LAUREN ASH

The Superstore alum's comedic chops made her a star - but this Canuck was born to rock

- AMY BIELBY

Lauren Ash was given her first guitar at age 13, sparking her drive to be the next Courtney Love. Now approaching 42, the Belleville, Ont., native is finally making that dream a reality.

Her journey began with acting - think stints at Second City in Toronto and Chicago, and a few small TV roles. Then, Lauren moved to Los Angeles, landing the scene-stealing (and life-changing) part of Dina on the hit comedy Superstore (2015-2021). But music was always on her mind. "I would shoot a day on Superstore for 14 hours, come home and get out my guitar and write songs," she tells us. Her persistence paid off: having hit the stage at various L.A. hotspots, she's set to unveil her rock-star alter ego to Canadian fans on Feb. 12 in her Anti Valentine's Day Concert at the Phoenix in Toronto.

Here, Lauren chats with Hello! Canada about her path to the stage and the thrill of coming home.

LIVING THE DREAM