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Lauren Tom

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Lauren Tom
Tom at Animate! Columbus in 2023
Born (1961-08-04) August 4, 1961 (age 62)
Highland Park, Illinois, U.S.
OccupationActress
Years active1978–present
Spouse(s)Glenn Lau-Kee (divorced)
Curt Kaplan
​
(m. 1999)​
Children2
RelativesTom Y. Chan (grandfather)
Ping Tom (uncle)
Websitelaurentom.com Edit this at Wikidata

Lauren Tom (born August 4, 1961[1]) is an American actress. She began her career on stage, winning an Obie Award. Her films include The Joy Luck Club (1993). On television, she is known for her roles in the NBC sitcom Friends (1995–1996), the ABC series Men in Trees (2006–2008) and Grace Under Fire (1997–1998), the CW series Supernatural (2012–2014), and the Disney Channel series Andi Mack (2017–2019).

In animation, Tom has voiced Amy Wong in Futurama, Dana Tan in Batman Beyond, Jinx and Gizmo in Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go!, Minh and Connie Souphanousinphone in King of the Hill, Trish and Sherry in Rocket Power, Yan Lin in W.I.T.C.H. and Numbuh 3 in Codename: Kids Next Door.

Early life[edit]

Tom was born in the Chicago suburb Highland Park, Illinois,[2] the daughter of Nancy (née Dare) and Chan Tom, Jr.[1] She has a brother, Chip.[1] Her parents were born in Chicago, and their grandparents came from Kaiping, Guangdong, China.[2] She was raised in a largely Jewish neighborhood.[3]

Career[edit]

Theatre[edit]

At age 17, Tom landed a spot with a touring company of A Chorus Line and was cast in the Broadway production of the show less than a year later in the role of Connie.[4] She won an Obie Award for her Off-Broadway acting and was cast in the Broadway shows Hurlyburly and Doonesbury. In Chicago, she starred in the Goodman Theater's production of 'Tis Pity She's a Whore.[5]

Film[edit]

Tom has played several small roles in films including Nothing Lasts Forever, Wall Street, See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and Blue Steel. Her biggest role up until that point was as a waitress in the Robin Williams/Tim Robbins film Cadillac Man. This role led to being a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Tom's lead role in the film The Joy Luck Club in 1993 led to roles in other films such as When a Man Loves a Woman and North.

Since the mid-1990s, Tom has focused primarily on voiceover roles. She has appeared in a few live-action films, including the 2003 comedy Bad Santa and the 2004 film In Good Company.

Television[edit]

Lauren Tom's first role in television was that of Miko Wakamatsu on The Facts of Life. She subsequently appeared on The Equalizer, Vengeance Unlimited, Catfish With Black Bean Sauce, thirtysomething, Quantum Leap, Chicago Hope, Homicide: Life on the Street, Grace Under Fire, Friends, The Nanny, The Middle, DAG, The Division, Monk, My Wife and Kids, Barbershop: The Series, Grey's Anatomy, The Closer, and Men in Trees. She also had a supporting role on the 8th and 9th season of the drama series Supernatural as prophet Kevin Tran's mother, Linda Tran. In 2018, she appeared in the second season of the Amazon Prime drama series Goliath. She also appeared in the 2nd season of friends as julie.

Voice acting[edit]

Tom in 2010 at San Diego Comic-Con

Tom began vocal work in the animated series Superman: The Animated Series playing Angela Chen. From there on, she voiced Dana Tan in Batman Beyond and had minor roles on Pinky and the Brain, Extreme Ghostbusters, and The Zeta Project before landing her regular roles on King of the Hill, where she voiced Minh and Connie Souphanousinphone and later Futurama, where she voices Amy and Inez Wong.

Since first playing the character on stage in the 1983 Doonesbury musical, Tom has periodically voiced the character Honey Huan in media related to Doonesbury, most notably in a series of animated shorts satirizing the 2000 U.S. presidential election.

She has also lent her voice to All Grown Up!, Rocket Power, Max Steel, Handy Manny as Mrs. Lee and Nelson, Samurai Jack, Johnny Bravo, Justice League Unlimited, Kim Possible, and Legion of Super Heroes.

She has also voiced the villains Gizmo and Jinx on Teen Titans, Yan Lin, Susan, Alchemy on W.I.T.C.H., Tasumi on The Replacements, Jake's mom, Counselor Chang on American Dragon: Jake Long, and as Joo Dee on Avatar: The Last Airbender. She also guest-starred in The Penguins of Madagascar as Chuck Charles's co-anchor, Bonnie Chang, in "Gator Watch" and "All Tied Up With a Boa".

In 2010, she provided the voice of Song, Bai Li, and Ming on the animated series Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness and played the role of Jessica in the animated film Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare.

