Profiles for Change

Laurie Holden

Photo of Laurie Holden

In Laurie’s words…

"Somaly is a modern day heroine who has turned her own horror story of victimization into one that is both profound and inspirational. She fearlessly challenges the system, raiding brothels and rescuing thousands of young women and children from evil sexual predators. She is relentless in her dedication to love and empowerment, restoring dignity to the life of each and every person she saves.

I recently went to Cambodia and had the privilege of seeing Somaly in action. Visiting the brothels and spending time with the young women and children in the shelters, I experienced first-hand how devastatingly awful the situation is over there. The global epidemic of human trafficking is particularly grim in Cambodia, as the 'sex with a virgin' myth has encouraged a horrific culture of prostitution of small children, some as young as 5 years-old. The physical, emotional and psychological damage the victims endure is on par with the worst human torture imaginable. These girls are starved for mothers and are burdened with so much shame. Somaly is a mother to them all, and her ability to give of her heart is unlike anyone I have ever known. To see the power of that love in action touched me to my very core and has impassioned me to join Somaly in her inspiring crusade. These girls are in my heart forever and I am committed to helping them in every way I can.

Every one of us can help Somaly with this cause and help make a profound difference; whether by making a donation, volunteering your time, offering up your skill-set and expertise to help in the growth and development of rehabilitation programs, or by spreading the word so that global leaders and policy makers are propelled to take action. Every single act of kindness CAN make a difference and bring about vital change to make the world a better place. We must come together, raise our voices against the victimization of young women and children, and put an end to this appalling human suffering."

A dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., Holden's career got off to the kind of start most actors only dream of. Upon graduating from UCLA, Holden received "The Natalie Wood" Award for Best Actress and was inducted into The National Honor Society. She went on to study the classics at The Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and honed her craft at the world renowned Larry Moss Acting Studio.

Holden has created an arsenal of memorable characters in film, theater, and television since she began her career as a child. Her first break came at the age of 6, playing Rock Hudson's daughter in "The Martian Chronicles". Since then she has starred in original films for HBO and Showtime , co-starred with Vanessa Redgrave in the TNT mini-series "Young Catherine", received a Gemini nomination (Canada's Emmy) for her comedic turn in "Due South" , starred opposite Michael Biehn and Ron Perlman in the remake of the MGM classic "The Magnificent Seven", gained notoriety as the U.N. informant to Fox Mulder on the long running hit "The X-Files", and starred opposite Michael Chiklis as Agent Olivia Murray for Season 7 of the critically acclaimed show "The Shield".

Her work in film includes her starring role opposite Jim Carrey in Frank Darabont's "The Majestic", "Fantastic Four", and the cult hero Cybil Bennet in the artistic-horror video game adaption of Christophe Gans' "Silent Hill" . Holden also recently starred opposite Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Hardin in Steven King's "The Mist".

Named as one of the 100 Most Creative People In Hollywood in Entertainment Weekly's "It List" and "One of The Ten Actors to Watch" by Variety, Holden is actively producing film, theater, and television projects in addition to her acting pursuits. An avid humanitarian , Laurie has devoted much of her time living and working with HIV orphans in Khayelitsha, South Africa and is also involved in countless charity organizations abroad and in the U.S. She is most passionate about Somaly Mam's cause and is is doing everything she can to actively raise awareness about this crime against humanity in Cambodia...and around the world.

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