea for a story about unlikely connections and accepting people’s unique interests.
The Story
“Family” follows Kate (played by Taylor Schilling), a workaholic executive who reluctantly agrees to babysit her estranged 11-year-old niece Maddie (Bryn Vale). Maddie is a quirky preteen who loves magic, LARPing, and is a devoted fan of the Insane Clown Posse—a rap duo known for their devoted fanbase called Juggalos.
The film explores themes of acceptance, identity, belonging, and family bonds through the lens of comedy and heartfelt drama.
Cast and Production
Laura assembled an impressive cast including:
- Taylor Schilling (Orange Is the New Black)
- Bryn Vale (newcomer)
- Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta, Eternals)
- Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live)
- Matt Walsh (Veep)
- Allison Tolman (Fargo)
- Eric Edelstein (Clarence)
The film was produced by Sue Naegle, former president of HBO and founder of Annapurna Television, who believed in Laura’s vision and helped secure financing and distribution.
Filming at the Gathering of the Juggalos
One of the most remarkable aspects of the production was gaining access to film at the actual Gathering of the Juggalos, the annual festival that attracts thousands of Insane Clown Posse fans. Laura and her crew were welcomed by the community, and many Juggalos participated as extras and background performers.
This authentic approach to depicting the Juggalo subculture earned praise for respectfully representing a often-misunderstood community.
Critical Reception
“Family” premiered at SXSW Film Festival in March 2018 to a standing ovation. The film won the Audience Award for Narrative Spotlight, signaling strong viewer approval.
Critics praised the film for its:
- Humor and heart
- Authentic character development
- Respectful portrayal of the Juggalo community
- Laura’s confident directorial debut
Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 75% rating, with critics calling it “charming,” “refreshing,” and “a sweet ode to misfits.”
The film was acquired by The Film Arcade and released in theaters in April 2019. It earned $1.1 million at the box office on a production budget of approximately $1 million.
Awards and Recognition
For “Family,” Laura Steinel received:
- SXSW Film Festival Audience Award for Narrative Spotlight (2018)
- Nomination for Gamechanger Award at SXSW
- Nomination for Best First Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards
Other Notable Works
Babylon (2022)
Laura contributed as a writer to “Babylon”, an epic period drama directed by Academy Award winner Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash). Set in 1920s Hollywood during the transition from silent films to talkies, the film starred:
- Brad Pitt
- Margot Robbie
- Diego Calva
- Tobey Maguire
The film explored the excess, ambition, and chaos of early Hollywood. Laura’s involvement as a writer on this major studio production demonstrated her versatility and ability to work on large-scale projects.
Draft Day (2014)
Laura had a role in “Draft Day”, a sports drama directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Kevin Costner. The film follows an NFL general manager during the stressful hours leading up to the NFL Draft.
Super Love Hero (2012)
One of Laura’s early acting credits was in the TV series “Super Love Hero” in 2012, where she gained experience in front of the camera that would later inform her directing approach.
Laura Steinel Net Worth
As of 2026, Laura Steinel’s estimated net worth is approximately $650,000. This wealth has been accumulated through her various roles in the entertainment industry:
Income Sources
Writing: Laura has earned income as a staff writer for television shows like “The Office,” “Red Oaks,” and “Big Mouth,” as well as screenplay work for films.
Directing: Her directorial work on “Family” and other projects contributes to her earnings. Directors typically earn fees based on project budgets and may receive backend participation.
Acting: Though not her primary income source, Laura’s acting roles in films and television have contributed to her overall earnings.
Royalties: As a writer, Laura receives residuals from television shows and films that continue to air or stream.
Net Worth Progression
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $500,000 |
| 2023 | $550,000 |
| 2024 | $600,000 |
| 2025 | $650,000 |
Laura’s net worth has grown steadily as she takes on more projects and establishes herself as a director. With upcoming projects and continued writing work, her financial success is expected to increase in the coming years.