Other animated films Tom has voiced in include Mulan II, Kim Possible: The Secret Files, Kim Possible Movie: So The Drama, Kung Fu Panda 2, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, and the four Futurama television films: Bender's Big Score, The Beast with a Billion Backs, Bender's Game, and Into the Wild Green Yonder.

She voiced Li Li Stormstout in World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria[6] and played Hayaku on an episode of Turbo FAST.

Personal life[edit]

Tom was previously happily married to Glenn Lau-Kee. She has since married actor Curt Kaplan in October 1999, with whom she has two sons.[1][7]

Filmography[edit]

Tom in 2009

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1984 Nothing Lasts Forever Eloy
1987 Magic Sticks Redhead
Wall Street Lady Broker
1989 Rooftops Audry
See No Evil, Hear No Evil Mitzie
1990 Blue Steel Marjolene Ping the Female Reporter
Cadillac Man Helen
1992 Man Trouble Adele Bliss
1993 The Joy Luck Club Lena St. Clair
Mr. Jones Amanda Chang
1994 When a Man Loves a Woman Amy
North Mrs. Ho
1998 With Friends Like These... Yolanda Chin
Susan's Plan Carol
SubZero Mariko Voice, direct-to-video
1999 Catfish in Black Bean Sauce Mai
2000 Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Dana Tan Voice, direct-to-video[8]
2001 Jack the Dog Angel
2003 Manhood Bambi
Bad Santa Lois
2004 Teacher's Pet Younghee Voice[8]
In Good Company Obstetrician
2005 Mulan II Su Voice, direct-to-video[8]
2006 God's Waiting List Sylvia
2007 Futurama: Bender's Big Score Amy Wong Voice, direct-to-video
2008 Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs Amy Wong, Inez Wong Voice, direct-to-video
Futurama: Bender's Game Amy Wong Voice, direct-to-video
2009 Futurama: Into the Wild Green Yonder Amy Wong, Inez Wong, Trixie Voice, direct-to-video
2010 Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare Jessica Voice, direct-to-video[8]
2011 Kung Fu Panda 2 Market Sheep Voice[8]
2015 Chasing Eagle Rock Roxanne
Justice League: Gods and Monsters Lara Voice, direct-to-video
2017 Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown Sharon Voice, direct-to-video[8]
2021 Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans Nomura Voice, direct-to-video[8]
2023 One True Loves Ann

