Val Lauren

Best known for his portrayal of Sal Mineo in the independent film "SAL", written and directed by James Franco.

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival with Val's performance receiving rave reviews.

"VARIETY" "...Val Lauren's warm, gregarious turn as the onetime teen heartthrob who never hit his hollywood stride...the film does achieve a sad sense of time slipping away, rendered all the more poignant by Lauren...the curly haired thesp presents Sal as good natured, eternally optimistic and clearly committed to using his art to keep gay rights and awareness in the cultural conversation."

• Justin Chang

"HOLLYWOOD REPORTER" "...the impressive front-and-center performance from curly-maned Val Lauren as Mineo, the diminutive New Yorker who became a 1950's teen idol...Sal works just fine as a showcase for Lauren's energetic performance... Lauren is magnetic as an outgoing chatterbox individual...indeed, he's so at ease with Miller's dialogue that one starts wondering if the material might have been better served being turned into a one man play."

• Neil Young

"LOS ANGELES TIMES" "a groundbreaking performance".

"VARIETY" "...real comic acting talent particularly showcasing a very funny Lauren."

"LOS ANGELES TIMES" "Val Lauren, charismatic in the title role, suggests the vulnerability that was intrinsic to Mineo's screen work, most famously in "Rebel Without A Cause."

• Sheri Linden

"VIEW LONDON" "...a scene stealing performance of Dustin Hoffman-like intensity by newcomer Val Lauren."

"IN CONTENTION: VENICE FILM FESTIVAL" "...the film is lent some solemn credibility by the self-possessed, unmannered one man show of the little known Val Lauren as Mineo...the camera hangs so dependently on his every gesture that the film would wash away if he were any less committed."

"AUSTIN FILM: AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL" "...lead actor Val Lauren brightly shines is what is often a very quiet role...Val Lauren is ultimately the main reason to watch as his portrayal is spot-on with Mineo's spark and natural charm. His performance is raw and relatable, most likely thanks to Val's long time career in theater, Lauren's performance is rewarding."

FILM BUZZ: "...Great acting, especially by stand out Val Lauren."

On stage, Val and frequent collaborator Scott Caan have premiered over a dozen of Caan's recently published plays.

Notably, Val Directed and Starred opposite Caan and Melanie Griffith in "No Way Around But Through."

Produced by Garry Marshall and Mike O'Malley, the Comedy had a successful sold out and extended run at Marshall's esteemed "Falcon Theater."