Physical Appearance
Height and Weight
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Weight: 123 pounds (56 kg)
- Body Measurements: 34-26-34 inches (86-66-86 cm)
Other Physical Features
- Eye Color: Dark brown
- Natural Hair Color: Dark brown
- Current Hair Color: Often dyed red
- Skin Tone: Fair/white
- Shoe Size: 9 (US)
Laura maintains a healthy lifestyle and has a slim build. Her appearance reflects a casual, artistic style typical of independent filmmakers who prioritize creativity over Hollywood glamour.
Personal Life and Relationships
Relationship Status
Laura Steinel is notably private about her personal life. According to available information, she is married to a musician and composer whose name she has chosen not to publicly disclose. The couple lives in Los Angeles, California, where Laura continues her work in the entertainment industry.
Why She Keeps It Private
Unlike many Hollywood figures who share extensive details about their relationships on social media, Laura prefers to keep this aspect of her life separate from her professional persona. This choice allows her to maintain a degree of normalcy and protects her loved ones from public scrutiny.
Family
Laura maintains close relationships with her family, including her four siblings. Her experience babysitting her niece directly inspired “Family,” showing how her personal relationships influence her creative work.
Hobbies and Interests
Astrology
Laura is a passionate amateur astrologer and frequently posts about horoscopes and zodiac signs on her social media accounts. She identifies as a Pisces, known for being creative, empathetic, and intuitive—traits that certainly align with her work as a storyteller.
Reading
An avid reader, Laura participates in a book club with friends where they discuss various authors and literary works. Her favorite books include:
- “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
- “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
- “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt
Her love of literature informs her screenwriting, as she draws inspiration from narrative structures and character development in novels.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Living in Los Angeles provides Laura with access to beautiful hiking trails. She uses outdoor time to clear her mind, find inspiration, and maintain physical fitness. Nature walks often help her work through creative challenges or develop new story ideas.
Watching Films
As a filmmaker, Laura is a constant student of cinema. She watches a wide range of films—from classic Hollywood to contemporary independent cinema to international films. This ongoing education helps her understand different storytelling techniques and directorial approaches.
Cooking
Laura enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, trying new recipes and flavors. She sees cooking as another form of creativity—combining ingredients to create something enjoyable, much like combining story elements to create a compelling film.
Photography
She has an interest in photography and often captures moments from her travels and daily life. This visual art form complements her work in film, as both involve framing, composition, and capturing meaningful moments.
Writing for Pleasure
Beyond professional screenwriting, Laura keeps personal journals and sometimes writes short stories just for herself. This personal writing practice helps maintain her creative flow and allows for experimentation without commercial pressures.
Social Media Presence
Laura Steinel maintains a relatively modest social media presence compared to many Hollywood figures.
Instagram: @lsteinel4eva
Her primary social media platform is Instagram (username: @lsteinel4eva), where she occasionally shares:
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of her projects
- Personal interests like hiking and cooking
- Updates about her work
- Astrological observations
- Photos from film festivals and industry events
Laura doesn’t post extremely frequently, preferring quality over quantity. Her social media strategy reflects her personality—authentic, creative, and focused on meaningful content rather than constant updates.
Approach to Social Media
Laura uses social media to:
- Connect with fans who appreciate her work
- Share her creative process occasionally
- Maintain some public presence without oversharing
- Promote her projects when appropriate
She balances professional visibility with personal privacy, a approach that allows her to engage with audiences while maintaining boundaries.
