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Born in Newport Beach, California, 25-year-old Lauren Shiohama gets her unique look from her Japanese and Chinese decent.

Shiohama graduated from the University of Southern California in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in communications and a minor in business administration. Prior to pursuing modeling and acting full time, she had aspirations for a career in business. However, on the advice of a family friend, she decided to take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles in hopes of pursuing her dream career in the entertainment industry.

In 2006, she made her feature film debut in "Little Miss Sunshine," which won a SAG Award for Best Ensemble Cast.

In an effort to take her acting career further, she has been studying at the Michael Woolsen Studio. While acting is her passion, Shiohama has continued to pursue her career in modeling. She was recently featured in a Lincoln Mercury commercial and has done numerous print campaigns for companies such as Macy's, Stila, Nike, Target, 24 Hour Fitness, Shape Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour Magazine.

When not working, she enjoys cooking for family and friends, following her beloved USC Trojans football team, snowboarding, shopping, and going to the beach.

Questionnaire

1. Are there particular qualities you like in a contestant?
I like contestants who are genuine, sincere, and who don't get too greedy!

2. Do you have a favorite contestant, and who was it?
My favorite contestant was Arthur Joseph. He was the Miami Heat fan from Trinidad. He gave up a chance for a million dollars so that a basketball court could be built in his native country.

3. How tough is it to stand in place for the entire taping? Is there something like martial arts training for long-term smiling?
Wearing four-inch stilettos can get pretty painful at times, but it is also part of the job. As for the smiling, the girls make it really easy. We have so much fun when the cameras aren't rolling. It's unfortunate that the fans don't get to see what goes on behind the scenes.

4. What was your most embarrassing moment on the show?
I got really emotionally involved with one of the contestants on the show. I felt so bad when I opened my case and revealed that I pretty much ended her game. I started crying!

5. What would you like to be doing next in your career?
Acting is definitely my passion. I would love to do more film and TV roles.

6. What do you like doing most with your free time?
More than anything, I love to relax. In addition, I also enjoy cooking, shopping, and snowboarding.

7. What one person, besides your parents, has had the most influence on your life? Why?
I am so blessed to have such a supportive, encouraging, and understanding boyfriend. He always pushes me to follow my dreams, and lifts me up when I get discouraged. He is really grounded and keeps me focused on what is important.

8. Where are you from originally? (If not from Los Angeles) What brought you to Los Angeles?
I am originally from Orange County, California and I moved to Los Angeles for college. Go Trojans!

9. What has been a particularly memorable experience in your life, something that really stood out?
When I was in high school I went to the Philippines on a missionary trip. It was the most amazing experience and really made me realize how blessed I am.

10. Now for the important questions: what was your favorite television show when you were ten?
"I Love Lucy"