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1982 The Facts of Life Miko 2 episodes
1984 ABC Afterschool Special Sarah Episode: "Mom's on Strike"
1985 CBS Schoolbreak Special Kim Episode: "The Exchange Student"
The Equalizer Mrs. Tom Episode: "China Rain"
Spenser: For Hire Episode: "Children of a Tempest Storm"
The Cosby Show Mrs. Gwynne Episode: "Denise's Friend"
1990 Angel of Death Julie Television film
thirtysomething Gail Episode: "The Distance"
1991 Lenny Nurse Episode: "G.I. Joe"
Quantum Leap Sophie Episode: "Southern Comforts"
Palace Guard Episode: "Eye of Newt"
Anything but Love Episode: "First Lady Sings the Blues"
1994 704 Hauser Margaret Episode: "Triskaidekaphobia"
Homicide: Life on the Street Emma Zoole 2 episodes
Chicago Hope Nurse Julia 2 episodes
1995 The Puzzle Place Julie's Mom Episode: "Family Fun"
Kidnapped: In the Line of Duty Lily Yee Television film
Escape to Witch Mountain Claudia Ford Television film
The Nanny Kim Episode: "The Chatterbox"
If Not for You Claire Episode: "Pilot"
1995–1996 Friends Julie 7 episodes
1996–1999 Superman: The Animated Series Angela Chen Voice, 14 episodes[8]
1997 The Blues Brothers Animated Series Soon-He, Mrs. Fun Voice, 3 episodes
Tell Me No Secrets Connie Ching Television film
Murder Live! Marge Fong Television film
Tracey Takes On... Weng Episode: "Race Relations"
Pinky and the Brain Shopper Voice, episode: "Brain Acres"[8]
The New Batman Adventures Ice Maiden #3 Voice, episode: "Cold Comfort"[8]
1997–1998 Grace Under Fire Dot 12 episodes
1997–2010 King of the Hill Connie, Minh, various Voice, 98 episodes
1998 Adventures from the Book of Virtues Mother Voice, episode: "Charity"
Dexter's Laboratory Teacher Voice, episode: "Last But Not Beast"
Vengeance Unlimited Samantha Episode: "Dishonorable Discharge"
1999 Early Edition Amy Hunter Episode: "Play It Again, Sammo"
1999–2004 Rocket Power Trish, Sherry, various Voice, 21 episodes
1999 Y2K Ann Lee Television film
1999–2001 The Kids from Room 402 Jordan Voice
Batman Beyond Dana Tan, Kai-Ro, Agent Lee Voice, 22 episodes[8]
1999–2003, 2008–2013, 2023-present Futurama Amy Wong, Inez Wong, various Voice, main role
2000 Teacher's Pet Younghee, additional voices Voice
The Weekenders Candace Voice, episode: "Real Fake"[8]
Pepper Ann Alice Kane Voice, 2 episodes
2000–2001 DAG Ginger Chin 17 episodes
2001 Max Steel Laura Chen Voice, episode: "Strangers"
Johnny Bravo Ting Voice, episode: "Enter the Chipmunk"[8]
No P in the O.O.L. Numbuh 3 Voice, television film
2001–2002 The Zeta Project Agent Lee Voice, 8 episodes[8]
Lloyd in Space Trixie, Sirenia Voice, 3 episodes
2002 ChalkZone Flunke, Robin Voice, 1 episode
The Division Nora Chen 6 episodes
What's New, Scooby-Doo? Various Voice, 4 episodes[8]
My Wife and Kids Hostess Episode: "Table for Too Many"
2002–2005 Kim Possible Yoshiko Voice, 4 episodes
2002–2003 Totally Spies! Carla “Lady Dragon” Wong, Keiko, Sunny Day Voice, 3 episodes
2002–2004 Fillmore! Karen Tehama, various Voice, 16 episodes[8]
2002–2008 Codename: Kids Next Door Kuki Sanban / Numbuh 3, additional voices Voice, main role (78 episodes)[8]
2003 All Grown Up! Bean Voice, episode: "Interview with a Campfire"
Monk Mrs. Ling Episode: "Mr. Monk and the 12th Man"
Duck Dodgers Dr. Yoshimi Voice, episode: "The Spy Who Didn't Love Me"[8]
Samurai Jack Samurai Jack's mother, Kuni, Yamako Voice, 3 episodes[8]
Line of Fire Korean Jury Member Episode: "This Land Is Your Land"
Justice League Chung Voice, episode: "Eclipsed"[8]
2003–2005 Teen Titans Gizmo, Jinx 6 episodes
2003-2006 Clifford's Puppy Days Shun, Lucy Voice[8]
2004 The Infinite Darcy Darcy Chang Voice
30 Days Until I'm Famous Carla Television film
My Wife and Kids Annie Hoo 2 episodes
2004–2006 W.I.T.C.H. Yan Lin Voice, 51 episodes
2005 Kim Possible: So the Drama Yoshiko Voice, television film
Danger Rangers Various Voice, episode: "Fires & Liars"[8]
Barbershop Dana 4 episodes
Threshold Janet Tam Episode: "The Order"
2005–2006 Avatar: The Last Airbender Joo Dee, additional voices Voice, 3 episodes[8]
Justice League Unlimited Dr. Light, Dana Tan Voice, 3 episodes[8]
2005–2007 American Dragon: Jake Long Susan Long, Counselor Chang Voice, 25 episodes
2006 Courting Alex Jan Episode: "Everything I Know About Men"
Let Go Beverly Television film
Grey's Anatomy Audrey Episode: "Begin the Begin"
In from the Night Dr. Myra Chen Television film
Codename: Kids Next Door - Operation: Z.E.R.O. Kuki Sanban / Numbuh 3 Voice, television film
The Closer Dr. Tann Episode: "Borderline"
2006–2008 Men in Trees Mai Washington 26 episodes
2006–2009 The Replacements Tasumi Voice, 43 episodes
2007 Billy & Mandy's Big Boogey Adventure Kuki Sanban / Numbuh 3 Voice, television film[8]
The Grim Adventures of the KND Numbuh 3 Voice, television film
2007–2008 Legion of Super Heroes Zyx, White Witch Voice, 2 episodes[8]
2008 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Bae Chin Episode: "Say Uncle"
2009 Without a Trace Kim Tan Episode: "Devotion"
Hawthorne Mrs. Tanaka Episode: "The Sense of Belonging"
2010–2011 The Penguins of Madagascar Bonnie Chang Voice, 2 episodes
2010 Phineas and Ferb Additional Voices Episode: "Phineas and Ferb: Summer Belongs to You!"
Fish Hooks Barb Voice, episode: "Bea Becomes an Adult Fish"[8]
2010–2013 Pound Puppies Agent Ping, Dinky Voice[8]
2011 Curious George Mei Voice
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness Song, Ming, Bai Li Voice[8]
2012 Napoleon Dynamite Tokiko Voice, episode: "Scantronica Love"
2012–2014 Supernatural Mrs. Linda Tran 3 episodes
2013 The Newsroom Kathy Ling 2 episodes
2013–present Teen Titans Go! Gizmo, Jinx Voice, recurring role[8]
2013–2014 It's a Small World: The Animated Series Marmura, Ling Voice
2014–2016 Turbo FAST Hayaku, Translator Voice, 2 episodes[8]
2014 The Simpsons Amy Wong Voice, episode: "Simpsorama"
2015 Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero Sashi's Mom Voice, episode: "Flurgle Burgle"[8]
Pretty Little Liars Rebecca Marcus 3 episodes
DC Super Hero Girls Aliki, Margot, Professor Minerva Voice, 6 episodes[8]
2016 Future-Worm! Various Characters 3 episodes
Transformers: Rescue Bots Meili Szeto, Citizen #2 Voice, episode: "Upgrades"[8]
2016–2018 Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia Mary Wang, Nomura Voice, 17 episodes[8]
2017–2019 Andi Mack Celia Mack Main role
2018 Mighty Magiswords Toni Sento Voice, episode: "Let's Team Up Because We Aren't Bad Friends"[8]
Big City Greens Various Voice
2018-2022 Disenchantment Stacy LeBlatt, Miri the Mop Girl, Trixy, Mermaid Queen, additional voices Voice, 11 episodes
2018–2019 The Loud House Cici, Ms. Pham, Burping Burger Mom Voice, 2 episodes[8]
3Below: Tales of Arcadia Mary Wang Voice, 9 episodes[8]
Goliath Applebees 5 episodes
2019 Pinky Malinky Bus Driver, Tina Episode: "Gym"[8]
2019-2021 Young Justice Traci Thirteen, Celia Woodward, Penny Randall Voice, 8 episodes[8]
2019 The Rookie Mrs. Chen Episode: "Tough Love"
2020 Last Man Standing Fiona Episode: "Keep the Change"
2020-2022 Star Trek: Lower Decks U.S.S. Vancouver Captain
Areore Female 		Voice, 2 episodes
2021 Rick and Morty Various Voice, 2 episodes
2021-present What If...? Jiayi Voice, "What If... Hela Found the Ten Rings?"[8]
2021-2023 DreamWorks Dragons: The Nine Realms May Wong Voice[8]
2023 My Adventures with Superman Leader Lois Voice, episode: "Kiss Kiss Fall In Portal"
Hailey's On It! Steal Teal, Aurora Fedora, Felicia, additional voices 5 episodes[8]

