Lori Hammel

About Lori

Lori Hammel is an award-winning American actress working in film, television, voice-over and theatre.  She grew up in North Dakota and is based in NYC.

Lori has appeared on NYC dramatic TV favorites including Law & Order (2022), Blue Bloods, FBI: Most Wanted, Jessica Jones and The Following, as well as critically acclaimed comedies – 30 Rock, The Other Two, Master of None, Gordita Chronicles, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, The Colbert Report and Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj.

In film Lori most recently appeared in Rob Peace (Sundance 2024). Other film work includes Spoiler Alert, Puzzle (Sundance), playing a morning show host in Ethan and Joel Coen’s feature Burn After Reading, Blood Conscious (2022 New York Times critic’s pick), She’s Lost Control (Berlin Film Festival, SXSW),  American Marriage (James Ivory EP) and playing the title role in Coney Island Queen (Cannes Shorts).

Lori made her Broadway debut in the international hit Mamma Mia. As a dramatic actress, she originated roles in the Off Broadway plays Unbroken Circle and Unraveled. In the world premiere of Handicapped People in their Formal Attire by Kathryn Grant, she gave a “heartbreakingly honest performance” (Curtain Up) as the conflicted, bitter sister playing opposite Rachel Pickup.

A deft and nuanced comedienne, Lori performed on stage as Ethel Mertz in the national tour of I Love Lucy Live and Carol Brady with a Lady Macbeth twist in the Off Broadway mash up The Bardy Bunch. Lori has a long association with Tony Award®-winning Forbidden Broadway including the Off Broadway company, productions in Singapore and Japan and performing as a soloist with the Hartford and Syracuse Symphonies.  She created endearing comedic impersonations of Broadway’s finest and can be heard on the cast album.

In national commercials Lori has had the pleasure of being directed by some super exciting folks including Johathan Krisel (Baskets, Portlandia), legendary comedian/director David Steinberg, Oscar winning documentarian Errol Morris, Phil Morrison (Junebug) and Jordan Brady (I Am Comic).

Lori was given an Excellence in Acting Award at the New York International Fringe Festival for her performance in Gary Apple’s Hell is for Real. Other acting awards include a Jeff Award, two Jeff nominations and two After Dark Awards. She is the recipient of the SAG-AFTRA Joseph C. Riley Service Award.

Lori is a frequent SAG-AFTRA Foundation moderator, interviewing casting directors, indie filmmakers and industry leaders in seminars for members of the acting community.

Lori is passionate about helping actors getting started in the field and re-inspiring working actors.  She co-authored the critically acclaimed guidebook Minding The Edge: Strategies for a Fulfilling, Successful Career as an Actor (Waveland Press) and is a contributing author for Acting for the Stage (Focal Press).   She has been a guest lecturer at American University, NYU, Pace University, University at Buffalo, Wayne State University, Purdue University and Kean University.