Josie Loren

Josie Loren Lopez was born in Miami, FL. The daughter of a middle school teacher, she began performing at the age of five, joining monologue competitions and acting in theater productions. Loren was also a member of an all-star cheerleading team in Miami called Top Gun All Stars. After attending New World School of the Arts in Miami, the future star decided that acting was her true calling. At 16, Loren met an agent who encouraged her to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She attended the University of California Los Angeles, where she majored in communication studies and minored in Spanish. During her first two years at UCLA, Loren balanced between a fulltime school schedule and acting on television. She made her onscreen acting debut on the mystery drama series Veronica Mars" (UPN, 2004-06; The CW, 2006-07) prior to guest-starring on "Hannah Montana," "Drake & Josh" and "Medium" (NBC, 2005-09; CBS, 2009-11). Loren was also cast in a minor role opposite Zac Efron and Matthew Perry in the comedy feature "17 Again."In 2009, Loren graduated from supporting roles to starring on the ABC Family drama series "Make It or Break It." The show centered on the lives of teen gymnasts who dream of competing in the Olympic Games. The ensemble cast included Ayla Kell, Cassie Scerbo and Chelsea Hobbs. Loren played one of the aspiring Olympic gymnasts who train at the elite Rocky Mountain Gymnastics Training Center in Colorado. Her character ends up as the National Champion during the show's premiere season, however, the pressure of living up to the title as well as being the team leader results in her acquiring an eating disorder during season two. Loren's dramatic portrayal of the troubled athlete earned her rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The role also made Loren a favorite amongst young television viewers who honored her with a 2011 Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Actress: Drama.