Video games[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
2000 King of the Hill Connie Souphanousinphone
2002 Superman: Shadow of Apokolips Angela Chen, Mercy Graves [8]
2003 Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour
2004 World of Warcraft
2005 Codename: Kids Next Door – Operation: V.I.D.E.O.G.A.M.E. Kuki Sanban (Numbuh 3) [8]
Teen Titans Jinx, Gizmo [8]
2009 FusionFall Numbuh 3
2012 World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Li Li Stormstout
2015 Heroes of the Storm Li Li
2016 World of Warcraft: Legion Li Li Stormstout
2017 Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow Amy Wong, Inez Wong, Jrrr Mobile game; uncredited
2018 Lego DC Super-Villains Gizmo, Jinx, Dr. Poison
2020 Ghost of Tsushima Lady Masako Adachi Voice and motion capture[8]

Stage[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1975 A Chorus Line Connie Tour; Shubert Theatre, Broadway
1983 Doonesbury Ching 'Honey' Huan
Dance captain 		Original cast; Biltmore Theater, Broadway
1984 Hurlyburly Donna Ethel Barrymore Theater, Broadway
1988 American Notes Pauline The Public Theater, Off-Broadway
Received an Obie Award
1990 'Tis Pity She's a Whore Annabella Goodman Theater, Chicago

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Lee, Jonathan H. X. (2018). Asian American History Day by Day: A Reference Guide to Events. Abc-Clio. p. 277. ISBN 978-0-313-39928-2.
  2. ^ a b Tom, Lauren (August 1, 2013). Lauren Tom (Untold Stories). Chinese American Museum. Event occurs at 00:03. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  3. ^ Pryor, Tim (October 1993). "Lauren Tom: China Girl". Detour. Archived from the original on July 5, 2007.
  4. ^ Trachtenberg, Michael (May 2001). "House of the Spirits". In Style Magazine. Archived from the original on 2010-02-10. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  5. ^ Bommer, Lawrence (1990-03-09). "Updated 'Tis Pity' Set In Mussolini's Italy". Chicago Tribune.
  6. ^ Tom, Lauren [@LaurenTom9000] (3 October 2012). "@erictbar @LaurenTom9000 Yep! Glad you had fun with the Monk! :)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  7. ^ Tom, Lauren [@LaurenTom9000] (June 17, 2018). "#HappyFatherDay to @Curtkap Funny, smart, handsome and a fantastic dad to our boys. #hockeydad #footballcoach #myrock Circa 2015. And Happy Father's Day to all dads everywhere. Thanks for all you do!" (Tweet). Retrieved February 12, 2022 – via Twitter.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au "Lauren Tom (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 14, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.

External links[edit]

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