Laurel Astri's interest in acting began after she appeared in a lead role in the classic play, "On Borrowed Time." Laurel quickly progressed from local theatre to actors equity work in acting, singing, and dancing roles in regional theatre in New England. Laurel's interest in studying acting brought her to New York City. She studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, where she distinguished herself. A casting director who happened to be observing the classes was so impressed with Laurel that she encouraged her to audition professionally for film. She did and quickly started to get roles and a New York agent. Laurel auditioned for and was accepted into an advanced acting class at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC. The instructor was so impressed with Laurel that, despite the Instructor's reservations about her age, she invited Laurel to join the AADA's Young Actors Workshop. Laurel was the youngest teen to ever be invited. Laurel recently relocated with her family to Los Angeles where she was cast in the upcoming feature, "Sympathy For Delicious," Mark Ruffalo's directing debut . Laurel is a top student at a prestigious public high school in Los Angeles. She also teaches dance to inner city children. Laurel has worked previously as a print model and was featured in print for international companies such as Timberland, Lands' End, Hasbro/Milton Bradley, Franklin Sports, and others. She was also featured on product packaging, including the popular game "Bratz Twister." Laurel appeared in the television promotion "Graduation" for The Oxygen Network, in which she was the only child cast with 14 women. She also appeared with Faith Hill in the CMT & VH-1 music video for the hit song "Stealing Kisses."