It was her first professional production of "A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" starring Tony Geary, Dom De Luise and a cast of veteran character actors that inspired her to continue working in entertainment, as well as move to Los Angeles. She attended the L.A. Dance Academy on a scholarship, studied with "The Groundlings" and began auditioning and working in commercials, features and television pilots with the guidance of her mentor and agent, Lola Hansen who cast Laura in her first speaking role in the film, "Suds, the cleanest show in town" which starred, Phyllis Diller ,Fred Willard and Ray Walston. Lola, who was a star in many films back in the 30's and 40's and appeared in many of the Three Stooges films under the name, Lola Jensen.
Laura is also a proud member of the Screen Actor's Guild union.
Laura attributes her passion for entertainment to her Italian heritage. "Italians are typically so animated, naturally funny and have a vast emotional range, In other words, we're a little crazy!." Her father William Cozzi was from Livorno, Tuscany and was a true stone mason blessing Santa Barbara with his artistry. He passed away in 1979 when Laura just turned 16. Laura's mother, Fausta was born in the U.S. and was raised in Rome, Italy. During world war 2, the Nazi's became aware of the pretty U.S. citizen and attempted to capture her as a P.O.W. It was a Jewish family who were hiding from the Nazis that helped her to do the same. Fausta was also an amazing artist who mastered water colors and showed her art in local Santa Barbara galleries. Laura and her Mom were incredibly close. Fausta passed away almost two years ago from Cancer. After taking some time to grieve, Laura has decided it was time to get back on that stage, again and she started off by putting an R&B band together earlier this year. She is working with some amazing musicians, Tony Shibumi who plays bass, also worked with the likes of Natalie Cole, and Sly Stone, Mark Antaky, plays guitar, Darryl Dawes on keyboards, Seth Woods on drums. They just performed at Ventura's, " Aloha Festival 2007".
Laura has performed at Chumash Casino, SOhO, James Joyce, The Palms, Royal Scandanavian, Big Yellow House, with festivals and events for Cancer Foundation's "Viva La Vida", Strawberry Festival, and Vandenberg Air Force Base Holiday Event, just to name a few. She has discovered that singing RnB, and even a little Jazz is really where her passion lies and it shows.... because when she performs she can really knock the socks off of anybody......
Laura J Cozzi at laurajcozzi.4t.com / .