Complete Filmography
As Director
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Family | Director, Writer | Feature directorial debut, SXSW Audience Award |
As Writer
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Babylon | Writer | Feature film |
| 2017-2019 | Big Mouth | Writer | TV Series |
| 2015-2017 | Red Oaks | Writer | TV Series |
| 2018 | Family | Writer, Director | Feature film |
| 2014 | Draft Day | Contributor | Feature film |
| 2013 | The Office | Staff Writer | TV Series – Season 9 |
| TBA | Duty | Writer, Executive Producer | TV Pilot (not picked up) |
| TBA | Women in Business | Writer | Project status unknown |
As Actress
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Office Christmas Party | Supporting Role | Feature film |
| 2015 | Sisters | Supporting Role | Feature film |
| 2014 | Draft Day | Supporting Role | Feature film |
| 2013 | The Office | Heather (cameo) | TV Series |
| 2012 | Super Love Hero | Cast Member | TV Series |
| Various | Duty | Lead Role | TV Pilot |
Laura Steinel’s Directing Style
Approach to Filmmaking
Laura Steinel’s work demonstrates several distinctive characteristics:
Authentic Character Development: She creates three-dimensional characters who feel like real people rather than archetypes. Even supporting characters have depth and believable motivations.
Respect for Subcultures: “Family” showed Laura’s commitment to authentically representing communities often misunderstood by mainstream media. She approaches subjects with curiosity and empathy rather than judgment.
Comedy with Heart: Laura balances humor with genuine emotional moments. Her comedy doesn’t rely on mockery but finds humor in authentic human situations and relationships.
Strong Female Perspectives: Her work often centers on complex female characters navigating personal and professional challenges.
Collaborative Approach: Her background in improvisational comedy influences her directing style. She creates an environment where actors can contribute ideas and find authentic moments.
Influences
While Laura hasn’t extensively discussed her influences in interviews, her work suggests inspiration from:
- Independent cinema’s character-driven storytelling
- Television comedy’s sharp dialogue
- Documentary’s authentic approach to subcultures
- Coming-of-age films that balance humor and heart
Future Projects and Career Aspirations
Upcoming Work
As of 2026, Laura Steinel is developing several projects, though specific details remain confidential. Based on interviews and industry reports, she is:
Working on a new feature film as writer-director, continuing to develop her voice in independent cinema
Developing television projects that blend her comedy background with dramatic storytelling
Collaborating with production companies interested in her unique perspective on American life and culture
Career Goals
Laura has expressed interest in:
- Directing more feature films that tell unconventional stories
- Working with diverse casts and crew members
- Exploring different genres while maintaining her authentic voice
- Balancing studio projects with independent films
- Continuing to write and develop original screenplays
- Potentially returning to acting in supporting roles
Industry Position
At 40 years old in 2026, Laura is in an excellent position in her career. She has:
- Established credibility with a successful directorial debut
- Built relationships throughout the industry
- Gained experience across writing, directing, and acting
- Developed a reputation for authentic, heartfelt storytelling
The next phase of her career will likely see her taking on larger projects while maintaining the creative independence that has defined her work so far.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Laura Steinel?
Laura Steinel was born in 1985, making her 40 years old as of 2026.
What is Laura Steinel’s most famous work?
Laura Steinel is best known for writing and directing “Family” (2018), which won the Audience Award at SXSW Film Festival.
Is Laura Steinel married?
Yes, Laura Steinel is married to a musician and composer, though she keeps the details of her relationship private.
What is Laura Steinel net worth?
As of 2026, Laura Steinel’s estimated net worth is approximately $650,000, earned through her work as a writer, director, and actress.
Where did Laura Steinel go to school?
Laura Steinel attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied drama and comedy writing. She also trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) in New York.
What TV shows has Laura Steinel written for?
Laura has written for several television shows including “The Office” (Season 9), “Red Oaks” (Amazon), and “Big Mouth” (Netflix).
How tall is Laura Steinel?
Laura Steinel is 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm).
Does Laura Steinel have children?
Laura has not publicly shared information about whether she has children, preferring to keep her personal life private.
Conclusion
Laura Steinel represents a new generation of American filmmakers who prioritize authenticity, character development, and meaningful storytelling over formulaic commercial considerations. At 39 years old with a growing body of work behind her, she is positioned to continue making significant contributions to independent cinema.
From her Chicago roots to NYU’s film program, from comedy clubs to television writers’ rooms, from small acting roles to directing feature films—Laura’s journey demonstrates how dedication, versatility, and authentic vision can create a sustainable career in entertainment.