Winning the Miss USA crown in 1985 marked Laura Harring as the first Hispanic woman to hold the title. Following this success in pageantry, she pivoted to a career in television and film, eventually securing international recognition for her performance in the 2001 psychological thriller Mulholland Drive, directed by David Lynch.
Early Background and Education
Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, on March 3, 1964, to parents Raymond Herring and María Elena Martínez-Cairo, Harring spent her initial decade in Guasave. The family later moved to San Antonio, Texas. At age 16, she moved to Switzerland to attend Aiglon College. Her formal arts training continued at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, where she studied Latin dance and theatre.
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Harring entered the acting industry in 1987 with a role in the NBC television movie The Alamo: 13 Days to Glory. Her film debut followed in 1989 with the supporting role of Jerri in Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out!. Early television credits include recurring roles as Carla Greco on General Hospital and as Paula Stevens in the soap opera Sunset Beach.
Collaboration with David Lynch
The 2001 film Mulholland Drive provided Harring with her most notable work, where she portrayed the dual roles of Rita and Camilla. The performance earned her the 2002 American Latino Media Arts Award for Outstanding Actress. She subsequently collaborated with Lynch on the limited series Rabbits and made a cameo in the 2006 project Inland Empire.
Broad Range of Roles
Harring’s extensive filmography includes appearances in The Forbidden Dance, John Q, and Willard. In 2004, she played Livia Saint in The Punisher. Her television credits expanded to include the role of Rebecca Doyle in nine episodes of The Shield, alongside guest appearances on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and NCIS: Los Angeles. In 2022, she joined the cast of Father of the Bride.
Fast facts
- Born: March 3, 1964, Los Mochis, Mexico
- Miss USA: 1985
- Education: Aiglon College, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
- Spouse: Carl-Eduard von Bismarck-Schönhausen (1987–1989)
- Debut film: Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! (1989)
- Breakthrough role: Rita/Camilla, Mulholland Drive (2001)
- Languages: Spanish, English
Questions readers ask
Was Laura Harring involved in pageantry?
Yes, she won Miss El Paso USA and Miss Texas USA before becoming the first Hispanic woman to win Miss USA in 1985.
Which notable television series did she appear in?
She had recurring roles in General Hospital, Sunset Beach, The Shield, and Gossip Girl.