I was very happy when I asked Kim Crossman to do an interview for us and she agreed! Lauren is one of the best characters in Super Samurai and is iconic as one of the few Female Red Rangers in Power Rangers history!
Check out our Exclusive Interview with her as she answers some of our burning questions!
Had you ever heard of or watched Power Rangers before auditioning?
A: Yes, I loved the Pink Ranger Kimberley from the original season. We were banned from playing Power Rangers at lunch time because it was considered too violent!
What was the audition process for Lauren like? Do you remember what it was like to hear you got the part?
A: I took the inside tube of a roll of wrapping paper in to my audition to show off my attempt at sword fighting. I was so stoked when I got the roll. I got the call while I was at the hospital waiting for my niece to be born! It was a pretty epic day!
What was your first day on the set like? Can you describe it?
I was pretty nervous. The cast were so lovely – I knew I had a lot of heavy scenes that were really important to the arch of the story. I wanted to do a great job so I put a lot of pressure on myself.
How did you and Alex Heartman go about playing brother and sister?
A: Oh he really is the coolest and greatest human! Alex is a great leader and it was such a joy to work across from him.
If you can remember, What was your favorite Super Samurai episode to film?
A: All of them – I wasn’t in that many episodes so I think any scene we did where I had to eat a lot was pretty fun to film.
How did you go about playing Lauren? Were there pieces of your own personality in her?
A: You always bring pieces of you in to anything you play. I just wanted to honor the story and it was great to step in to the season at a time that everyone already had a great handle on the roles they were playing. This meant I was stepping in to an established family just like the character so that made it easy.
Any funny behind the scenes stories?
A: We all got along so well so we would spend a lot of time in hysterics. I wore some pretty giant shorts in one episode and we kept making jokes when something went missing that I was hiding it, and people inside my giant shorts.
Had you seen your Sentai counterpart in Shinkenger, Kaoru? If so, did you approach the role differently?
A: I had seen snippets but I wanted to do my own thing. I was hired because of how I approached Lauren in my audition so wanted to bring my own take to the role.
If you were to return to Power Rangers once more, what would Lauren be doing today?
A: Well I hope she has made some friends ha, she was a bit of a loner because she felt she needed to be. Fingers crossed she is re-united with Jayden and the crew and they are fighting crime together and eating yummy meals.
What’s something you wish Lauren had gotten to do on the show, but didn’t?
A: I didn’t get to do that much fighting – I had a few scenes but I think it would have been cool to get the opportunity to do some more stunts.
Do you happen to own any Lauren / Ranger merchandise or gifts from fans that represent her?
A: I do actually! I have been to a few Power Ranger conventions and been gifted some great little toys, pins and posters. It is honestly the coolest feeling to meet people who responded to Lauren so much. I love it
What was it like to morph as Lauren, Red Samurai Ranger, for the first time? (One of the greatest moments of Power Rangers!)
A: Oh this was the best. I was taught how to morph maybe 5 mins before we had to film the group scene of us all morphing together. So everyone was watching and giving notes to make sure we were all in unison. Being at the front I was in charge of our timing. I wish I could have done it more! I also taught Harry Styles and Niall Horan how to morph once! It was very cool!
Have you read Lauren’s pages of the “Shattered Grid” Saga (from BOOM Comics)? There was a hint of romance between her and Jason (Mighty Morphin Red). What do you think of that?
A: Oh epic! I love this! Lets do it!
As only 1 of 2 Female Red Rangers in Live Action Ranger History, What lasting mark do you think Lauren has left on little girls who watched you & the viewers of Power Rangers?
A: I hope that there are many more female Red Rangers – Women are great leaders and it would be cool to see our female Red Ranger family grow!
How did you feel about Lauren’s wardrobe in your episodes?
A: Well I wasn’t a fan of my giant shorts haha. I remember it being freezing when we were shooting so I was stoked I at least got to wear tights!
Do you have any special stories or interactions with fans you’d like to share?
A: I have made great friends with some Power Rangers fans. I think it is a really special community who have been so incredibly supportive of me. I appreciate everyone who has continued to support my journey post my season of Rangers and continues to check in and send me love. It means so much to me.
Are you currently working on any projects you want your fans to know about?
A: Yes I just launched a podcast called Pretty Depressed – available here and where all podcasts are available!
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