Bianca Lawson

Born Bianca Jasmine Lawson on March 20, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, she is the daughter of Denise Gordy and actor Richard Lawson, blending Italian, African American, and Portuguese ancestries. Her family includes her famous step-sisters, Solange Knowles and Beyoncé. Bianca completed her secondary education at Marymount High School before pursuing studies in film and psychology at the University of Southern California. She further honed her acting skills at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.

Bianca Lawson’s journey in front of the lens began at nine years old with a Barbie commercial, marking her first foray into acting. By 1993, she secured a steady role on “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” setting the stage for her burgeoning career. She then featured in a few episodes of the teen sitcom “Sister, Sister,” enjoying popularity on Disney Channel. In 1996, she appeared in “Goode Behavior,” a series that unfortunately did not find its footing for a second season.

In 1997, Bianca made guest appearances in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” sharing the screen with Clea DuVall and Robert Patrick Benedict. The next year saw her in a minor role in “Primary Colors,” a film with a star-studded cast including John Travolta, Rob Reiner, Emma Thompson, and Kathy Bates. By 1999, she had a role in “Dawson’s Creek,” portraying Nikki Green, further solidifying her presence in teen drama.

Bianca’s career took a turn towards horror with a role in “Bones” in 2001, acting alongside Snoop Dogg. She later was cast in “Dead & Breakfast,” a fantasy comedy featuring Jeremy Sisto and Erik Palladino. 2006 brought her a comedic role in “National Lampoon’s Pledge This!” alongside Paris Hilton, and in 2007, she ventured into thriller territory with “Supergator,” playing reporter Carla.

2009 saw her joining “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and portraying witch Emily Bennett in “The Vampire Diaries,” gaining her further acclaim. She then landed a regular spot as Maya St. Germain in “Pretty Little Liars,” drawing from Sara Shepard’s novels. Bianca also made appearances in “American Horror Story,” showcasing her versatility.

Between 2012 and 2014, she was cast as Ms. Morell in “Teen Wolf,” a narrative centered around a young lacrosse player’s transformation following a werewolf attack. Following this, she featured in “House of Secrets,” a detective thriller. By 2016, Bianca had clinched a role in “Queen Sugar,” marking another significant milestone in her career.

Bianca Lawson maintains a veil of privacy over her personal life. A 2022 magazine cover featuring her and series co-star Kofi Siriboe sparked speculation about a romantic relationship, which was subsequently refuted. Bianca remains unmarried, focusing her energy on her profession, engaging in photo shoots, and giving interviews.

Bianca Lawson has carved out a successful niche in the entertainment world, though she has lately taken a step back from regular casting calls. She recently wrapped up her role in “Queen Sugar,” portraying Darla, a character grappling with addiction, over seven seasons. Presently, Bianca is pivoting towards her modeling career, participating actively in fashion shows and magazine photo shoots, continuing to leave her mark in the fashion industry.