Attended Northwestern University (Evanston Illinois). Laura's father, Robert, was an executive at a tool and die company. He died in 1995. Her mother, Laurette, was a homemaker. Laura is the youngest of six children. Graduated in 1979 from Northwestern University where she majored in theater. She spent the next several years acting in Chicago and then New York theaters. She moved to LA, where she was discovered for "ER" (1994). Has had a series of hospital stays. At age 1, she swallowed an acorn shell which required three tracheotomies. In 1987, her appendix burst just days after meeting her present husband, David Brisbin. Brisbin stayed with her during her hospitalizations, which led to their marriage. In 1990, she had a three month hospital stay when her son Cal was born. He was three months premature and weighed only 3 pounds, four ounces. April 2002 - Laura and husband, David Brisbin, adopted a one-year-old Chinese infant named Mia. Sister of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Close friend is "Will & Grace" (1998) actress Megan Mullally. They met at Northwestern University. Is dyslexic. In the early 1980s, her first fiancé was murdered in a parking lot. The death had a profound effect on Laura, and she still finds it hard to talk about. According to the 2001 People almanac, she ranked #6 in People Online's '10 Most Beautiful People'. Received five Best Supporting Actress nominations (1996-2000) from the 'Viewers for Quality Television' but never won the award. Is the only actor from "ER" (1994) to receive an "Outstanding Director for a Drama Series" Emmy nomination (for an episode of "The West Wing" (1999)). Unlike her "ER" (1994) alter ego, she is not physically handicapped in real life. During her "ER" (1994) debut in season two, producers found her character very intriguing; therefore, they decided to make her a regular cast member. The first female celebrity to win the celebrity version of "Jeopardy!" (1984). Her husband David Brisbin guest-starred on "ER" (1994) as anesthetist Dr. Alexander Babcock.
