Beyond The OC/ Interview with Lauren Olsen

Lauren Olsen, formerly known as Alex H. during her time on the MTV reality series *Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County*, was born Lauren Hooser in California. She gained recognition as a cast member on the show, which premiered in 2004 and followed the lives of high schoolers in Laguna Beach, including stars like Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari. Olsen adopted the nickname “Alex H.”—derived from her middle name, Alexandria—when she moved to Laguna Beach at age 9 and began using it in school. Contrary to speculation, this choice was not influenced by MTV to differentiate her from other Laurens on the show; it was a personal decision from her childhood. After *Laguna Beach* ended in 2006, Olsen stepped away from the spotlight, where she now lives with her husband, two children. https://www.instagram.com/lalaolsen/