Lauren Stamile, who played Susan Weller in Season 5 of Chicago Fire, has had a prolific career across television. Her brief role as a consultant for Matthew Casey’s (Jesse Spencer) political aspirations may not have been long-lasting, but Stamile’s extensive TV résumé has made her a recognizable face to many viewers. From sitcoms to dramas, here’s a closer look at her journey through some of the most popular shows on television.
From Guest Roles to a Big Break on Off Centre
Early in her career, Lauren Stamile made appearances on several notable series, including The West Wing, Scrubs, and The Drew Carey Show. However, her breakout role came on Off Centre, a short-lived WB sitcom.
The series followed two roommates—one British (Sean Maguire) and one American (Eddie Kaye Thomas)—navigating life in Manhattan. Stamile played Liz Lombardi, the love interest of Eddie Kaye Thomas’ character, Mike Platt. As a series regular, she appeared in all 29 episodes before the show’s cancellation in 2002. While Off Centre faded from memory, it gave Stamile valuable exposure and set the stage for future opportunities in both comedy and drama.
Recurring Roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Community
Stamile continued to build her career with recurring roles on major network shows. In Grey’s Anatomy, she portrayed Nurse Rose, a character who stirred up drama by briefly dating Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) during Seasons 4 and 5. Her character’s presence added tension to the iconic Meredith-Derek relationship, cementing her as part of the series’ rich history of romantic complications.
On the comedic side, Stamile starred in Community as Michelle Slater, a statistics professor who develops a romantic relationship with Jeff Winger (Joel McHale). Though her role only lasted through Season 1, her character left an impression as a witty and sharp love interest. After her departure, she was humorously referenced as “still missing” in Season 2, adding a touch of meta-humor to the show’s quirky storytelling.
Stepping into Action with Burn Notice
Arguably Stamile’s most high-profile role came in the USA Network’s spy drama Burn Notice. Alongside shows like Suits and Psych, Burn Notice became a flagship series for the network during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Stamile joined the cast in Season 5 as Dani Pearce, a skilled CIA operative tasked with investigating the death of her predecessor, Max (Grant Snow). Over time, Dani becomes the primary liaison for Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), and the two develop a complicated but effective working relationship. Stamile’s portrayal of Pearce as both emotionally layered and fiercely competent made her a standout character in a show filled with intrigue and action. While her character exited in Season 6 to take on a new assignment in Mumbai, Stamile’s time on the series remains a memorable chapter in her career.
Why Fans Keep Recognizing Her
Lauren Stamile’s ability to adapt to vastly different roles—from a romantic lead in a sitcom to a no-nonsense CIA agent—has made her a versatile actor and a familiar presence on television. Whether she’s appearing in a one-season comedy, a long-running medical drama, or an action-packed spy thriller, her performances consistently leave a lasting impression.
