Lauer: A Versatile Career in Film and Television
From acting in major Hollywood blockbusters to directing award-winning documentaries, Lauer has built a multifaceted career in the entertainment industry. His journey spans various genres, including supernatural thrillers, family comedies, and poignant social documentaries, allowing him to collaborate with some of the most influential names in cinema.
Key Facts
- Notable Acting Role: Best known for playing "Charlie" on the NBC comedy series Caroline in the City.
- Major Film Credits: Appeared in Iron Man 3, Born on the Fourth of July, and For the Boys.
- Directorial Success: Directed Adventures of a Teenage Dragon Slayer, which remained on the family charts for 28 consecutive weeks.
- Award-Winning Work: Gridiron Heroes won Best Feature Documentary at the 2015 International Family Film Festival.
- Philanthropic Focus: Produced projects highlighting HIV efforts in India and deaf children in Mexico.
Acting and Early Mentorship
Lauer began his professional journey in front of the camera, securing roles in high-profile productions. His filmography includes work alongside A-list talent, such as Tom Cruise in Born on the Fourth of July, Bette Midler in For the Boys, and Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 3. He also appeared in Never on Tuesday with Peter Berg.
To hone his craft, Lauer mentored under the direction of several legendary filmmakers, including Oliver Stone, Michael Bay, David Fincher, and James Burrows. While his film work is extensive, he gained significant television recognition for his role as "Charlie" in the NBC sitcom Caroline in the City.
Transition to Directing and Producing
Lauer expanded his creative reach by stepping behind the camera as a director and producer. One of his most commercially successful ventures was the feature film Adventures of a Teenage Dragon Slayer, starring Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick. Released in the spring of 2011, the film became a family favorite, maintaining its position on the family charts for 28 weeks.
He also explored the supernatural genre with the feature film Intermedio, a thriller starring Edward Furlong and Amber Benson, and earned critical acclaim for the multi-award-winning short film Little Cuba.
Documentaries and Social Impact
A significant portion of Lauer's work focuses on human-interest stories and social issues. In 2007, he took on triple duties as writer, director, and producer for The Tehuacan Project, which tells the story of deaf children in rural Mexico. The project was executive produced by Brad Pitt and narrated by Adrien Brody and Esai Morales.
In 2013, Lauer completed Sahaya Going Beyond, a documentary about a heroic group fighting HIV in India, narrated by Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons.
Lauer's commitment to sports and youth was evident in Gridiron Heroes, a documentary following fallen high school football players. The film featured football legends Mike Ditka, Kurt Warner, and Deacon Jones, as well as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and commentator Al Michaels. This project won Best Feature Documentary at the 2015 International Family Film Festival and was accompanied by a sister-project titled Head’s Up Tackling, executive produced by Peter Berg.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Lauer continues to explore diverse narratives. His film Prince of Malacca is a romantic story centered on the reincarnation of a Prince from the Kingdom of Malacca and a Princess from Singapura, serving as both director and producer.
In 2016, Lauer ventured into crowdfunding via Indiegogo to raise $35,000 for Please Don't Eat the Pansies, a gay-themed romantic comedy. The production featured a cast including Ronnie Kerr, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, and singer/actor Tom Goss.
| Project Title | Role | Key Collaborators/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caroline in the City | Actor | Played "Charlie" on NBC |
| Adventures of a Teenage Dragon Slayer | Director/Producer | Lea Thompson, Wendie Malick |
| Gridiron Heroes | Director/Producer | Best Feature Documentary (2015) |
| The Tehuacan Project | Writer/Director/Producer | Exec. Produced by Brad Pitt |
| Sahaya Going Beyond | Director | Narrated by Jeremy Irons |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lauer most famous for as an actor?
Lauer is most widely recognized for his role as "Charlie" in the NBC comedy series Caroline in the City.
Which award-winning documentary did Lauer create?
Lauer directed Gridiron Heroes, which won the award for Best Feature Documentary at the International Family Film Festival in 2015.
Who has Lauer mentored under in the film industry?
He has received mentorship from renowned directors Oliver Stone, Michael Bay, David Fincher, and James Burrows.
What was the focus of The Tehuacan Project?
The Tehuacan Project is a story about deaf children living in rural Tehuacan, Mexico.
What is the plot of Prince of Malacca?
Prince of Malacca is a love story involving the reincarnation of a Prince from the Kingdom of Malacca and a Princess from Singapura.