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TimelineA career at a glance · fact-checked August 2026
The story of Laura Prepon's career, year by year — the roles, the milestones, and the turns that got her here.
Born in Watchung, New Jersey
Laura Prepon is born on March 7, 1980, the youngest of five children.
Becomes Donna Pinciotti
At 18 she's cast as the feminist girl-next-door on That '70s Show.
That '70s Show ends
Eight seasons and 200 episodes make her one of TV's most beloved redheads.
Leads October Road
She headlines ABC's small-town drama, her first post-'70s lead.
Becomes Alex Vause
Orange Is the New Black reinvents her as the magnetic, dangerous Alex.
Bestselling author
The Stash Plan reaches the New York Times best-seller list.
Steps behind the camera
She directs her first episode of Orange Is the New Black.
Marries Ben Foster
The two wed in June 2018 and go on to have two children.
OITNB finale
The Litchfield ensemble signs off after seven seasons and two SAG Awards.
Donna returns, and directs
She reprises Donna on That '90s Show while directing ten episodes.
A new chapter
Her divorce from Foster is finalized as she focuses on directing and her PrepOn Kitchen brand.
Where to start Full filmography
Read next
- Where to Start — the five roles to begin with.
- Which character are you? — the personality quiz.
- All the guides — every deep-dive in one place.